All Girls Skateboard Club at Harding Middle School

During the summer in 2019, Skate Philly, Vans Shoes, Nocturnal Skate Shop, 5th Pocket Skateparks, Philly Sk8 Thursd8s and many other individuals raised funds to provide the opportunity for 12 girls from Harding Middle School to enroll in Skate The Foundry’s After School Skateboard Program. Each participant received a new complete skateboard, a pair of Vans skate shoes, and four instructors to introduce them to skateboarding. Most of these girls had seen skateboarding at their local skatepark, Whitehall, which is directly across from their school. However, due to skateboarding being historically male-centered, the girls thought they wouldn’t be able to learn nor be accepted as skaters. Over our 8 week journey, these girls are now fully confident cruising around, hitting ramps, popping ollies and manualing around at Whitehall.

We are excited to share skateboarding with people who never thought would be stepping on a board, and encourage them that anyone can do it regardless of gender, age, and/or background. Our After School skateboard program provides a way that students are not competing against each other, but with themselves, to gain different skills that they will need throughout their lives. They are not only learning how to skateboard, but how to explore their physical and mental capabilities while exercising and having fun.

We want to acknowledge Melanie Bartlett for her dedication in making this program happen. Thank you!