Chicago Girls Explore STEM at Pretty Empowered Event
The annual program welcomed 150 local students to learn about careers in the beauty industry and cosmetic science.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Beauty
Live Poll
Do you believe youth development programs effectively prepare students for future career paths in your area?
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation hosted 150 girls for the Pretty Empowered event on October 24, 2026. The program introduced participants to career pathways in STEM and the business of beauty.
Why it matters
The event aims to build self-confidence among participants and provide early exposure to professional roles in science and retail. Organizers increased the attendance limit to 150 to mark the 150th anniversary of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
This year saw 150 girls between the ages of 9 and 14 participate in the program, compared to 100 in previous years. Historical survey data shows 89% of participants recognize the value of self-care, while 90% identify the value of leadership.
The players
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
This organization is a long-standing institution that works to promote women's empowerment and community service in the region.
Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation
This foundation supports community-based programs focused on empowering women and youth through education and professional development.
The details
Attendees engaged in hands-on workshops covering cosmetic science, product development, branding, marketing, and retail operations. The program also featured a youth-led panel discussion with participants from the Summer Empowered initiative.
Timeline
The Pretty Empowered program first launched in Chicago in 2015.
The program was reintroduced as a youth-serving initiative in 2022.
The program expanded to eight total sites across 2024 and 2025.
150 girls attended the Pretty Empowered event on October 24, 2026.
Culture Shift
This event follows a pattern set by the historical trend of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago youth programming. It reflects a broader shift toward integrating STEM education into extracurricular youth initiatives to prepare students for modern career landscapes.
Local families may see expanded opportunities for youth engagement as the organization continues to grow its site count. For participants, the workshops offer a practical introduction to professional skills that can influence future academic and career decisions.
The takeaway
Programs that bridge the gap between STEM and creative industries help students visualize diverse professional futures. Parents can monitor future YWCA event calendars to identify upcoming opportunities for youth enrichment in the Chicago area.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry trends in our Beauty section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Defender.
Live Poll
Do you believe youth development programs effectively prepare students for future career paths in your area?
