Girls Inc. golf tournament to benefit Eureka program

LYNN – The Girls Inc. Eureka program is enjoying another successful summer of teaching math, science, health and technology to middle school-aged girls in the city, but the organization is asking for the help of the public so they can keep the valuable program running.Girls Inc. of Lynn will host its annual Golf for Girls Tournament at Gannon Municipal Golf Course Aug. 26 in an effort to raise money for the Eureka Program.In its first year at Girls Inc.’s new home at 50 High St., the Eureka program is off to another successful start as dozens of middle school girls are participating in a variety of educational workshops.The program is designed to introduce math, science, technology and health to girls through fun and interactive programs, field trips and special visits.From bridge-building to computer technology, students in grades 7-9 are receiving a hands-on education in all of the fields expected to be at the top of the job market in coming years.”It is designed to get them excited about science, math and technology and to help them develop the confidence they need to succeed in those areas,” said Middle School Program Director Lena Crowley. “A lot of our girls don’t even have a computer at home. This is a way to show them that these subjects can be fun, interesting and that they play an important role in our lives.”Participants in the program spend the first part of their day at the Girls Inc. headquarters using computers and classroom resources and the second half of the day at the Greater Lynn YMCA where they are introduced to new sports and physical activity.Every Friday brings a new, related field trip for the group and the program even includes a personal development component where guest speakers come in to talk to the girls about drug and alcohol abuse, adolescence and staying safe.”In addition to the skills they are learning, the girls are making new friends and gaining confidence as well,” said Crowley. There are a lot of positive things going on here, the girls are learning how to grow.”Students say learning in the Girls Inc. environment introduces them to things they typically do not get in school, and in the long run, helps with their overall academic record.”The classes are fun because the teachers are really hands on instead of just having to sit in a classroom and listen,” said Victoria Adinkra, who is going into the eighth grade at Marshall Middle School next year. “I like technology class because we can use the computers and it helps me with school, too. After I came last year I got a B+ in math which is a lot better than I got before I came here.”Although the program enjoys funding from United Way, the annual Golf Tournament succeeds in providing the additional support needed to keep the classes running each year.The tournament will take place Wednesday, Aug. 26 with 8 a.m. registration and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Registration costs $175 per golfer and sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses.For more information call Marsha Billias at 781-592-9744 ex. 258 or Joan Lawrence at ex. 262.Participants can also register online at www.girlsinclynn.org.