Best Women's Programs in Pennsylvania — 17 resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services, MidPenn Legal Services, and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) serve women.

17 Resources

1. Pennsylvania Commission for Women — Free

State commission advocating for women's issues in Harrisburg. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

(717) 787-8128 · Room 400 Forum Bldg, Harrisburg, PA 17120 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. Philadelphia Foundation — Women's Programs — Free

Grants and programs for women and girls in Philadelphia. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

(215) 563-6417 · 1835 Market St Suite 2410, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Dress for Success — Philadelphia — Free

Professional attire and career coaching for women and girls in Philadelphia. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

(215) 561-1780 · 1522 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Dress for Success — Pittsburgh — Free

Professional attire and career coaching for women and girls in Pennsylvania. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

(412) 201-7629 · Pittsburgh, PA · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh — Free

Programs empowering women in Pittsburgh. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

(412) 391-5100 · 305 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Women's Way — Philadelphia — Free

Advocacy and funding for women's organizations in Philadelphia. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

(215) 985-3322 · 123 S Broad St Suite 1860, Philadelphia, PA 19109 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Women's Business Enterprise Council — Eastern PA — Free

Certification and support for women-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

(215) 790-9232 · Philadelphia, PA · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia — Free

Programs for girls and young women in Pennsylvania. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm.

(215) 854-1780 · Philadelphia, PA · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

9. Women Against Abuse — Philadelphia — Free

Comprehensive services for women surviving DV in Pennsylvania. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Available 24/7.

(215) 386-1280 · Philadelphia, PA (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

10. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

American Association of University Women advances equity through education, advocacy, and research. Women can join a local branch, apply for fellowships, and access free salary negotiation training at aauw.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

NOW is the largest grassroots feminist organization in the US, advocating for reproductive rights, workplace equity, and an end to violence against women. Local chapters take action nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. League of Women Voters — Free

Nonpartisan organization with chapters in every state encouraging women to register, vote, and engage in civic life. Provides voter guides and candidate forums at lwv.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. YWCA USA — Free

National YWCA works to eliminate racism and empower women through local YWCAs offering emergency housing, childcare, job training, and DV services nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Women's Funding Network — Free

Global coalition of women's foundations and funds investing in programs addressing economic security, safety, and leadership for women and girls. Member directory at womensfundingnetwork.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Junior League — Free

International organization of women committed to voluntarism, leadership development, and community improvement. Local chapters across the US offer training and community projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Soroptimist International — Free

Global volunteer organization of business and professional women that improves lives of women and girls through Live Your Dream Awards and local service projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. Zonta International — Free

Zonta International is a global service organization of professionals empowering women through service projects, scholarships, and vocational training grants at zonta.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Pennsylvania?
Women's Corner tracks 17 women's programs resources for women in Pennsylvania.
Are women's programs resources in Pennsylvania free?
17 of the 17 listed women's programs resources in Pennsylvania are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Pennsylvania have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Pennsylvania?
Featured entries include Pennsylvania Commission for Women, Philadelphia Foundation — Women's Programs, Dress for Success — Philadelphia, Dress for Success — Pittsburgh, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
9 of 17 Pennsylvania women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.