Provided by: Girls Inc. of Tarrant County

The workforce of tomorrow is being built today, and Fort Worth businesses are clear about what they need most: employees with strong critical thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence. Yet as the Fort Worth Chamber recently shared, these are also the hardest skills to hire for and among the most difficult to teach once someone is already on the job. Across our city, employers are facing the same challenge, and at Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, we see this as our chance to turn that challenge into opportunity for girls and for Fort Worth.

Future Ready in Action

At Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, Future Ready is not a single program — it’s a pathway. From our campus in Fort Worth’s Near Southside to school districts and community centers across Tarrant County, we go where girls are to connect with the families who need us most. By partnering directly with ISDs and neighborhood organizations, we ensure every girl has access to safe, engaging, and life-changing opportunities.

Less than a year ago, we cut the ribbon on our new Makerspace in Near Southside with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce by our side, and it has already become a hub of innovation. Here, girls design, code, build, and problem-solve — experimenting with robotics, 3D printing, and engineering challenges. But beyond the technology, they also learn communication, teamwork, persistence, and leadership: the very skills Fort Worth employers say they need most.

Our Eureka! program offers a deep dive into STEM, guiding girls through a five-year journey of hands-on exploration, mentorship, and internships. By working alongside industry professionals, girls gain technical knowledge while also practicing the resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving that employers value across every field.

The Red Coat Leadership Society provides another avenue for growth, giving girls public speaking training, community service-learning experiences, and opportunities to shadow local leaders. They represent Girls Inc. at civic and corporate events, learning to network with confidence and practicing the professional skills that prepare them for leadership roles in Fort Worth and beyond.

All of these experiences build on a foundation that starts with literacy. At Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, we infuse literacy into programming for our youngest learners and cultivate it throughout their years with us. Paired with parent education and support, this approach equips both girls and their families with the tools to succeed and ensures they are also building the strong communication skills employers say are hardest to hire and most critical to long-term success.

The Power of Partnership

Experiences like these are possible because of the commitment of Fort Worth’s business community. When companies open their doors, volunteer their time, or provide support, they are directly shaping the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and employees. Corporate partners also strengthen the talent pipeline by providing mentorship, internships, and sponsorships that align with their industries. By becoming a High Impact Corporate Partner, businesses don’t just invest in girls, they invest in Fort Worth’s future workforce and future community leaders.

This year, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County celebrates 25 years as a member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Chamber membership has opened doors for partnerships, elevated our voice in the business community, and reinforced our role as a value-add for Chamber members. And it is your support as Chamber members that makes this work possible, because you are investing in the workforce you will one day hire, the community leaders who will shape Fort Worth, and providing a place where your own children, and the children of your employees, can thrive and grow into their full potential.

Join Us: Day of the Girl

An exciting way to experience our mission is at our annual Day of the Girl, happening this year on Saturday, October 4 from 11 AM–2 PM at Texas Wesleyan University. This year’s celebration will be a true family affair! Tarrant County families will enjoy a one-of-a-kind girl-led Pep Rally with our community leaders and the EmpowerHER Vendor Fair, featuring youth entrepreneurs and local businesses. Visit here for opportunities to participate or sponsor this celebration.

Day of the Girl is more than a celebration. It’s a glimpse into the power, creativity, and leadership of the next generation. We invite Fort Worth’s business leaders to join us in investing in the next generation that will shape our city.

Together with the Chamber, we are building not just the workforce of tomorrow, but a stronger, smarter, and bolder Fort Worth today.