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.
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.
I can’t believe two months have passed since you each presented at one or two GCI Career workshops. 95% of the New Jersey high school junior girls who attended GCI praised the presenters for their presentations and suggested they be invited back in 2027. The other 5% simply didn’t return the survey or didn’t fill it out completely.
Many of the surveys had notes in the margins of special features they appreciated. Others commented personally to me or to their housemothers on new career options they had not considered, alternative careers that could lead to a higher level by being employed while enroute to a dream. A few said they found paths that they definitely didn’t want to pursue!
I personally want to thank each of you for working with me during the entire process of filling the targeted career slots, adjusting your availability to time slots and days available, asking to present on topics I never considered, and adjusting to circumstances beyond our control. I was especially pleased that so many of you could stay for lunch.
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 school girls 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.