Girl Action Teams (GAT)

 

 

Girl Action Team

Thousands of girls have the opportunity to participate in community teams during this free 12-week program. Girls in grades 6-12 identify challenges in their communities, and design and implement creative solutions to address them as teams. Each group has two women coaches to guide and support the girls through the project. This is a free after school program in partnership with public schools and communities. Girl Action Teams can be offered through schools, community centers, faith-based organizations and other places.

About Girl Action Teams

IMPORTANT NOTE: Girl Action Teams that meet in community schools are only open to students enrolled in those schools. If your child does not attend the school she is registering for, she will not be accepted.

Girls For A Change supports Black girls in multiple ways. For High School Girls, our Girl Ambassador Program and Immersion Lab are great programs to consider. Want to start a Girl Action Team in your school or community center? We accept new teams in the summer for a Fall launch. Learn more here.

What do girls get?

  • a community team dedicated to creative problem solving
  • monetary stipend available
  • a community service certificate
  • opportunity for a free Immersion Lab membership

Girl Action Teams support girls in fully developing their voices, abilities, and problem-solving capacities to realize their full potential. They tackle social issues they feel passionate about, coming up with solutions with guidance from their coaches. Action Teams are at the heart of Girls For A Change (GFAC).

Find your school below and Apply to Join a Girl Action Team.

Girl Action Team Locations and Projects

Brief Description

Join us as we explore the foundations of sewing while incorporating and learning about sustainable materials to make beautiful and useful objects. Girls will learn sewing skills and how to bring their creativity to life through our every day objects that we can sometimes take to granted.

Only for students at Orchard House Middle School.

Meeting Days
Thursdays, 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
November 14-May 1

Location
Orchard House Middle School

500 N Allen Ave

Richmond, VA 23220

Brief Description

This program offers a unique opportunity to foster social change, preparing participants for an enriching trip to Ghana in 2026. They’ll build a deep appreciation and respect for cultural history and the richness of their roots, developing awareness and love for the heritage that connects us all. This program is open to middle and high schoolers. If you have a passion for travel, culture, and social impact, we hope you’ll join us!

Open to community, 6th-12th graders.

Meeting Days
Mondays, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
November 11-April 28th

Location
Girls For A Change Branch
100 Buford Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23235

Brief Description

Take your sewing skills to the next level and expand your sewing knowledge. Perfect for students who have a basic understanding of sewing, thei class will dive deeper into techniques, tools, and more complex projects. Girls will build confidence in using a sewing machine, following patterns, making patterns, and overcoming intermediate-level sewing challenges. In practice, we will use your new skills to create unconventional works of art.

Open to community, 6th-12th graders.

Meeting Days
Tuesdays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
December 3 - April 29

Location
Girls For A Change Branch
100 Buford Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23235

Registration Fee: $75
scholarships available

Girl Action Team in the News

Girls clapping and singing in a story for CBS 6

Girls For A Change is helping these students find their voices

Currently offered throughout
the Central Virginia area!

Start a team in your area today!

Girl Action Team Projects Include:

Smiling girls walking together outside

Impact

  • Empower girls to be social-change-makers by providing the tools, resources and support they need. Girls experience the process of shifting attitudes, values, and actions to address social problems in a positive way.
  • Promote engagement with professionals who support their projects and their journey toward becoming social-change-makers and innovators.
  • Identify and respond to community needs to help girls become empathetic, reflective individuals.

There are many benefits when young people are involved as leaders in social change efforts. Involved youth gain experience and confidence, and the skills and leadership abilities that will broaden their future opportunities.

Apply to Become a Coach