In collaboration with the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, SHC hosted members of TechGYRLS, a multi-week project-based learning program that encourages girls to explore their curiosities about science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Founded in 1876, the YWCA is a trusted community resource, and the oldest and largest women-focused human service organization in the metro area. The group reaches over 150,000 women and families in neighborhoods all across the Chicago area.
The TechGYRLS program, which serves girls 9 – 14 years old, focuses on the various components of STEAM and how it relates to educational development and real world problem-solving. The girls are encouraged to explore all areas of STEAM in order to build their skillsets, develop critical thinking and participate in collaborative brainstorming.
Over the four weeks the TechGYRLS worked with SHC and created Back-to-School fashion catalogs. The girls were shown real life examples of look books from our Metaphor and Structure brands and experienced the behind the scenes energy of a style photo-shoot along with a tour of our EVOKE Productions studio.
SHC employee volunteers facilitated sessions with the girls by exploring the Kmart and Sears apparel business, what it means to take fashion risks, how to capture fashions and merchandise in just the right way for a look book and they were encouraged to never limit their imagination.
Please watch the video below to learn more about the TechGYRLS program. You can also view some pictures from our look book session below.