A. ECO Girls is a program for 2nd through 6th grade urban girls who live in the cities and towns of Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. (Although geared toward encouraging girls to participate, all children from these areas may apply to the program, regardless of gender. Children who have completed the 6th grade are not eligible.)

ECO Girls is looking for girls who want to learn, build new friendships, and explore the natural areas of our region in a fun, respectful environment. There are 12-15 spots for the 2nd-4th grade Roots group and 18-20 spots for the 5th-7th grade Shoots group.

Q. How do I sign my child up for ECO Girls?

A. Fill out the online form found on the Apply page or contact us at 734 936-4374 or eco.girls@umich.edu and request that a paper application be mailed to you. Mail the form back to: ECO Girls, Department of Afroamerican & African Studies, 4700 Haven Hall, 505 S. State St. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Q. When is the application due?

A. The ECO Girls school year program runs from September 2013 through May 2014. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Q. How much does the program cost?

A. ECO Girls is a non-profit community project funded by grants and voluntary family contributions based on a sliding scale.

Fall 2013 Rates:

ECO Girls Roots: 2nd through 4th grade and ECO Girls Shoots: 5th through 7th grade:
The program fee for the ECO Girls Fall program is $20/session. We also accept a one time payment of $60 for the Fall semester of programming. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need. These fees are for participation from October to December (3 half day events).

These funds help us to provide healthy lunches, snacks, craft supplies, T-shirts, field trips, and supervision for your child.

Parents who cannot afford the program fee are still encouraged to apply for a spot for your child, as SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. Scholarships will be funded by grants and can be awarded to families in need of assistance. The financial status of each child who applies will remain confidential and will not affect selection for the program. To apply for a scholarship please apply for the program and indicate a financial need in the application.

Registration for the week-long ECO Girls summer camp (Camp Bluestem) on the University of Michigan campus will be charged separately. All of the ECO Girls Shoots are given preference for the camp that will be designed especially for middle schoolers, however all are encouraged to apply. Details about the camp can be found here. More details will be posted later in the year.

Q. When is payment due?

A. Payment is due at the beginning of each event.

Q. Can I pay in installments throughout the year?

A. Monthly installments are not preferred. However, if making payments as described above is a challenge for your family, please contact us about the possibility of other payment arrangements. All drop off payments can be made the morning of the event. Any other payments made outside of these dates can be mailed in to: ECO Girls, Department of Afroamerican & African Studies, 4700 Haven Hall, 505 S. State St. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Q. Can I use a credit card?

A. Credit cards cannot be accepted at this time.

Q. Who should I make the check out to?

A. Checks should be made payable to the University of Michigan, with ECO Girls and the child's name in the memo.

Q. How can parents and grandparents get involved?

A. Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians are welcome to join the groups while in session and to support ECO Girls activities with your presence, experience, and caring.

In addition, parents, guardians, or grandparents are invited to volunteer at the Saturday events. Also check the Events page on our website for announcements of special events planned especially with parents in mind.

Q. Who will be with my child during ECO Girls gatherings and events?

A. Two adults from the ECO Girls organizing team (see the People page for bios) will attend every session and event. They will usually be joined by University of Michigan students (over the age of 18) who work with the project for college credit or who volunteer with the project. The normal ratio of adults to children will be one to three or four. The Eco Girls will also frequently interact with staff members at the YMCA, the Leslie Science and Nature Center, and the Trotter Multicultural Center, three of the project's key community partners.

Q: Do you provide transportation to ECO Girl events?

A: We are unable to provide transportation to all ECO Girl events but the Detroit Connector will service our campus on Saturdays. Go here to sign up for the connector.

Q. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

A. Please visit our Contact page. We also invite you to check back here from time to time; we will add new questions and answers as they come to our attention. Thanks for your interest in ECO Girls.