GirlGov Middle School Program Overview

The GirlGov Middle School program is a fun mentorship-based empowerment and civic engagement program that streamlines middle school girls to the GirlGov High School program. This transformative initiative, designed to empower young self-identified girls, particularly those of color, addresses educational barriers and fosters leadership skills. The comprehensive curriculum combines activities focused on self-esteem and self-awareness, as well as field trips and engagements with community and content experts — subjects center on culturally relevant women’s history. The program aims to inspire girls to gain greater confidence, a sense of belonging, advocacy skills, and leadership.

Here are a few studies providing information on middle school girls as it relates to confidence decline by the time they reach high school:

Rox study
The Confidence Crisis for Girls: What Adults Need to Know & Do

GirlGov Middle School Curriculum (2025–2026)

The GirlGov Middle School program is a year-long leadership, civic engagement, and confidence-building experience designed to help girls and gender-expansive youth understand their rights, strengthen their voices, and see themselves as leaders. Through interactive lessons, creative projects, guest speakers, field trips, and mentorship with GirlGov High School participants, students explore civics, identity, justice, and advocacy in an empowering, age-appropriate way.

Civic Identity & Democratic Foundations

Students begin the year by learning what it means to belong to a community and how individuals participate in democracy.

They explore:

  • The meaning of civics and community

  • Voting, laws, and how decisions are made

  • Advocacy and leadership, with a focus on youth voices

  • How values like kindness, fairness, and responsibility shape communities

Girls practice public speaking, collaboration, and speaking up for issues they care about.

Using Your Voice & Making Informed Choices

This unit helps students connect personal experiences to broader social issues while building self-advocacy skills.

Students learn about:

  • Women’s rights and gender equity

  • Bodily autonomy, consent, and reproductive health (age-appropriate)

  • Media literacy, body image, and representation

  • Personal values and healthy decision-making

Lessons emphasize confidence, critical thinking, and respect for self and others.

Sisterhood, Mentorship & Healthy Relationships

Through a structured buddy system with high school GirlGov participants, students build meaningful relationships rooted in support and empathy.

They focus on:

  • Healthy friendships and communication

  • Empathy, self-care, and conflict resolution

  • Mentorship and leadership across age groups

  • Using sisterhood as a source of strength and resilience

Students reflect on how connection and support help individuals and communities thrive.

Environmental Justice & Youth Advocacy

Students explore the intersection of environmental issues, equity, and community well-being.

They learn:

  • What environmental justice is and why it matters

  • How environmental problems impact marginalized communities

  • The role of women environmental leaders and climate activists

  • How everyday actions, art, and advocacy can create change

Hands-on activities help students see themselves as environmental advocates.

Black History, Culture & Social Movements

During Black History Month, students center the leadership, creativity, and resistance of Black women past and present.

They explore:

  • Historical trailblazers such as Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, and Shirley Chisholm

  • The Civil Rights Movement and the power of peaceful protest

  • Modern Black women leaders and future-focused leadership

  • Art, poetry, and storytelling as tools for activism and expression

This unit encourages reflection on bravery, solidarity, and justice.

Pittsburgh Pride, Arts & Storytelling

Students connect civic learning to local culture and creativity by exploring Pittsburgh’s artistic legacy.

They engage in:

  • Learning about Black storytelling in Pittsburgh

  • Exploring murals and public art as community expression

  • Writing monologues, poetry, and personal narratives

Students celebrate their voices and stories through creative showcases.

Confidence, Self-Esteem & Future Leadership

The year concludes with a focus on confidence and personal growth.

Students develop:

  • Positive self-talk and confident body language

  • Assertive communication and boundary-setting skills

  • Goal-setting and future planning

  • Pride in their strengths, identities, and leadership journey

The program ends with reflection, celebration, and graduation.