Confidence Guide for West Virginia Girls

Research shows that girls’ confidence levels drop by about 30% between the ages of 8 and 14 years. They begin to worry about failing or feel pressure to be perfect, which can keep girls from pursuing courses of study that would lead to more financially rewarding careers and contributes to the gender pay gap.

The Education group wants to identify activities that support confidence in girls to help them reach their full potential. Over the next few months, once the required institutional review board approval process is complete, to ensure that the project meets ethics regulations, this group will hold focus groups with girls in 6th and 8th grade to learn why they lose confidence around these ages.

Prospective counties include Doddridge, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Monongalia, Nicholas, Wetzel, Wirt and Wood.

Stay tuned!