The Girls Career Institute (GCI) is a program offered by the New Jersey State Federation of Woman’s Clubs (NJSFWC) for girls who are completing their junior year in a New Jersey high school. The program is referred to as a “mini college experience.” Girls who are selected stay in a dorm at Douglass Residential College, founded by NJSFWC, on the Rutgers University campus during a week in June. Their meals are provided in the college cafeteria. They attend lectures and workshops by successful women from many careers who have volunteered as speakers for this program. The girls also participate in service projects, music, art, swimming and much more. This experience affords the girls an opportunity to learn first-hand about many careers as well as how to network with others from around the state.
GCI is underwritten by local NJSFWC clubs such as the Millville Woman’s Club (MWC). The girls must take the initiative and apply for this program at their respective schools. The guidance departments select girls for GCI based on their interests, community service and participation in school activities. They are then interviewed by the guidance counselors and representatives from the local woman’s club.
Donna Pio and Barbara Westog, MWC education committee members, met with Millville High School guidance counselors and each candidate. MWC is proud to sponsor the three girls for GCI this summer.
MWC was also pleased to host the GCI reception for the Southern District of NJSFWC, which encompasses Absecon, Cape May, Hammonton, Marmora, Millville, Ocean City and Vineland. Laura Badger, NJSFWC Southern District vice president, welcomed and congratulated the girls from the Southern District who will be attending GCI, as well as their parents and members from the various Woman’s Clubs. Mary Kay Tokar, GCI director, gave an overview with a slide presentation of what the girls could expect from their GCI experience and also noted the girls’ responsibilities. Compliments and gratitude go to the NJSFWC organizers and the professional women who recognize the value of GCI and donate their time.
