An overview of the format, rationale and outcomes of Girls' Leadership Program in Chester County, PA, presented by Women's Resource Center. March 2016

1. Women’s Resource Center
Serving Women and Girls of the Greater
Philadelphia Area Since 1975

2. Board President – Virginia Bowden
Executive Director– Teresa Wolfgang
Program Director– Angela Marchesani, M.A.
The Women’s Resource Center Mission
• Support Women
• Strengthen Families
• Build Community
Through Information & Referrals, Counseling, Legal
Consultation & Divorce Support, and Educational
Services.

3. The Chester County Girls’ Leadership Program

4. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
Objective
“To provide girls with the tools and skills known, based on research, to protect
against common dangers of adolescence including: Substance abuse, school
drop out, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, depression and bullying.”
Overview
• 12 group sessions
• 45 minutes, within school day
• Participants are selected by guidance counselors based on our criteria

5. Content Delivery
Training
•Communication
•Conflict
Resolution
•Decision Making
•Problem Solving
Observation
•Role Models
•Parent
Engagement
•Field Trip
Application
•Leadership
Project

6. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
Goals
• 85% of participants will report increased self-esteem, as measured by the
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory
• 80% of participants will report increased communication with parents or
adults at home
• 80% of participants will report increased confidence
• 80% of participants will report stronger school ties
• 80% of participants will seek leadership or service opportunities

7. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
Outcomes
Measurement
Tools
*Rosenberg Self-Esteem
Scale
*Leadership Project
*Self-Report Evaluations
*Parent, Facilitator and
Counselor Observations
Reported
Results
* Statistically significant
increase in self-esteem
*90% report:
-Increased confidence
-Improved
communication with
parents
-Increases involvement in
school activities
-Intent to seek leadership
roles or service
opportunities
Observed
Changes
* Increased
communication at home
*Ease with peer conflicts
*Increase in speaking up
or sharing in class and
group

8. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
Leadership Project Example #1
Peirce Middle School: “Remediating Domestic Violence”
• Project goal is, “…to provide intervention, education, outreach, advocacy
and programs to prevent, reduce and remedy domestic violence in
Chester County, and to empower survivors.”
• Project proposal includes:
• 1. Posters created by the GLP group to place at appropriate approved
locations within the school.
• 2. Participation in one Morning Announcement segment where
participants can introduce their goals for this project. Through this
message, they will encourage student engagement via donations
from the student body.
• 3. The placement of a large box at the front entrance area of the
school for donation drop off.
• 4. Placement of a notice in the school newspaper/e-letter to
reach parents.

9. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
Leadership Project Example #2
Scott Middle School: “Promoting Tolerance”
 Project Goal is to, “…establish a school culture where students can express
themselves freely without being judged, bullied, or stereotyped.”
 Project proposal includes:
 1. Creating a movie montage with the premise of, “I Have a Dream.”
 2. Screen the movie at assembly or in homerooms

10. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
Field Trip Example #1
• Stetson and Peirce Middle School: Citizens’ Bank Park
• Panel Discussion with women in leadership positions:
• Leila Graham-Willis, Special Events Manager
• Vanessa Mapson, Director of Group Sales
• Melissa Maani, Graphic Design Manager
• Mary Ann Moyer, Director of Community Initiatives
• Kathy Killian, VP of Human Resources and Customer Service

11. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
Field Trip Example #2
• Phoenixville Area Middle School: Valley Forge National Historic park
• Hosted by the Friends of Valley Forge Park and the park’s Superintendent, Kate
Hammond.
• Overview of the role of some prominent women in the organization:
• Kate Hammond (Superintendent)
• Amy Ruhe (Natural Resource Manager)
• Cristina Ramirez (Intern, Student Conservation Association)
• Missy Farkouh (Executive Director of Friends of Valley Forge Park)
• Dr. Nancy Loane (Author, “Following the Drum- Women at the Valley Forge
Encampment.”)
• Explore opportunities to volunteer with the park
• Develop a marketing plan to increase 7th graders’ attendance at the park
• Tour the VFNHP grounds

12. CHESTER COUNTY GLP
The Future of Girls’ Leadership
• Increase presence in middle schools
• Launch High School program

13. Thank You!