Got a Girl with "GRIT"?

Have you heard about the YWCA’s amazing “GRIT” (Girls Representing in Trades) program? For middle and high school age girls, and non-binary and gender-diverse youth, the GRIT Program offers free, hands on workshops in skilled trades.

Previous workshops include butchering, welding, carpentry, electrical skills and more taught by local women. According to the YWCA’s website, “GRIT’s mission is to empower and educate girls and non-binary and gender-diverse youth by strengthening their self-confidence, building their self-sufficiency, broadening their perspective of what hobbies and career options are available to them, and having fun!”

Women in the U.S. earn on average 81.1 percent of what men make. The gender pay gap is significantly smaller in construction occupations, with women earning on average 99.1 percent of what men make, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. And the number of women entering the construction workforce is increasing.

GRIT programs are typically offered monthly through the school year, with additional STEM and skilled trade focused summer camps and more as part of the “GUTS” (Girls Using Their Strengths) Program.

The next workshop is a 20 hour introduction to welding, starting February 4th! You can register online here: https://ywcaofmissoula.org/event/grit-welding/

To find out more, visit their website at here or contact Gillian at gtomasini@ywcaofmissoula.org or (406) 543-6691.