GirlUp GVL is more than just after school. At GirlUp GVL, we seek to empower our students by ensuring they develop responsibility and life skills that create confidence leading to better choices and a brighter future. We aim to enrich their lives through structured routines, regular academic assistance, and trusted advocates, creating a path to personal fulfillment. All the while, creating positive experiences for our students to explore new things, helping the girls to develop a sense of self while discovering their unique gifts and talents.
Individual Success Planning
One key element of our program is Individual Success Planning. For our onsite attendees, we meet with them regularly to talk about their goals and create opportunities for them to reach their goals, whether within our program or pairing them with opportunities in the community. This individualized approach brings focus to each student allowing them to thrive.
Middle School
Our middle school programs include:
- Afterschool – Our afterschool program runs Monday through Thursday, following the Greenville County School calendar. We provide transportation from school (Tanglewood Middle and League Academy) to our location for activities. Our afternoon consists of Smart Start, snack, enrichment activities (including various clubs), homework assistance, field trips and dinner. Dismissal is at 6:30. Transportation support is available within a 5-mile radius.
- Summer Camp – Our 6-week summer program operates Monday – Thursday from 9 – 1 pm. Our summer is full of learning and action through activities like book clubs, journaling, math lessons, outdoor field trips, and swimming.
- Individual Success planning – One key element of our program is Individual Success Planning. For our onsite attendees, we meet with them regularly to talk about their goals and create opportunities to reach their goals, whether within our program or pairing them with opportunities in the community. This individualized approach brings focus to each student allowing them to thrive. This look likes individual students attending various workshops, camps, or bringing in key community members to share more about their hobbies and interests.
High School – GrowU
- Weekly Enrichment Classes (6:30 – 8 pm) – These classes take place on Monday evenings and cover topics like financial literacy, resume writing, women’s health, and college and career readiness. Transportation support is available from our partner high schools: Greenville High School, Carolina High School, and Berea High School.
- Summer Internship Program –
- Our Summer Internship Program works in collaboration with our business community partners. Students are paired up with one of these partners to work 8 weeks, 8 – 10 hours a week throughout the summer. Our staff helps to oversee the collaboration between the intern and the host site. In addition to the onsite work, students participate in weekly reflection sessions, financial workshops, and a final presentation.
- Eligibility – Students who have been a part of GirlUp GVL for the previous year are eligible to apply for our GrowU Summer Internship Program.
- Our Summer Internship Program works in collaboration with our business community partners. Students are paired up with one of these partners to work 8 weeks, 8 – 10 hours a week throughout the summer. Our staff helps to oversee the collaboration between the intern and the host site. In addition to the onsite work, students participate in weekly reflection sessions, financial workshops, and a final presentation.
- Individual Success Planning – Our high school students attend throughout the week during the after-school hours to accomplish their goals and achieve the things we want to see our students accomplish. Driving lessons, ACT/SAT prep, job shadowing opportunities, individual budgeting sessions, college planning, scholarship and FAFSA support, camps and workshops in the community are all ways we empower our girls through ISP to support their personal growth.
We are grateful to have the support of Power:Ed, a philanthropy of SC Student Loan, through a 2023 – 2024 grant, funding this program for the year.
In-School Groups
Our in-school leadership groups consist of weekly or biweekly meetings during the school day. We meet with these groups to work through SEL topics paired with hands-on activities, and opportunities for the students to share. We currently have programs in Berea High School and Carolina High School.
