Girls Inc. Smart College and Career Planning programs set girls on the path to economic self-sufficiency by equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to achieve educational and career goals. Smart programs such as Lunch Bunch, Girls Inc. Operation SMART^®, and Girls Inc. Economic Literacy^® are made possible in part by a $10,000 grant from the Old National Bank Foundation.  A long-time supporter of Girls Inc., the Old National Bank Foundation is committed to advancing economic development, education, and the quality of life in the communities it serves.

Girls Inc. Economic Literacy programs teach girls about the relationships between education, careers, and income. Through a variety of creative, age-appropriate activities – including writing checks, balancing checkbooks, and budgeting – girls learn money management skills that help prepare them for future financial independence.

During a recent program, Taniya, age 9, learned about the importance of saving her money and setting financial goals. She said, “We learned that you should save your money for certain things, like college or other educational kinds of things, or even transportation—so that you could buy a car to go to work. We talked about having a financial goal, and then saving our money to work towards that goal. You want to save money, but not for just anything—for the important stuff.” At only nine years-old, Taniya understands money management strategies that will help her grow into an educated and independent young woman.

We are grateful to the Old National Bank Foundation for helping us make a positive difference in the lives of girls like Taniya. Together, we are educating and empowering greater Indianapolis girls to achieve future financial independence!