GirlGov is WGF’s successful civic engagement program designed to ignite high school-aged women and femmes’ passion for social justice; cultivate their critical thinking, spark their interest in careers in public service, build their understanding of history and government, and prepare them as our next generation of voters, leaders, and change-makers. We accept teens from anywhere in Southwest PA and are proud to announce that we have a diverse cohort of participants from over 40 different high schools. The entire GirlGov program is offered free of charge.
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In a typical year, GirlGov kicks off in September with our Fall Retreat in Pittsburgh. The program continues with twice monthly meetings. During these meetings, representatives from local advocacy organizations mentor participants in identifying, developing and implementing their own advocacy campaigns related to issues in their communities. The program incorporates a trip to Harrisburg, where GirlGovers meet with and shadow elected officials at the state capital.
Contact our Program Coordinator Rylee Napolitan with any questions at rylee@wgfpa.org.
Read the GirlGov 2020 Alumni Impact Report →
Check out some of our projects from the 2022-23 cohort!
- Our LGBTQ+ committee created a website resource for queer teens in Western Pennsylvania. You can check out The Big Queer Database of Western PA here!
- The Black Maternal Health Crisis
Moments in the Movement
[Image description: a multiracial group of GirlGov teens at a small conference room. They are standing behind a panel of speakers at a long table. The GirlGovers are dressed in formal clothing.]
[Image description: a multiracial group of GirlGov teens outside at an obstacle course. They are wearing red GirlGov shirts and yellow hard hats. They are all wear masks to stay safe.]
[Image description: a multiracial group of GirlGov teens standing in a lawn at a concrete building. They’re standing together for a group photo.]
[Image description: a multiracial group of 9 GirlGov teens standing beside each other outside for a photo. It is sunny out and they’re standing on the road in a neighborhood.]