Girls’ Empowerment

TechGYRLS | Girls Golf | Prom Dress Day

What is TechGYRLS? TechGYRLS is an after school program that gives girls in elementary and middle school a chance for hands on exploration of graphic arts, web design, animation, and robotics in a mentoring environment. The purpose of this program is both for fun and education. The goal of TechGYRLS is to help alleviate future barriers to gender oriented professions in technology. By training girls early in life for these higher paid nontraditional occupations and by building their confidence and technical competence these gender issues will be non-existent. With the encouragement of mentors who are women already established in technology and/or college women studying the field, the girls develop the confidence to use technology tools in whatever profession they pursue and to discover links between enjoyable technology projects and academic subjects such as math and science. The program utilizes Microworlds software and Lego Robotics Mindstorms. Objectives of TechGYRLS
  • Bridge the digital divide among genders and economic levels
  • Help girls develop communication, critical thinking, time management, teamwork and presentation skills
  • Enhance the technical and literacy competence of TechGYRLS participants
  • Give girls the opportunity to think of transferring their technical skills into career pursuits later in life
  • Raise girls' level of self confidence, natural curiosity and ability to function successfully in technology
TechGYRLS Schedule TechGYRLS clubs meet two afternoons a week for 1½ - 2 hours. The program typically runs for 14 weeks a year, divided into two 7-week sessions. Activities in the curriculum range from learning drawing and animation to making and programming robotic objects. TechExpo This is a day for the girls to invite their families, friends, and teachers to see all the things they've made after each 7-week session. There will also be food, fun, and awards! Here's an example of a slide show that was displayed at the 2012 Middle School TechEXPO. http://youtu.be/kKsaOxAY3F8 Who Can Join TechGYRLS? TechGYRLS Clubs are open to girls in elementary and middle school. Participants will need to have some knowledge of using a computer such as how to use a mouse and how to navigate the tool bar. How Many Members are in a Club? A maximum of 15 girls can be enrolled in a TechGYRLS Club. Where Will This Program Be Held? TechGYRLS clubs are currently offered at various schools in the Bethlehem Area School District and will be expanding to other locations as funding permits.  In The News! Here are some of the links to recent press coverage of the TechGYRLS Program! TechGYRLS Create Video Games (Lehigh Valley Live: 12/23/11) TechGYRLS Create robots at a young age (WFMZ: 3/2/12)    

What is Girls Golf?

LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, is a junior golf program that gives girls the chance to learn to play the game of golf and to make new friends, have fun, and learn lifelong skills. They also engage in activities that build confidence, character, and self discipline as well as sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. This program is the only national initiative of its kind just for girls. The ultimate goal is to provide girls with the encouragement needed to grow into happy, healthy, economically independent women. Space is limited so if interested, please contact Lynn Nonnemacher at (610) 867-4669 or email girlsgolf@ywcabethlehem.org.

Who Can Join?

This program is open to all girls ages 7 to 17. Levels of Experience: Beginner: Has had little or no previous experience. Intermediate: Has had some instruction in full swing, short game, putting, rules and etiquette. Advanced: Has played at least 9 holes on a regulation golf course.

Cost, Schedule, and Location

How much does this cost?  The program cost is a one time fee for girls of $267 (if registering before March 27th) which includes:
  • YWCA membership and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf membership
  • Prizes throughout the year
  • Lessons
  • Clinics
  • On Course Events
  • Club use during lessons and events
*Need-based scholarships are available for girls requiring financial assistance. When will the session take place? Almost all sessions will take place on Saturdays. Beginner skill levels will meet from 8:30am to 9:30am. Intermediate skill levels will meet from 9:45am to 10:45am. Advanced skill levels will meet from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Please contact the YWCA with any special requests. Where will this program be held? The LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of the Lehigh Valley takes place at Southmoore Golf Course located at 235 Moorestown Road, Bath, PA 18014 and targets Northampton County residents. The LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Southern Lehigh Valley takes place at the Wedgewood Golf Course located at 4875 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, PA 18036 and targets residents of Lehigh County.

Rules and Guidelines

Girls must dress neatly. Shorts must be mid-thigh length. No blue jeans, denim or cut off shorts permitted. Girls must follow LPGA-USGA Girls Golf code of ethics.
Prom Dress Day is an annual event held by the YWCA of Bethlehem. Local area high school juniors and seniors receive gently-used prom gowns and accessories to offset the cost of attending prom.