Our History
Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization.
Girls Inc. of Tarrant County was established in 1976 as the Arlington Girls Club by local leaders committed to providing a safe and inspiring environment for girls.
Our mission began with eight girls in the basement of a church in East Arlington and grew to serve thousands of girls annually in programs that have continued to evolve to meet the needs of girls within our community with a focus on health, education, and leadership.
Girls Inc. National was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
The organization adapted to meet the changing needs of girls throughout the decades, formalizing a national network of Girls Club in 1945 and building a program in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, Operation SMART, in 1984.
For 50 years, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County has been evolving with girls.
In 2000, our name was changed to Girls Inc. of Tarrant County to reflect services expanding beyond Arlington and into all of Tarrant County with school-day programs in Fort Worth ISD beginning in 2012. We meet girls and families where they are through partnerships with local school districts, libraries, churches, and community centers using research-based programs in pro-girl, all-girl environments. In 2024, our STEM Lab and MakerSpace opened in Near Southside Fort Worth with opportunities for learning and collaboration. We not only support girls but equip them with tools and opportunities to create the futures they envision!
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Working with and on behalf of girls for decades has given us unparalleled knowledge and expertise. Research shows that Tarrant County girls participating in Girls Inc. programs have increased resiliency and social skills, which support their well-being through childhood and adolescence. Girls have opportunities for career exposure, leadership development, and advanced STEM learning, positioning them to be an important part of our regional workforce and community leaders in the future.
The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.
Today, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County serves thousands of girls and their families annually.
Girls Inc. of Tarrant County is an independently incorporated not-for-profit organization governed by a local voluntary rotating Board of Directors. All funds raised support our local operations and services for Tarrant County girls and families.
Girls’ Bill of Rights
We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.