Girls Inc. of New Hampshire’s Young Women in Leadership (YWL) program is an eight‑week summer leadership camp for rising 7th–9th grade girls, designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of community impact. YWL is not a typical summer camp. Each year, campers explore career pathways, build leadership skills, and connect with professionals from a variety of industries.
The automotive team at LRCC proudly participated in the event again this year, under the leadership of the state’s only female post-secondary instructor Kim Stevenson, by hosting and assisting with events that introduced girls to opportunities in the automotive industry.
Hands-On Learning at Lakes Region Community College
The program kicked off at LRCC, where campers rotated through a series of engaging, hands-on learning stations focused on automotive technology and vehicle safety. Participants learned practical skills such as changing tires and checking tread depth and tire pressure, identifying parts under the hood, testing their wiring skills by creating wire bracelets, changing wipers and filters, and checking fluid levels. They also took part in a fun and educational seatbelt relay challenge led by the New Hampshire State Police. These activities gave girls the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills, and see firsthand the many career possibilities available in the automotive industry.
Leading by Example at McGovern Toyota of Nashua
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s program was our collaboration event at McGovern Toyota of Nashua. Rather than participating as learners alone, YWL campers stepped into leadership roles by helping facilitate activity stations for younger Girls Inc. participants. This unique opportunity allowed the girls to serve as mentors, role models, and leaders while sharing their knowledge and encouraging younger participants. Watching our campers gain confidence as they guided and supported others was a powerful reminder of the impact leadership experiences can have on young women. By mentoring the next generation, they strengthened their communication skills, built self-confidence, and demonstrated the importance of lifting others up along the way.
Exploring Careers in Automotive Sales
At McGovern Toyota of Concord, campers gained a behind-the-scenes look at another side of the automotive industry: sales and customer service. Girls learned about the vehicle sales process, participated in a mock sales meeting, and walked through a simulated vehicle sale from start to finish. The experience highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available within the automotive field—not only in technical and service roles, but also in sales, marketing, management, finance, and customer relations. For many participants, it was an eye-opening experience that expanded their understanding of what a career in the automotive industry can look like.
Building Professional Skills at the Annual Career Fair
The summer concluded with the annual Career Fair at Saint Anselm College. Campers had the opportunity to connect directly with professionals from a variety of industries, learn about different career pathways, and practice essential professional skills through mock interviews. These conversations provided valuable insight into educational requirements, workplace expectations, and the many journeys that can lead to a successful and fulfilling career. The Career Fair continues to be an important step in helping girls build confidence, practice networking, and begin envisioning their own futures.
Inspiring the Leaders of Tomorrow
From hands-on automotive experiences and peer mentoring opportunities to career exploration and professional networking, this year’s YWL events empowered girls to dream bigger, lead with confidence, and explore new possibilities. Together, we are helping girls discover their potential, explore meaningful career pathways, and develop the leadership skills they need to succeed. We can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next.