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The Second City and Funny Girls™ Announce Leadership Program for Girls

The Second City and Funny Girls™ have opened applications for their second annual Chicago Funny Girls™ cohort, a transformative program dedicated to empowering young girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 3–8. This no-cost initiative offers an improv-based leadership curriculum designed to help participants build confidence, create connections, and find their unique voices.

Building on the success of its inaugural year, the program invites public and private schools, enrichment programs, and community organizations across Chicago to apply. The goal is to provide fully funded access to instruction from The Second City's esteemed teaching artists, ensuring that these young leaders receive a multifaceted educational experience rooted in creativity and social-emotional learning.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Since its establishment in 1959, The Second City has been synonymous with comedy and innovation, using improvisation as a tool for learning and collaboration. The Funny Girls™ initiative, originally launched by The Harnisch Foundation in 2015, employs adaptive pedagogical methods derived from the principles laid out by improvisation legend Viola Spolin. This teaching approach emphasizes empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving—a foundation that the Funny Girls™ program builds upon in a fun and engaging environment.

Inside the Funny Girls™ classrooms, laughter is the driving force behind personal growth. Participants engage in improv exercises that are centered around the concept of “Yes, And.” This principle encourages students to trust their instincts, embrace errors as opportunities for learning, and support each other’s ideas. While these activities may appear playful, they are in fact structured exercises that prepare students with life skills applicable in future academic and professional spaces.

Julie Dumais Osborne, Vice President of Training Centers at The Second City, emphasizes the profound impact of improv on building connections: “We've observed how improvisation empowers young individuals to relate more deeply to themselves and each other. By continuing this work in Chicago, we can broaden access to powerful leadership experiences, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of comedic talent.”

Program Details and Application Process

The application process is open now for all types of institutions catering to girls in grades 3–8. Notably, those that apply before April 30, 2026, will be given priority. Each selected participating institution will benefit from comprehensive instruction in the Funny Girls™ social-emotional learning leadership curriculum provided by trained teaching artists from The Second City. Additionally, resources for educators will be supplied to ensure the program's successful execution and sustainability within the school or community environment.

The next cohort is set to kick off in September 2026, allowing for flexible program formats that meet the unique needs of partnering organizations. This adaptability ensures that even more girls can participate in lively, supportive settings where they can cultivate confidence, collaboration, and authentic leadership skills through the art of improv.

The Second City's Ongoing Commitment

As The Second City celebrates over 65 years of performance and education, its mission continues to focus on engaging with young people to prepare them for leadership roles. Through programs like Funny Girls™, The Second City strives to create an inclusive space where creativity flourishes, and diverse voices are amplified.

For further information on application requirements and details, interested parties can visit funnygirls.org/secondcity for comprehensive guidance and links to applications.

In summary, the Chicago Funny Girls™ leadership program stands as a beacon of opportunity for young girls and gender-expansive youth. Advocates hope that continued support and participation will empower the current generation to harness their potential and inspire others as they grow.