Dirt Girls is an after-school program that engages youth in garden-based science learning. The program includes 8-10, hourlong sessions; Space is limited to 15 participants.
Planting empowerment since 2016.
Why do kids love it?
- 100% of participants meet friends they didn’t know.
- 100% tried a new skill.
- 92% liked working as a team to complete a job.
- 83% have a garden at home.
- 83% would join this club again.
- 67% learned about what a scientist does.
Interested in hosting Dirt Girls in your school garden?
Return of the Dirt Girls (@New Tech High)
Eight participants wore spring smiles during our twice weekly sessions at New Tech High School. Our spring season started April 18th and was filled with smiles. Why focus on smiles? According to a recent research report from the Wallace Foundation, 84% of parents they surveyed rank the statement, “Your child seems happy/likes attending,” as their #1 priority for Out of School (OST) programming. Read more…
“Thank you so much for being so inclusive and helping the kids foster mutual respect, I know this is challenging to facilitate and you do a great job.
Parent of a Dirt Girls Participant, 2022
Dirt Girls Grow Indoors
Thanks to a COVID-19 relief grant from GlobalGiving we were able to offer a FREE virtual format of our popular after school program, Dirt Girls. DGGI introduced participants to the power of houseplants. Lessons featured horticultural exploration of air plants, succulents, and ferns, while also fostering curiosity and making valuable social connections. Read more…
“My daughter was captivated by the Dirt Girls program, falling in love with all the plants she learned to cultivate. Because of the spark ignited in her, she dreams of being a naturalist.”
Parent of a Dirt Girls Participant, 2021
- Sustaining the Dirt Girls Program (2025)
- Dirt Girls Grow Indoors (2021)
- Return of the Dirt Girls (2020)
- Dirt Girls to the Rescue (2019)
All the Dirt for Engaging Girls Outdoors (2020)
Dirt Girls (@Pueblo Vista)
Dirt Girls began in 2016 as a way to maintain the school garden while I was working full time at Pueblo Vista Magnet School. Through weekly hour-long sessions, 12-15 youth per year engaged in tasks that required problem solving and teamwork, while also developing cross-age relationships and leadership skills. We did STEM projects, took field trips, and completed community service.
schoolgardendoctor.org 