In fall of 2024, Kathy Worley, an industrial arts teacher in Santee, CA, was granted funds for her “Girls in the Shop” Community Impact Project. This project sought to expose young women and their moms to using tools and machines and introduce them to skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.

Student leaders in the Manufacturing and Woods programs at West Hills High School helped spread the word for a robust turnout at this year’s three workshop events. The evenings’ programs included student leaders demonstrating hands-on work with tools and then assisting the girls attending in completing small projects, like constructing tiny planter boxes. Worley also invited female guest speakers from the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters so attendees could learn about their roles as contractors, apprentices, and journeywomen.

“Our girls were introduced to a creative and fun class that showed them they could learn new skills they might have been afraid to try otherwise!” said one mom attending.

Worley recently reported that three girls who attended a workshop night in the spring are currently enrolled in the Construction Tech skilled trades education pathway at West Hills High School. She looks forward to hosting another series of workshops in the future and expanding the program to other schools in the San Diego area with a “how-to” handbook.