AIA New Jersey Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Chair Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, was invited again to present at the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Girls’ Career Institute.
Stacey presented an introduction to Architecture and Interior Design to over 50 girl delegates at the two-day event. Some of the girls signed up because of a pre-existing interest in a career in design, and others were being introduced for the first time. Content included an explanation of the two careers, the path to licensure/ certification, a day in the life, and preparing a portfolio.
Girls’ Career Institute (GCI) offers a “mini college and career exploration experience” that takes place on the Rutgers University New Brunswick campus, with participants residing at Douglass Residential College during the program.
Delegates experience a sample of college life by living in a dorm, eating in a cafeteria, and attending lectures and workshops. They learn about career choices from volunteer professional speakers and how to network with other delegates from all over the state of New Jersey.
100% of the New Jersey high school junior girl attendees who responded praised the presenters for their presentations and suggested they be invited back in 2027. Many of the surveys had notes in the margins of special features they appreciated. Others commented personally to the event leadership on the discovery of new career options they had not considered, alternative careers that could lead to a higher level by being employed while en route to a dream.
Ms. Kliesch has already been invited back for 2027.
History of Girls’ Career Institute
Formerly known as Girls Citizenship Institute, the program began in 1947 and was first held at Montclair State Teachers College with 100 schoolgirls attending. Since 1948, GCI has been held at Douglass College, now Douglass Residential College Campus of Rutgers University.
New Jersey was the first state to develop this type of training program for girls.