Girls in the Game (GIG) is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that engages school-aged girls in sports programming to develop their health, leadership, and life skills. GIG’s mission is to help girls find their strength and build their confidence. By offering programs at little-to-no cost and providing transportation when possible, GIG works to ensure accessibility for all girls, regardless of financial circumstances.
Studies estimate that only 24.6 percent of girls from low-income homes are currently participating in sports. GIG aims to address this disparity by creating accessible, safe spaces that facilitate comfort, confidence, and fun. Its programs use a Sports-Based Youth Development model, prioritizing social and emotional development over athletic and competitive training, extending the impact of its programs beyond the gym or classroom.
The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund will enable GIG to expand its Teen Club program to the Chicago Vocational Career Academy (CVCA), located near the future Obama Presidential Center. The Teen Club program is designed to eliminate access barriers for girls with family or employment obligations. Through leadership development, career exploration, and health education, the program will provide mentorship, skills-building, and a supportive environment where girls can develop into confident leaders. GIG aims to engage 30 or more girls per season through three 12-week sessions, utilizing weekly lunch periods for small group activities.
A central part of the program is a year-long service project, where the teens will collaboratively choose a topic and support an organization to address a relevant issue. Past projects have successfully tackled food access, menstrual health education, and homelessness. Field trips related to their service work, such as visiting a museum or attending women’s sporting events, will further broaden their horizons. Participants can also join GIG’s citywide Teen Squad events for additional leadership experiences, like the annual Leadership Institute and programs on Chicago Public Schools’ non-attendance days. During the summer of 2026, teens have the opportunity to transition into GIG’s summer program as camp counselors or join the Summer Squad program, with transportation provided.
Girls are powerful agents for change in Chicagoland communities and beyond, but they need support to develop their strengths, confidence, and capabilities. In the long-term, Girls in the Game aims to build up the next generation of self-sustaining women leaders.
For more information about Girls in the Game, please visit the organization’s website and social media pages:
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