10 After School Program Activities to Empower Girls

After school programs offer a unique opportunity to empower girls by providing them with a safe space to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Whether you’re running an after school club, a community program, or simply looking for ways to engage girls in meaningful activities, here are 10 empowering ideas to help girls grow in confidence, leadership, and self-expression.

1. STEM Exploration Workshops

Introducing girls to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities can spark their interest in these fields and encourage them to pursue their passions without fear of gender stereotypes.

• Activity Idea: Host hands-on workshops where girls can experiment with coding, robotics, or simple engineering projects. Encourage them to collaborate on building a robot, designing a simple app, or conducting science experiments, fostering both creativity and problem-solving skills.

2. Creative Writing Circles

Creative writing provides girls with a powerful outlet for self-expression and helps them develop their voice.

• Activity Idea: Organize a creative writing circle where girls can write poems, short stories, or journal entries. Offer prompts that inspire them to reflect on their experiences, dreams, and aspirations. Encourage them to share their work with the group, building confidence in their ability to express themselves.

3. Leadership Skills Development

Leadership activities can help girls build the confidence to take on roles of responsibility and make decisions that impact their community.

• Activity Idea: Create a leadership development program that includes activities like public speaking exercises, organizing events, or leading group discussions. Rotate leadership roles among the girls, giving each one the opportunity to lead and manage different tasks.

4. Art for Empowerment

Art is a powerful medium for self-expression and can be used to explore themes of identity, empowerment, and social justice.

• Activity Idea: Offer art sessions where girls can create paintings, collages, or sculptures that represent their personal journeys, beliefs, and aspirations. Consider hosting an art show at the end of the program where the girls can showcase their work to friends and family.

5. Body Positivity and Self-Esteem Workshops

Middle school and high school can be challenging times for girls in terms of body image and self-esteem. Workshops focused on body positivity can help girls develop a healthy self-image.

• Activity Idea: Facilitate discussions on media representation, self-love, and body positivity. Include activities like creating body-positive vision boards, writing self-affirmation letters, or engaging in group discussions about the importance of embracing one’s unique beauty.

6. Peer Mentorship Programs

Peer mentorship encourages girls to support one another, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

• Activity Idea: Pair older girls with younger ones in a mentorship program where they can offer advice, support with homework, or guidance on navigating school life. This not only builds leadership skills in the mentors but also provides valuable support and friendship for the mentees.

7. Community Service Projects

Community service projects teach girls the importance of giving back and help them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy.

• Activity Idea: Organize community service projects such as volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a food drive, or participating in environmental clean-up efforts. Encourage the girls to take the lead in planning and executing these projects, helping them to see the impact they can make in their communities.

8. Mindfulness and Wellness Sessions

Teaching girls mindfulness and wellness practices can help them manage stress, develop emotional resilience, and prioritize self-care.

• Activity Idea: Offer sessions on mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Include discussions on the importance of mental health and wellness, and provide tools for managing stress and emotions effectively.

9. Public Speaking and Debate Club

Public speaking and debate activities help girls develop confidence in their communication skills and the ability to articulate their thoughts clearly.

• Activity Idea: Start a debate club where girls can discuss and debate topics they are passionate about. You can also include public speaking exercises where girls practice giving speeches or presentations on topics that interest them. This builds their confidence and hones their communication skills.

10. Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

An entrepreneurship bootcamp can empower girls to think creatively, develop business skills, and see themselves as potential leaders and innovators.

• Activity Idea: Run a mini-entrepreneurship program where girls come up with business ideas, create simple business plans, and even pitch their ideas to a panel of "investors" (which could be parents, teachers, or peers). This activity fosters creativity, problem-solving, and business acumen, and can be incredibly empowering for girls who are interested in leadership and innovation.

Final Thoughts

After school programs offer an incredible opportunity to empower girls by providing them with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in all areas of life. By incorporating activities that focus on leadership, creativity, self-expression, and community involvement, you can help girls develop a strong sense of self and the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Empowerment is a journey, and by creating a supportive, inspiring environment in your after school program, you’re helping to shape the next generation of strong, confident, and compassionate women.

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