New Program Offers Political Experience for Girls

GirlGov, a new project sponsored by the Women and Girls Foundation’s (WGF) “Allegheny County Change Agents,” is giving young girls between the ages of 13 and 17 the opportunity to learn more about politics.
“Allegheny County Change Agents” is a group of teenage girls from Allegheny County who work to improve the lives of girls in our county.
Executive Director of WGF, Heather Arnet, says the girls developed the program after learning that Pennsylvania is ranked 46 out of 50 states for the representation of women in politics. She says they wanted to find a way to get girls interested in politics at a young age so they might make a career out of it.
Arnet says applications will be reviewed by the Change Agents, and applicants do not have to have any experience or meet any type of GPA requirement.
16 girls will be chosen to go to Harrisburg on March 8, International Women’s Day, to shadow one of the 16 state representatives. Transportation and meals are included at no cost.
Arnet says participation of women in politics has increased by 300 percent since 2005, and the foundation hopes that this program will increase that number even more.
She says women make up 52 percent of our population and therefore should be involved in all aspects of life, especially politics.
The last day to apply is Tuesday, February 2.
Visit girlgov.org for more information and applications.