Empowering the Next Generation: Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, YWCA Greater Atlanta, and APL Logistics Partner for IdeaThon
by Lea Nelson, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta Teen Program Manager
Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, YWCA Greater Atlanta, and APL Logistics are proud to have united to launch the IdeaThon, a transformative program designed to empower young women and equip them with the skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. Launched at Therrell High School in Atlanta, Georgia, this collaboration is driven by a shared mission to foster equity and create opportunities for young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. The program blends the strengths of each partner—Girls Inc.’s focus on advocacy, YWCA’s commitment to social justice, and APL Logistics’ industry mentorship.
The IdeaThon takes place during the school day, as an elective class, ensuring that students can participate without disrupting their core academic commitments. This unique setup offers an engaging, hands-on learning experience that allows the girls to immerse themselves in the program while fulfilling their educational requirements. The program invites high school girls to tackle real-world challenges that matter most to them. Working in small groups, they collaborate to create innovative solutions, including app prototypes, that have the potential to make a meaningful impact. Along the way, these young women develop essential skills in leadership, public speaking, and advocacy, while gaining exposure to careers in STEAM and logistics. Mentorship from industry professionals helps them strengthen their confidence, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities — preparing them for both academic success and a future filled with endless possibilities.
At the conclusion of the program, each group presents their solutions to a panel of judges, showcasing their hard work and creativity. Their achievements are celebrated with laptops, gift cards, certificates, and exclusive IdeaThon apparel. The girls will also have the opportunity to take their ideas further by submitting them to The Technovation Girls Global Competition, a free, global competition for girls ages 8–18. This competition allows them to share their innovative solutions with a larger audience and gain recognition for their creativity and problem-solving skills. By investing in their growth, we are not only shaping future leaders but also nurturing a more diverse and inclusive workforce for generations to come. This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when organizations unite with a shared purpose—to break down barriers, create opportunities, and empower the next generation of young women to achieve their fullest potential. Together, Girls Inc., YWCA, and APL Logistics are ensuring that these girls don’t just dream but have the tools to make those dreams a reality.