: Programs like the " Build Me Up " summer camp focus on building leadership, resilience, and teamwork through hands-on projects.
: Participants have created everything from birdhouses and bookcases to Adirondack chairs and even a custom-built podium for the Mayor of Manchester.
Building Confidence: The Mission of Girls at Work, Inc. The phrase "" often brings to mind images of women breaking glass ceilings in corporate boardrooms, but in Manchester, New Hampshire, it takes on a more literal and sawdust-filled meaning. Girls at Work, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls (ages 8-18) by teaching them the art of woodworking and the safe use of power tools. girls at work com
Founded by Elaine Hamel, the organization operates on a simple but powerful premise: when a girl realizes she can master a miter saw or build a piece of furniture, she begins to dismantle the internal "I can't" barriers that society often imposes on her. Core Programs and Impact
: Recognizing that confidence is hard to build on an empty stomach, the organization provides a food pantry and a " Kindness Closet " stocked with clothing and school supplies for builders in need. Workforce and Leadership Development : Programs like the " Build Me Up
Located in the historic , Girls at Work provides a safe, supportive environment where girls from diverse backgrounds can explore their potential.
Girls at Work, Inc - Programs in Manchester, NH - girlswork.org The phrase "" often brings to mind images
A unique aspect of their strategy is the proposed , which aims to place graduates in trade-based jobs in groups rather than individually. This model provides a built-in support system for young women entering traditionally male-dominated fields. How to Get Involved
As a heavily donor-dependent organization—with approximately requiring full scholarship support—community involvement is vital.
Beyond individual workshops, the organization is looking toward the future of the female workforce. Their program for older girls includes advanced woodworking, mentorship, and community-based capstone projects.