Three beaming teenage girls confidently strode into a conference room at Mass General Hospital last night, where they helped give a public presentation on Coastal Studies for Girls. Ayla, Margaret and Frankline were members of the pioneer class in the first ever residential science and leadership semester school for girls in the country, located in Freeport, Maine.

The prospective students and parents in the room were impressed by their ability to speak articulately, and with passion – about an experience that had significantly impacted their lives. One student is from rural Vermont, the second from the Maine coast, and the third from inner city Boston. When questioned about the highlights of the semester, one student replied, “You know, before I went to CSG, I never said anything, I was reluctant to speak up. And now, I know the importance of using my voice.”

While she spoke, I sat on the sidelines, proud – of the risks they took, the successes they achieved, and the challenges they overcame. And I know that the impact of their learning goes far beyond the experiential marine science and leadership courses they took while with us, and extends into the high school, college, career and life choices they will make.

The book currently on my desk is How Girls Thrive by Jo Ann Deak, PhD. In this book, (updated in 2010; 12 years since the original), Jo Ann discusses how current research continues to dramatically support single-gender classes, especially in middle and high schools. “The research points to structural components of a school or system that can and do influence gender equity. Those reported as positive for girls include single-gender settings that are democratic and collaborative.” She goes on to say that “Girls in these situations generally get better grades, report that they learn more and are more positive about the learning situation, have higher self esteem, and more often move on to advanced courses than do girls in regular coeducational situations.”

I have been keeping up with the reports on single gender education since the late 80′s when there was a lot of buzz about the AAUW reports. I have been pleased to read that the reports continue to show the power of all girls’ environments, and the latest “Why so Few?” is a valuable read.

I am glad the research exists and it makes it a bit more tangible for many people who are skeptics. But when I sit quiet and check in with the mission of Coastal Studies for Girls and its impact on girls (and women), it is my HEART that feels it the most. Beyond the percentages and statistics, girls STILL come to these programs because there is something magical about them, and women STILL make less than their male counterparts in many arenas of the workforce, and girls STILL feel the lack of support to excel (especially in the STEM fields). And when someone asks, “Haven’t we accomplished our work with girls? Haven’t we ‘been there, done that?’ It’s 2010, for goodness sake!” I respond, “When was the last time you sat in a middle or high school classroom?” Because for as far as we have come, we still have a long way to go. And I know that the 15 year old who, after one semester of an all girls program, is just now beginning to find her voice, is finding so much more. The impact she, and other members of her class, will make in their homes, schools and communities, excites me. Their perspective, a can-do attitude, democratic and collaborative, hard-working, community and environmentally minded, with strong intention about who they are and who they want to become – excites me for the world they are entering. The world needs these girls and others like them.

“Oh, to be 15 again!” exclaims nearly every woman over 30 who crosses our threshold. And when I tell them that programs for women are also in the works here, there is a twinkle in their eye, a bit of apprehension, and plenty of anticipation. Keep in touch, women of ALL ages – there is more to come!

For more information, about Coastal Studies for Girls and their upcoming semester long programs, please visit http://www.coastalstudiesforgirls.org/. You’ll also find the Student Gallery where portions of the Pioneer Class and their End of Semester Reflections are gathered.