LINCOLN COUNTY
“GIRL POWER! WISE GUYS!”
A Program of the Lincoln County Prevention Project
In Partnership with:
The Lincoln County Health Department,
The Lincoln County Schools and Communities
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND GOALS:
The Lincoln County “Girl Power!” Program began in 1997 as part of a national public education campaign. The goal of “Girl Power!” is to empower young girls with the skills necessary, to prepare for adult roles. The “Girl Power!” initiative aims to encourage young girls to enhance talents, explore future career options, establish positive lifestyle choices, and to aspire to higher educational opportunities through fun and educational programs. The “Girl Power!” program is an annual event that includes a full-day conference with additional classroom sessions. The Lincoln County “Girl Power!” Program utilizes female adult mentors, teen peer educators, and volunteers to serve as conference speakers, workshop presenters, and conference staff. The goal of those involved is to give the girls a network of support as they develop physical, emotional, and social skills necessary to make positive choices and leadership decisions in their own lives.
In 2002, The Lincoln County task force began the “Wise Guys” component to include young males. Knowing that young males also need mentors in their lives to achieve positive goals. The Lincoln County “Wise Guys” Program follows the same format as the “Girl Power!” Program. The young men explore career options, hobbies, talents, and self-esteem building. Male mentors, teen peer educators, and volunteers assist with the classroom sessions and the full day conference.
The Lincoln County “Girl Power! /Wise Guys!” Program has partnered with the Lincoln County Health Department, the Lincoln County Public Schools, and the Lincoln County communities to make this event possible. We have tremendous community support from adults and teens that volunteer their time, talents, resources, and facilities. Approximately 400 fifth grade students from across Lincoln County participate in this annual event. Due to the commitment of the communities, the Lincoln County “Girl Power! /Wise Guys!” Program has become a model for other communities.
Elaine Imel – Project Coordinator – Lincoln County Health Department
101 Meadow Lane
Chandler, OK 74834
Phone: Cell: (405) 258-8318 or 405-550-9693
Fax: (405) 258-2696
Email: