Conference Will Help Girls Meet the Future

To help young women meet future challenges, a coalition of nonprofit groups has organized a conference next week called “Preparing Girls for the 21st Century.”

Monday is the registration deadline for the event, set for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at Laguna Beach High School, 425 Park Ave.

The event involves two simultaneous conferences: one for South County girls in grades seven to 12 and the second for the adults who care about them, including teachers and relatives.

The conference aims to help girls discuss their dreams, ideas, fears and frustrations; learn leadership and initiative; and overcome the challenges they’ll face as they grow up. Among topics covered will be self-esteem and body image, technology and the workplace, the rights of teenagers, health and reproductive issues, women in politics, diversity, the environment and interaction among teens.

Admission is $15 for adults in advance, $20 at the door. Girls are admitted free. Information: (949) 497-3034.