Our Smart College and Career Planning programs empower girls to set ambitious educational and career goals for their future and take steps to achieve them. For example, Girls Inc. Operation SMART^® (Science, Math and Relevant Technology) program helps girls explore math, science, and technology fields by engaging them in relevant, hands-on experiments to discover the world around them. Participating girls are encouraged to pursue their passions for STEM learning in ways that can translate into a future career. After a recent program focused on geology and the science of earthquakes, one girl commented, "I want to be a scientist. When I told my mom, she said that there are not a lot of women in science so that is a really good choice."

Operation SMART is made possible in part by the generous support of funders like the Best Buy Children’s Foundation. Through its Community Grants Program, Best Buy strengthens local communities by supporting organizations that empower early adolescents to excel in school, engage in their communities, and develop life and leadership skills. Girls Inc. is delighted to be the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Best Buy in support of our Smart College and Career Planning programs. We are also grateful for the volunteer support provided by the employees of local Best Buy store # 489. More than 15 employees have generously donated their time to us since 2010. With their help, we were able to sort and pack materials for programs that served over 4,000 girls!

Thank you to Best Buy for caring about the girls in our community. We are deeply appreciative of your support!