Applications are now being accepted for a $5,000 scholarship from American CyberSystems.  The submission deadline is March 1, 2012!  Click here for the application and for more information.

Press release: American CyberSystems Offers $5,000 Scholarship to YWCA of Greater Atlanta.

Helping girls see the possibilities 

This program seeks to increase girls’ interest, confidence and competence in Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by helping young women [ages 12-18] overcome barriers and stereotypes in these areas. The program provides girls with innovative learning opportunities while helping them to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. TGI Tech prepares young women to enter a world of non-traditional STEM related careers such as engineering, oceanography, computer science and biotechnology. The program also links girls to successful women in STEM professions for mentoring and encouragement

Our program includes weekly afterschool sessions and bi- monthly community service activities. Participant opportunities include job shadowing, self-esteem and awareness activities, tutoring, college tours, Go-Green project initiatives, field experience, summer leadership institute and one -on-one mentoring opportunities. The TGI Tech program is committed to building a network that supports leadership development and transformational opportunities for girls.

TGI Tech is available to middle and high school girls in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Girls interested in this program should submit an application in order to be selected for an interview by the YWCA and their respective school staff. Once enrollment is completed, orientation will be held prior to start of program.

TGI Tech has partnered with One Economy’s Digital Connectors program which prepares students for success in the 21st Century workplace. One Economy’s Digital Connectors program identifies talented young people, ages 14-21 from diverse backgrounds, immerses them in certified technology training, builds leadership skills and prepares students to enter 21st century workplace. Participants give back to their community by training family members and residents on how to use technology effectively. The Digital Connectors program was launched 2001 in Washington, DC Today, Digital Connector programs are currently available throughout the United States and similar programs have been launched in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Over the last three years, TGI Tech has...

• Provided over 10,000 hours of after school instruction
• Visited Florida A&M, It is a work experience option where students learn about a career of interest by walking through the day as a shadow to a worker. Savannah State and Valdosta State Universities on our first college tour
• Provided over 3,000 hours of unique, life-enriching field experiences
• The first class of TGI Tech is in high school and 80% are in Advanced Placement courses in Math and Science

Women In Technology Foundation awards grant to TGI Tech

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta is the proud recipient of a $7500 grant from the WIT Foundation.  The funds will be used to support the work of the organization’s TGI Tech program which enables 60 middle girls the opportunity to explore their interests in careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).   

Please CLICK HERE to view our press release.

Congratulations to Lauriel Cleveland and Tailor Peyton!

October 2011

We are so proud of Lauriel and Tailor for being selected to travel to New York with their school's Mass Communications Department.  The trip afforded them opportunities to visit Good Morning America and Anderson Cooper.   Lauriel and Tailor are both well-rounded, accomplished students who participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities at their school.  Kudos Lauriel and Tailor!!

Congratulations to Lunie Lauore "Ms TGI Tech"!

October 2011

Ms. TGI Tech for Chapel Hill Middle School is Ms. Lunie Lauore!  Lunie was chosen to represent her school on behalf of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc (FCCLA). We are so proud of Lunieand her academic achievements.  Keep up the good work Lunie!

Congratulations to Paige Hector!

October 2011

We are so proud of Paige Hector for being selected to represent Tucker High School's Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc (FCCLA) on Comcast.  Thanks for making us proud!

TGI Tech Kick-Off

September 17, 2011

On September 17, TGI Tech celebrated its sixth year with a bang with a visit from the Grand Hank of Science at the Georgia Power Company.  Grand Hank and DJ Marty G demonstrated to nearly 100 middle and high school students that science is fun and a part of our everyday lives with materials we use everyday in our homes. Click here to view the photo gallery of the event. 

Dream Flight on Delta Airlines

July 20, 2011

On Wednesday, July 20th, 11 middle and high school girls in our TGI Tech (Teen Girls in Technology) program took a Dream Flight on Delta Airlines.   Each girl had to write an 1,000 word essay or submit a 3-5 minute video on the topic "Life is But a Dream. Bringing Dreams to Life." They were judged on originality, message and impact. The 11 winners particpated in a day of activities including taking a flight to the Pensacola Naval Air Station for a sought after tour, witnessed a Blue Angels practice show at the Naval Air Museum, met some of the Tuskegee Airmen and toured the Water Survival Training Center.

 Job Shadow Day at 11 Alive

Job Shadow Day is the perfect vehicle used as a way to introduce TGI Tech participants to tomorrow's science, technology, engineering and math professionals in the related STEM fields. TGI Tech participants are paired with a workplace mentor who they "shadow" throughout the day. 

STEM Summit at GA Tech 

May 18, 2011

This program encourages and supports girls in their pursuit of STEM careers.

 CLICK HERE TO READ OUR PRESS RELEASE ABOUT THIS EVENT

Women’s History Month

March 16, 2011

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta and the Women's Bureau United States Department of Labor for a Women's History Month celebration, "The Story Behind The Story." TGI Tech participants introduced some of Atlanta’s most successful women through this moving inspired by the successful journeys of some of Atlanta's most accomplished women.

Kennedy Space Center

The first field trip for TGI-Tech was the NASA Kennedy Space Center, in Titusville, Fla. This field experience was selected to enhance the TGI Tech curriculum and students’ exposure to professionals working in fields related to Science, Mathematics and Technology and for additional information about our trip go to the website http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/visit-us.aspx 

The goal of the Kennedy Space Center trip is to make students aware of science and technology and how space exploration is taking us beyond. This trip will give students an opportunity to experience Science and Technology in actions. Students will have a greater appreciation of NASA’s journeys into air and space and how it made an impact on humankind’s understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs, enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific research. This field experience will play a key role preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today who will be the workforce of tomorrow. Additionally, Nita Sardana of American Cybersystems helped to sponsor part of the field trip as well as attended the field experience with the girls.

