Girls & Young Women – Resource Kit
This is a collection of resources focused on the experiences, challenges, and opportunities facing girls and young women. Some reports and materials are produced by the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) and others come from widely recognized researchers, organizations, and experts who study topics related to the development and well-being of girls and young women. Together, these materials offer research-based insights, practical tools, and guidance for parents, educators, and community leaders who support and work with girls and young women. To get involved in positive change, take action by exploring what you can do as individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Online Courses
- College & Leadership: Opening the Door to Your Future
- Exploring Your Purpose: Talents, Callings, and Influence
- Overcoming Impostor Syndrome for Women
Animated Videos on the Benefits of College (UEN)
- A Dad's Impact on Higher Education
- Civic Life
- Economic Benefits of Higher Education
- Higher Education for Moms
- Mental Health Benefits of Higher Education
- Personal Benefits of Higher Education
- Physical Health Benefits of Higher Education
- Saving for College
- Secret to College Success
- The Gift of a Higher Education
Videos: College Attendance
Career Exploration Video Series
- Careers in Architecture
- Careers in Banking
- Careers in Engineering
- Careers in Law
- Careers in Local Government
- Careers in Nonprofit
- Careers in Public Relations & Communications
- Careers in Sports
- Careers in Teaching
- Careers in Therapy
Research Reports
- Human Trafficking Among Utah Girls and Women - 2022
- Suicide Among Utah Girls and Women - 2022
- The Benefits of Higher Education for Women in Utah - 2011
- The College Attendance Decisions of Young Women in Utah - 2011
- The Influence of a Father on a Daughter’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of a Mother on a Daughter’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of Aspirations on a Young Woman’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of College Preparation Activities on a Young Woman’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of Finances on a Young Woman’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of Other Significant People on a Young Woman’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of Religion and Values on a Young Woman’s College Decision, 2011
- The Influence of School Activities and Leadership Roles on a Young Woman’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of School Counselors and Administrators on a Young Woman’s College Decision - 2011
- The Influence of Teachers on a Young Woman’s College Decision - 2011
- The Value of Higher Education for Women in Utah - 2010
- Utah Girls, Young Women, and Physical Activity - 2021
- Utah Organizations Supporting Women & Girls: Exploring the Landscape - 2025
- What Utahns Can Do to Strengthen Girls & Women: Findings from Community Conversations Across Utah - 2025
Key Resources
- Conversation Guide: Strengthening Utah Girls & Young Women
- Human Trafficking Among Utah Girls and Women (Infographic)
- Local “What Can I Do?” Reports – Ideas from County Community Conversations
- Other Role-Specific “What Can I Do?” Reports – Ideas from Community Conversations [Academic Advisors, Athletic Coaches, Business Leaders, City Council Members, Elementary School Administrators, Fathers, Inclusion Specialists, Interfaith Leaders, Male Allies, Mayors, Media Professionals, Mothers, School Counselors, Therapists, Women in Medicine, Women’s Networks & Groups, and Young Women Leaders]
- Programs for Girls Ages 5-18
- Utah Girls, Young Women, and Physical Activity (Infographic) [Spanish]
- Utah Women’s Groups, Networks, and Organizations (includes girls/young women)
- Why Should Utah Women Graduate from College? The Benefits of Higher Education [Spanish]
Women’s Leadership Forums & Speaker Series
- Beauty Redefined (Drs. Lindsay & Lexie Kite) - 2017
- Building Emotional Resilience in Girls and Young Women (Dr. Jennifer Doty & Jessica Peterson) - 2022
- Building Resilience in Girls and Young Women (Dr. Matthew J. Swenson) - 2017
- Emotional Wellbeing for Young Women: Understanding Your Brain, Body, and Behavior (Dr. Christy Kane) - 2020
- Finding Opportunities as Young Women to Serve in the Community (Alexis Plamer & Summer Valente) - 2018
- Health & Well-Being for Young Women (Liz Darger & Holly Willard) - 2019
- Navigating Transitions - Young Women in Transition (Shirlayne Quayle & Noemy Medina) - 2018
- Raising Girls to Become Leaders - Competence, Confidence, & Courage (Panel) - 2019
- Raising Girls to Become Leaders (Dr. Susan R. Madsen) - 2019
- Strengthen Your Confidence as Young Women (Dr. Susan R. Madsen) - 2016
- Strengthening the Impact of Girls & Women (Elaine Dalton) - 2017
- Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence: A Discussion with Utah Experts - 2023
- You Don't Have to Wait to Lead as Young Women (Panel) - 2018
Articles
- By Investing in Girls' Sports Today, Businesses Help Create the Leaders of Tomorrow (Forbes, 2022)
- Concerning Research on Girls’ Stress and Well-Being (Daily Herald, 2025)
- Girls and School – Research That Matters (Daily Herald, 2025)
- Girls, Young Women, and Physical Activity (LinkedIn, 2021)
- Listening to Utah’s Youth — A Safety Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight (Deseret News, 2026)
- Movies to Watch with Your Daughters (and Sons) (The Daily Herald, 2020)
- Raising Girls to Become Leaders (LinkedIn, 2020)
- The Power of Coaches (Standard-Examiner, 2020)
- Troubling Research on Girls, Confidence, and Social Media (Standard-Examiner, 2025)
- We should Encourage Girls to Play Sports (Deseret News, 2018)
- What Utahns Can Do to Strengthen Girls and Women: Findings from Community Conversations Across Utah (LinkedIn, 2025)
- Why I Opened Savings Accounts for My Newborn Grandchildren (Deseret News, 2018)
If you have any changes or additions, please email UWLP@usu.edu.
- Adolescent Health Data Tool - HHS Office of Population Affairs
- The Girls Index by ROX
- Research & Data -Girl Scouts
- Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Explorer
- #LikeAGirl – Unstoppable | Always - 2015
- Always ‘Like a Girl’ Super Bowl Commercial - 2014
- Body Positivity or Body Obsession? Learning to See More & Be More - 2017
- Dear Media: An Athlete is Her Say | Dove Film - 2016
- Educate a Girl. Change the World - 2014
- Girl Rising: Educate Girls, Change the World - 2021
- Redefining Beauty One Photo at a Time | Dove Films - 2014
- Seeing The Beauty in Our Friends and Ourselves | Dove Films - 2014
- Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection - 2016
- The Code | Dove Self-Esteem Project Film - 2024
- The Dream Gap Project - 2019
- Toxic Influence | Dove Self-Esteem Project Film - 2022
- 1A: The Confidence Code For Girls (Apr. 5, 2018)
