Ellen Lund, GCI director, center, and GCI delegates.
The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) has been offering Girls Career Institute (GCI) since 1947. It was previously known as the Girls Citizenship Institute and New Jersey was the first state to offer this type of program for girls. GCI is for girls who are completing their junior year in a New Jersey high school. It is referred to as a “mini college and career exploration experience.” The girls apply for this program and those who are selected live at Douglass Residential College on the Rutgers University campus for a week in June. They reside in a dorm, eat meals in the college cafeteria, and attend lectures and workshops with successful women in varied careers who volunteer their time to take part in the program. In addition to learning about various careers, the girls participate in service projects, swimming, zumba, GCI chorus, an art exhibit, talent night, and more. The girls are afforded an opportunity to learn first-hand about many careers as well as how to network with others from around the state.
Millville Woman’s Club hosted the GCI reception for the Southern District of NJSFWC, which encompasses Absecon, Cape May, Hammonton, Marmora, Millville, Ocean City and Vineland. Ellen Lund, GCI director, welcomed and congratulated all of the girls who were selected to attend GCI. She also welcomed their parents and representatives from the various Woman’s Clubs. Lund provided the girls and their parents with an overview of what they could expect at GCI as well as their responsibilities.
Compliments and gratitude go to NJSFWC GCI organizers and all of the professional women who donate their time and expertise, recognizing the value of GCI.
