What might our world look like if every girl and gender-expansive youth stormed the aisles of the hardware store and went forth to build the world they wanted to see? How might our conversations in boardrooms, labs, and state buildings go if every womxn had experienced their own power through the spark of a welding torch or the buzz of a chainsaw? How might they cast their first votes if they were certain of their own ability to edit, shape, and improve the world?

Girls Garage uses the act of design and building—specifically carpentry, welding, architecture, engineering, and activist art—to expand our students’ sense of power and agency. In addition to serving and empowering our local community, we are changing the demographic makeup of the industries that create and author the physical world. Our work is rooted in bravery and collective power, and we challenge the expectations of what girls and gender-expansive youth can and should do. Together, we are building a more beautiful, inclusive, equitable future. 

 

By The Numbers

680

participating youth since 2013

100%

teen students attending at no cost

67%

students that attend for 3 or more years

190

projects completed since 2013

“Problem-solving, working with my hands, busting gender roles, being mentored by excellent role models, serving the community, and being in a safe space with others working through the same challenges I am—I know firsthand how empowering each of these experiences is. Girls Garage offers all of them, so I’ve been a grateful supporter for many years.”

— Vita, Donor and Founder of Culture of Repair

“When I showed up for my first Protest and Print class, I wasn’t sure who I was, what I wanted to do, or why I joined. But I was met with open arms and surrounded by girls and instructors who showed me my purpose and gave me a sense of belonging. The creation of my first piece was just the beginning of my journey to making sure my voice was heard and representing those who were being misrepresented or not represented at all.”

— Aisha, 16 years old

“Girls Garage has changed the way my daughter feels about herself as a learner and a creative person—and perhaps that is the greatest gift the program offers our girls. The skillset my daughter is building is clear and undeniable. I never anticipated the self-reliance she would gain, or the faith she would develop in herself as a result of her work. The experience has exploded her notion of what she believes she is capable of doing.”

— Stephanie, Parent and Board Member

“Girls Garage has opened up doors to so many different worlds that I would have not known existed if it wasn’t for this program. It shows every girl that they have in each of them a person who can do anything. They give you tools that can be used throughout your whole life along with an amazing community that cheers you on every step of the way.”

— Iris
$514,390

amount of free programming and scholarships offered in 2023

75

different tools in our workshop