2011-2012 Calendar 

• September 17, 2011–6th Annual TGI Tech Kick Off "Life is But a Dream"   
• September 19, 2011–TGI Tech begins
• October 7-9, 2011–Field Trip "Daulphin Island" (Mobile, Alabama)*
• October 28-30, 2011 - Family Reunion "Girls Nite Out"*
• November 19, 2011–Day of Thanks @ Cascade House Women's Shelter
• December 22, 2011 - ELA will close at 12pm
• January 16, 2012 - Community Service Project "Discover Earth"
• February 17, 2012 - Shadow Day - HOt 107.9
• February 18, 2012—Shadow Day - Atlanta Hartsfield Airport
• March 8-11, 2012—Field Trip - NYC and Philadelphia*
• April 20, 2012—Global Youth Service Day
• April 28, 2012—Stand Against Racism
• May 13, 2012 - Mother's Day Tea*
• May 31-June 3, 2012 - Field Trip - Orlando, Florida* 

*cost associated with trip

 Wish List

• Digital Camera
• School Supplies (notebooks, calculators, pens, rulers,etc.)
• Art Supplies (poster boards, crayola pens, magazines)
• Backpacks
• Flash drives
• Wal-mart gift cards
• Job Shadow/Internship Opportunities
• Mentors

What Parents Say

Our experience with TGI Tech has been wonderful; not only for our daughter Kristi but for us as well. We have been able to watch her grow over the past several years through the TGI Tech program. The leadership skills and events that she participated in has given our daughter invaluable life lessons that she will remember for many years to come. We can’t thank you enough for the vast opportunities you have provided for her as she continues to grow!

Robert & Anita Campbell

I am very proud to be associated with the TGI Tech program. Although Mayah likes math and science, I cannot say for certain her liking these two subjects would have remained without the program. Big thumbs up to all of your staff! This program has her walking around the kitchen explaining to me the components of things I cook with.  The other young ladies she met also help propel her to a better understanding of teamwork and respect. Please, please, keep this program in existence. As is duly noted, 7-8 graders lose interest in math and science. Programs like this can only help nurture this interest beyond anyone's comprehension.

Sharmyn M. Kelliehan

My daughter has gained confidence as well as a positive peer group and dynamic mentors. Having friends is the most important thing to a middle school girl. Having positive friends who are excelling academically and having opportunities to work together on projects while exploring the fields of science and engineering is something every parent would want for their child!

Bahji Varner

The TGI Tech program has been of great benefit to my daughter Briana, who is an aspiring cell biologist. It has afforded her the opportunity to work with many professional women who are already successful IT career professionals and scientists. It has provided her exposure in areas of which she would not have otherwise received through numerous field trips, projects and site visits. Briana has been chosen to participate in DeKalb County Schools Science and Technology Techniques program at Fernbank Science Center to fulfill her 9th Grade Science course load. I'm sure that her involvement with the TGI Tech program set her apart from the many other hundreds of applicants. We are so thankful to have been recipients of this outstanding program for girls!!! Kudos on such an effective and outstanding program!

Alycia W. Robinson

My daughter, Jasmine, participated in the TGI TECH Program from the beginning when it started two years ago at Shamrock Middle School. I want to say it is one of the best after school programs that my daughter & I were involved in at Shamrock. A lot of the praise goes to Judy Brown Fears who kept everyone informed right from the beginning as to what the program was about and how it benefits our daughters to participate in new experiences that are not normally available in school. We both enjoyed participating in the program and we love Ms. Judy!!! I would recommend the TGI program very highly to other parents and let them know it is a fun and rewarding experience.

I do hope Jasmine will be able to continue with the program even at the high school level. The group from Shamrock Middle (students & parents) have a bond of friendship and purpose that we hope can continue. Whatever Ms. Judy’s vision or plans for the girls who graduated from middle school are, we will support her. She is a precious jewel. Ms. Judy is the perfect person for this program and she goes above and beyond to make the TECH program a success.

Edwina Stephenson

My daughter first became involved with TGI Tech in 2006, and since then I have be a witness to the growth and development of young girls and their love for science and technology.  TGI Tech has allowed the young girls to cultivate their love for science and technology through field trips, Georgia Tech engineer students, Georgia Power engineer mentors and year long projects that focus on public speaking, self esteem and etiquette.

Since 2006, I have seen the program enrollment grow and more girls passing on the excite of being a member.  The excitement lasts from the "Kick- Off" in August to "Graduation" in May.  I believe that TGI Tech is one of the most effective program the young girls have in the middle school programs - it fosters relationships and builds self-esteem among middle school age girls.

R. Hardy

For the past two years my daughter Arlecia has been honored to be a member of TGI Tech. As a member of this great organization her knowledge and interest in math, science and technology has sky rocketed, which resulted in her obtaining better than average grades in all subjects and superior GRCT test scores. Not only did she benefit through educational experiences, she has also grown as a leader in our community and church. The hands on activities, tutoring, corporate mentoring, and job shadowing field trips allowed her to see first hand that career opportunities in math and technology were not just held by men.

Judy Brown Fears, Program Director is an outstanding leader, strategic planner and her irrefutable interest and love for the girls and the program have proven to be one of the YWCA’s best kept secrets. I would recommend this program to all girls who aspire to do great things in life!!!!

Thanks to Ms. Judy, Staff, and Corporate Partners for making a positive impact in my child’s life.

Cynthia Finch-Smith