We have countered these challenges by providing transportation to some of the sites using rented 15-passenger vans. Girls are transported to and from a variety of housing projects, low income apartment complexes, and school parking lots.

Over 82% of the participating girls are Black, Hispanic, or Native American and the majority of them are from families who are in or on the margins of poverty.

Continental breakfast and snack are provided to girls. This is often their first meal of the day. Most girls arrive hungry because they rely on free and reduced breakfast program on school days and do not have this resource on Saturdays.

Each year eight different program themes are developed from girl surveys and rotated to the four sites. Some of the past themes include: Dance Fun, Healthy Living, Community Service Day, Animals and Pets, Sports, etc.

Over 50 people are needed each month to support First Saturdays. Volunteers and staff partner along with teen program aides to supervise activities at the four sites.

First Saturdays is the only program of its kind specifically for girls offered on Saturdays. Multiple challenges affect girls specifically. Schools are failing youth who are not receiving an education that will prepare them for a successful future including practical skills for a career. Latina girls often do not finish high school at rates equal to their female peers due to language barriers, failing standardized tests, and lack of cultural understanding (2000 Roper Youth Report).

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2002-2005 Kids Count notes that 1/3 of children in Arizona live with only one parent and 18% are poor. Arizona looks worse that the U.S. average on several indicators, especially high school drop out rates (11%) and teen births (61 per 1000). In fact, Arizona ranks 41 out of 50 on such indicators.

Girl Scouts addresses these risks. Girls hone social as well as other skills for a positive sense of self and the tools needed to navigate in our complex world. Girls can relax in a safe, supportive an all girl environment. Research by the Girl Scout Research Institute, Girls Inc. and the Ms. Foundation show that girls believe that when in girl-only groups they can more easily discuss issues they can't in front of boys (91%) and can be themselves (76%).

Each JLP volunteer will make a difference by being that additional caring adult who communicates to a girl, by simply being there, that she is a valued member of society. JLP volunteers, many of whom are employed outside the home, will be role models of successful life decisions. Additionally, they will be demonstrating that it is possible to care for others in addition to one's own personal life, family time and career.