GirlGov High School Program Overview

The Women and Girls Foundation’s GirlGov high school program aims to ignite a passion for civic engagement and advocacy among self-identified girls in grades 9-12. The program runs throughout the school year and is designed to cultivate critical thinking skills, spark interest in public service careers, build an understanding of history and government, and prepare the next generation of voters, leaders, and changemakers. We have supported over 40 different high schools in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region during the 20-plus years GirlGov has been in operation.

The GirlGov program is offered free of charge and encourages teens of all backgrounds to build community and work as a team to create the change they want to see in their neighborhoods.

GirlGov High School Curriculum (2025–2026)

GirlGov meetings typically last 2 hours and take place once a week.*

  • We begin with dinner and provide space for students to catch up with one another.
  • The first hour of the meeting allows time for a themed lesson to help build strong advocacy skills in the students.
  • Sometimes, in place of a lesson, we welcome guest speakers who are experts in policy, community organizing, or are legislators.
  • The last hour of the meeting always allows GirlGov students to collaborate on a themed activity or work on advocacy campaigns related to their chosen theme.

*GirlGov offers a hybrid attendance option but encourages students to attend meetings in-person when possible for maximum benefit.

The GirlGov High School program is organized into three core units, beginning with community-building and moving into issue-based learning and youth-led campaigns. At the end of the school year, GirlGov High School has the opportunity to travel to Harrisburg with staff from the Women and Girls Foundation at no cost to meet state representatives, ask them questions, and take capital tours with the group.

Unit 1: Leadership, Civic Identity & Community Building

GirlGov kicks off with our Fall Retreat by building community, developing leadership skills, and grounding themselves in what it means to be civically engaged. This unit introduces students to GirlGov values while centering their identities, interests, and lived experiences.

Students will:

  • Learn what civic engagement looks like in everyday life

  • Build relationships with peers and GirlGov leaders

  • Reflect on their interests and goals for the year

  • Develop confidence in sharing ideas and leading group work

  • Explore how youth voices influence change

Key Experiences:

  • Team-building activities and leadership development

  • Current events, discussions, and civic knowledge-building

Unit 2: Women’s Health, Access to Care & Community Safety

In this unit, students examine how policies and systems impact women’s health, safety, and access to care — particularly for youth and underserved communities. Learning is grounded in history, lived experience, and real-world advocacy.

Students will:

  • Explore reproductive justice and women’s health rights

  • Learn about policy, history, and constitutional protections

  • Understand how race, immigration status, and income affect access to care

  • Practice advocacy through organizing, storytelling, and media

Key Experiences:

  • Guest speakers from health, advocacy, and civic organizations

  • Media and messaging workshops

  • Creative reflection through art and storytelling

  • A student-led reproductive hygiene/community care donation drive supporting refugee and immigrant families

  • Mentorship and collaboration with GirlGov Middle School participants

Unit 3: Environmental Justice & Community Power

Students investigate how environmental issues such as pollution, water access, and climate change affect their communities. Working in teams, they design and lead youth-driven ecological justice campaigns that respond to local challenges.

Students will:

  • Learn how environmental justice connects to health, housing, and equity

  • Identify environmental issues affecting their own neighborhoods

  • Map local decision-makers and civic power structures

  • Design campaigns with clear goals, audiences, and tactics

  • Engage in outreach to elected officials and community partners

Key Experiences:

  • Guest speakers from environmental justice organizations

  • Campaign planning and civic action days

  • Letter-writing, media outreach, and public education

  • Collaboration with GirlGov Middle School students

  • A community showcase featuring student campaigns, art, and presentations

GirlGov High School Graduation

Throughout the year, students reflect on their growth as leaders and advocates. The program concludes with a community showcase and graduation celebration, highlighting student campaigns, creative work, and civic impact.

GirlGov High School Goes to Harrisburg

What happens when a dozen GirlGov teens head to Harrisburg? You get a potent mix of hands-on learning, essential questions, and unforgettable memories!

Our GirlGov crew in 2025 explored the State Museum, toured the Capitol, and met directly with leaders like Rep. Kinkead, Rep. Powell, Ruby Mundok from Governor Josh Shapiro’s Next Gen Commission, and Ashley Walkowiak from the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women. This trip was more than a civics lesson — it was a spark for future changemakers.

Contact the GirlGov Program Manager, Emily Resko, with any questions about the program: Emily@wgfpa.org.