Girl Driven Research Project

Girl-Driven Research Project (GDRP) engages ten young women each year in an intensive research project focused on the community issue of their choice. Participants engage in workshops on a range of social justice issues before selecting a topic. Participants distribute, collect, and analyze the results of hundreds of surveys.

The team explores social justice issues and work with research mentors and adult allies to develop a research question; create a research tool; and collect and analyze data. Participants present their findings in person at community centers throughout Chicago, as well as online through a youth-created blog.

Last year, GDRP members explored ways that music effects youth culture. The group designed a survey and a music listening party that collected data from over 300 participants.

The program will be held on Thursdays from 5pm to 7:30pm. To join, all members must be committed to attending all program days. If you’re interested in researching a topic and learning new skills as well as meeting young women who share a desire to do something positive please join us! Open to young women aged 14 and older. All applicants will be interviewed before joining. Members will be compensated for their work in this program. Members also can earn service learning hours for participating in different service projects over the course of the school year.

Application Deadline is September 30th by 5pm. For more information or to apply, contact Paige at 773.506.7474 or pazuma@alternativesyouth.org. Girl World's Kick-Off Event and information session is September 29 at 4:30pm.