Research & Data

Measuring outcomes is critical to providing girls with the right support and opportunities to thrive.

2023 Bella Vista participant's In Our Own Hands Presentation group photo

Our Approach to Research

Supported by our use of a network-wide participant management database, Girls Inc. National also collects annual youth survey data throughout its network of 75 affiliates and over 100,000 participants. When we use the latest evidence to drive quality improvement, sustainability, and advocacy efforts, we can inspire transformative action to support all girls in being Strong, Smart & Bold.

Girls Inc. Network At-A-Glance

The Reports

Girls Inc. girls outperform peers on key indicators.

From 2017 to 2019, the American Institutes for Research implemented a quasi-experimental research study with four Girls Inc. affiliates and their school districts in small, medium, and large communities that were reflective of the larger Girls Inc. network.
The results are truly compelling, documenting with strong evidence that Girls Inc. changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and sets them up for life-long success.

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The Impact of Girls Inc. on Academic and Behavioral Outcomes
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Impact Study Executive Summary
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Lessons from AIR’s Girls Inc. AIR Study: What Helps Girls Thrive

Research & Data

Strong, Smart, and Bold Outcomes Survey

Our data-driven continuous improvement cycle includes annual surveying with the Girls Inc. Strong, Smart, and Bold Outcomes Survey (SSBOS) for girls ages 9-18. Our SSBOS looks at more than 30 key indicators of positive development, the outcomes of which are used to inform planning, make improvements in services and programming, underpin operational decisions, and communicate impact.

icon-heart shape Strong & Healthy
86 %
Of girls say they’ve been physically active in the past week.
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icon-star shape Smart & Educated
87 %
Of girls believe they will graduate college.
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icon-sun shape Bold & Independent
83 %
Of girls say they can use what they know to solve “real-life” problems in their communities.
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icon-heart shape Safe & Supported
92 %
Of girls say there are adults at Girls Inc. they can depend on for help.
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Fact Book

Girls Inc. strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information on what girls experience today. This Fact Book contains statistics about the lived experience of girls and young women, and aims to help readers develop a clear, evidence-based picture of what matters in girls’ lives. Statistics included here relate to key elements that Girls Inc. addresses through its mission and girl-focused programming.

2024 U.S. Fact Book