Some days don’t go exactly as planned in the best possible way. What started as a simple outing turned into something much more meaningful for our Girls Connect students.
Girls Connect is a program created and led by Sue Anne Kaples, Director of Alternate Curriculum Schools, with a clear purpose in mind.
“Because there are fewer girls across our Bridgeport high school programs, we wanted to create intentional opportunities for them to come together and build real connections with one another,” said Ms. Kaples.
These events go beyond getting out of the classroom. They create space where friendships can grow and where students feel comfortable being themselves.
This time, students from our Culver City and Sherman Oaks campuses spent the day at The Grove. The plan was simply to enjoy some time together and explore, but thanks to the generosity of The Grove and the Caruso team (who manages and oversees The Grove and its guest experience), the day became something much more special.
The group was welcomed with a VIP tour through the Grove. They visited the Apple Store and Sephora, where the girls had the chance to explore and have fun. At Sephora, the girls enjoyed trying on makeup and experimenting with different styles. At Apple, they had a great time using the display phones and testing out different features.
What stood out just as much as the activities themselves was the way store employees showed up. They were warm and genuinely invested in making sure the students felt welcome.
Lunch at the Original Farmers Market gave everyone a chance to slow down and sit together. Over pizza, conversations flowed more easily and connections deepened. Some students wrapped up the day with a sweet treat from the ice cream shop, a small moment that felt like the perfect ending to an already full day.
Toward the end of the visit, the team at The Grove surprised students and staff with thoughtfully prepared goodie bags. Each one was filled with treats from Grove stores, along with a special Grove trolley pin collectible. It was an unexpected gesture that meant a lot. The students felt so seen and appreciated.
“I’m really excited to be here and meet new people. My experience is that I love it here,” shared Bridgeport student Sasha.
“Throughout the day, you could see exactly why Girls Connect exists. Students who may not cross paths during a typical school day were laughing together and getting to know one another. There was a sense of ease that grew as the day went on; the kind that comes from feeling included,” said Help Group CEO Dr. Susan Berman.
We are so grateful to The Grove and the Caruso team for going above and beyond to make this experience so memorable. Their kindness helped turn a simple outing into a day our students won’t forget.
Most of all, we are proud of our students for showing up with openness and a willingness to connect. This day reflected what Girls Connect is all about.