Girls Inc. of the Central Coast began in 1999 in one high school as one program: Education, Careers, Health, Opportunities (ECHO). In 2001, the ACTION Council of Monterey County adopted ECHO as its major project with the intention of expanding services, developing organizational capacity and sustainability and - when ready - spinning it off as an independent nonprofit organization. In 2003, the programs became a provisional Girls Inc., and in 2006 it achieved its independance. Since then, Girls Inc. has grown to serve more than 900 girls in 20 schools in 6 cities. Girls Inc. of the Central Coast's future plans include expanding to offer its programs in San Benito and Santa Cruz, in addition to Monterey County.