News
February 20, 2024Leadership Capital Region Class of 2024 Partners with Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region to Empower Young Girls Through Community Project
The Leadership Capital Region (LCR) Class of 2024 is proud to announce their collaboration with Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, with a focus on empowering young girls through a transformative community project. This initiative aims to revitalize and enhance two crucial spaces at Girls Inc.’s Schenectady location, emphasizing mental health support, wellness initiatives, and improved access to technology.
The project, spearheaded by the LCR Class of 2024, will encompass the renovation of two designated areas: the Cozy Cove and the Teen Tech Room. The Cozy Cove will serve as a sanctuary, providing a serene environment for emotional regulation, while also housing a dedicated space for Girls Inc.’s Social Worker. Simultaneously, the Teen Tech Room will be transformed into a state-of-the-art computer lab, aligning with the renowned “Eureka!” program, which empowers young girls with college and career readiness skills.
Committed to addressing critical community needs, the LCR Class of 2024 meticulously evaluated proposals from local organizations, focusing on mental health, food insecurity, migrant/immigrant needs, and youth development. The partnership with Girls Inc. emerged as a unanimous decision, recognizing the profound impact the organization has on the lives of young girls. Girls Inc. serves approximately 150 children daily through after-school programming and annually selects thirty girls for the Eureka! program, the project promises a legacy of empowerment and support for future leaders in our community.
“We are thrilled to work hand in hand with Girls Inc. to enhance and expand their current programs by creating dedicated spaces that will allow them to address the needs of the girls they serve with a holistic approach. As a class, we felt it was important to prioritize projects that met the needs of causes we are most passionate about, including mental health and youth development. We can’t wait to partner with Girls Inc. to bring these projects to fruition!” Paige Rueckert, Director of Community Partnerships Broadview Federal Credit Union, on behalf of the LCR class of 2024.
This endeavor will provide much-needed upgrades to rooms that have remained untouched since the 1980s. Collaborating closely with Girls Inc. staff and Eureka! participants, the LCR Class of 2024 aims to create spaces that inspire and uplift, offering solace to those in emotional distress and ensuring equitable access to technology for all program attendees.
Class member Brian Kile, Vice President, Contractor Relations, Creative Materials Corp, said “This experience has opened my eyes to the world of opportunities for involvement around me. As the proud father of an 8th grade girl and having a sister who is an electrical engineer, I am so excited for our class to pave the way for future opportunities for young women, especially in the STEM-space. Proud to be a part of the Class of ’24 and to partner with such an empowering organization in Girls, Inc.”
The LCR Class of 2024 is actively seeking support from individuals and organizations through fundraising efforts and in-kind contributions to make this project possible. Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact us at lcrclass2024@gmail.com for more information. Your generous support at any level will have a positive impact on young girls in need in our community, and it is greatly appreciated. Donations can be submitted here.
For further information about Leadership Capital Region and future opportunities, please contact Sami Gowan at sgowan@capitalregionchamber.com. Applications for the Class of 2025 will open in March and will be accepted through Friday, May 3, 2024.
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About Leadership Capital Region Leadership Capital Region
Leadership Capital Region, an initiative of the Capital Region Chamber and a program of the Capital Region Chamber Foundation, is a dynamic leadership development program that empowers participants to explore and address critical issues facing the Capital Region. Through immersive experiences and skill-building opportunities, participants grow both personally and professionally, contributing to the region’s continued growth and prosperity.
About the Capital Region Chamber:
The Capital Region Chamber and its Center for Economic Growth affiliate drive economic prosperity with one voice, one mission, as one region. The Chamber, with 2,600 member-business from throughout Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Rensselaer counties, provides catalytic leadership, advocacy, and broad-based member services. The Center for Economic Growth is the eight-county regional economic development organization.
About Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
Established in 1937 as the Schenectady Girls Club, Girls Inc. has evolved into a beacon of empowerment, fostering holistic development and lifelong skills in young girls. Since then, Girls Inc. has expanded into Albany and Rensselaer Counties, with three locations they serve 400 girls daily through afterschool programing. Girls Inc. inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold. The organization is committed to helping girls build skills and capabilities for a responsible, confident, and self-sufficient adulthood. With a deep understanding of the complexity of girls’ lives, access to programing is completely free.
