After school programming is no longer a nice-to-have, but a need. And our data confirms this, especially when it comes to its ties to the economic impact across our service areas and the long-term success of our participants.  

For example, back in 2020, an assessment completed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), showed that Girls Inc. girls are more likely to attend and be positively engaged in school, with suspension rates that are 79% lower than their peers. Further, the study indicated that girls in our programming have higher standardized math test scores and self-confidence in subjects like STEM. And, last year’s Girls Inc. of Metro Denver’s (GIMD) Strong, Smart, Bold Outcomes Survey revealed over half of its participants know what education or training they need for the careers they want, as well as what costs to expect for the education and training needed. Additionally, 63% of GIMD’s participants stated they can use what they know to solve “real-life” problems in their communities.  

Last year, GIMD served nearly 3,000 girls – including girls enrolled in our after-school programming – and that number continues to grow, especially for families who rely on these programs so they’re able to continue working and providing for their children.   

During my time in the classroom, I’ve also seen firsthand the benefits of after-school programming. I can interchange names and faces over the years and the same would be true for all these families: our out-of-school time programs are safe, empowering, fun, affordable (meet families where they are at), and support girls and their families beyond the curriculum delivered. One common expression I hear from families is, “I don’t know what I would do without Girls Inc.”   

Which is why the uncertainty surrounding funding after school programs can negatively impact the future for girls – especially girls and young women of color.  

But funding hurdles are just the beginning, as families often cite accessibility and transportation as key reasons why children cannot participate in after school programs offered in their communities. Further, socioeconomic barriers, technological advancements, and the expectation of young children to ‘keep up’ with the rate of our world is only continuing to skyrocket. Add gender disparities to the mix, and we’ve painted a bleak future for the next generation – especially for girls and young women.   

At Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, we’ve made it our mission to elevate solutions to these issues so that more girls and their families can benefit from the long-term impact our programming provides.  

• For instance, we offer little to no-cost programming during the school year and during the summer months, so that no girl – regardless of her socioeconomic status or background – goes unserved.  

• We offer transportation from our girls’ schools to our center, so that more families don’t have to worry about how they’ll wriggle out of work or find childcare so they can drop their child off at our center.  

• And finally, we focus on comprehensive programming that reaches girls at every stage of their development – which means our curriculum integrates critical concepts such as interpersonal skills, STEM, and financial literacy early on so that more girls walk away with the tools and confidence they need to lead strong, smart, and bold lives.  

We’re not simply filling gaps left by underfunded systems — we are building bridges to futures that would otherwise be out of reach. If we want a thriving Denver — one where girls rise to their fullest potential and families don’t have to choose between putting food on their table and giving their children a safe place to learn and grow — then we must treat afterschool programming as essential infrastructure, not a luxury.  

At Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, we’re ready to do the work, but we cannot do it alone. Now is the time for our community — from policymakers to business leaders to everyday advocates — to stand up and invest in what works.  

Our girls are counting on us. Let’s not let them down. 

—– 

Destinee Perkins is the Senior Director of Programs for Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. With 25+ years of experience in education, starting as an elementary school teacher, Destinee oversees the strategy and execution of all program growth initiatives for 1st-8th grade programs, including after-school, full-day summer camp, all outreach and school partnerships, and Girls thINC Outside the Box. A key part of her role involves building strong relationships with parents, partners, and community leaders. As a member of the senior leadership team, she also collaborates with the development team on program grants, including vetting, reporting, and site visits.