WASHINGTON (7News) — A new girls’ empowerment program is coming to D.C. The program, founded by Monumental Sports and Entertainment, is intended to support girls’ playing and coaching sports in the region.

The organization is partnering with Coach Across America to support women seeking professional careers in coaching with support from some of D.C.’s professional sports teams, including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, and Washington Mystics.

She Changes the Game D.C. will engage coaches to reach more than 1,000 K-12 D.C. youth over four years, the organization announced.

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The push to increase exposure and opportunities for women athletes and professionals has been gradual.

Studies show women who played competitive sports apply that knowledge and experience in their professional lives as well.

About 85% of women who played sports said the skills they developed in that area helped them in their professional life, according to a 2023 Deloitte study. In the same study, 69% of women who earned $100,000 and were in leadership roles played competitive sports.

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“Sports equips girls with confidence, community, and a clear runway for who they can become,” said Monica Dixon, President, External Affairs, Chief Administrative Officer, and Foundation Board Chair, Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “By investing in and supporting a pipeline of trained female coaches, Monumental is building the foundation that keeps girls engaged in sport and positions them to lead, both on and off the field.”

Additionally, D.C. pro sports teams will also host activations focused on girls’ empowerment, including:

Continued amplification of the Capitals’ award-winning ALL CAPS ALL HER platform. The program has elevated the game for over 2,000 women and girls in the Washington area since its launch in 2021 through adult and youth hockey programs, professional development opportunities, and coach/referee trainingsThe Mystics’ annual Her Time to Play game presented by CarMax on Sun. Aug. 17 against the Los Angeles Sparks. This annual theme game inspires young girls to participate in youth sports, sparking the next generation of female athletes in the DMV through in-game activities, inspiring messages from female athletes, a sports bra donation drive, and fun giveaways.To officially kick off the initiative, Monumental Sports will hold a sports clinic in partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS) for students at the Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHEC) and provide free sports bras ahead of Summer break.