Girl with Grit Program, local to the San Antonio, TX region, has been named a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant Recipient
Girl with Grit Program is honored to be recognized as a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipient for its efforts to introduce tools and nontraditional occupations, like the skilled trades, to girls and young women. Girl with Grit has developed curriculum, programming, and advocacy for girls as young as eight. The grassroots non-profit has been called “innovative” with its dedicated but simple approach to growing confidence in girls through tools and project based learning.
With an estimated 10 million global manufacturing jobs currently unfilled, DEWALT’s Grow the Trades Grants aim to help close the skilled labor gap by supporting nonprofit organizations that are skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople. Each year, the program awards funding and tool donations as part of a larger $30 million commitment.
MARKERS OF SUCCESS:
Over the course of our last grant with DeWalt, we have assisted a total of 150 girls in Houston, Texas; Austin/San Antonio, TX; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; and Colorado Springs/ Denver, CO.
The transformation observed among the girls who participated in the workshop focused on tools, safety, designing, building, and skilled trades was remarkable. Initially, many of them approached tasks unfamiliar with the tools and techniques involved. However, as the workshops progressed, their confidence soared.
They not only mastered the handling of various tools but also internalized safety protocols, demonstrating a keen understanding of PPE and risk mitigation. Moreover, their creativity flourished as they delved into the realms of design, harnessing their newfound skills to conceptualize and execute innovative projects.
Witnessing their progression from tentative novices to proficient builders was inspiring. Most notably, the workshop fostered a deep appreciation for the skilled trades, igniting passion and curiosity in fields traditionally dominated by men. Overall, the girls’ growth in competence, confidence, and enthusiasm underscored the profound impact of the workshop in empowering them to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Following up on the workshops, it was heartening to discover that numerous girls had developed a keen interest in pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Through surveys and interviews conducted post-workshop, it became evident that the experience had ignited a newfound passion within them. Many expressed eagerness to further explore avenues within carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and other trades previously considered outside their reach.
The workshops had not only equipped them with practical skills but also instilled a sense of empowerment, dispelling stereotypes and inspiring them to challenge societal norms. This surge of interest underscored the workshop’s success in fostering inclusivity and opening doors to traditionally male-dominated fields, promising a future where gender parity in the skilled trades is within reach.
The workshops had not only equipped them with practical skills but also imbued them with a profound sense of self-assurance, laying the foundation for future success in both their personal and professional endeavors.
