Washington, D.C. (Map, News) - One of D.C.'s largest child-centered nonprofits is hosting a citywide forum today geared specifically toward teen girls - a group that is increasingly struggling with violence, poverty and pregnancy.

The event, put on by the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, is expected to draw as many as 100 girls.

The idea is to engage teens in productive dialogue as a means to spur them to remain in school and engaged in learning, according to Ellen London, director of communications and government relations for the trust.

London said the breakout sessions, led by experts, will also focus on topics such as the teens' bodies.

"We want them to get a sense of what it means to enter the work force and how to prepare for life after high school," she said. "These are key skills."

According to city government figures, the city's teen pregnancy rate, although declining, is among the nation's highest. About 85 percent of black girls in D.C. also live in poverty, while both male and female high school students a drop out of school at a high rate. The latest statistics indicate that a mere 9 percent of D.C. students make it through both high school and college.

Looked at collectively, these facts create a challenging climate for girls in the District, which is why the trust has taken a particular interest in that group, administrators said.

Three years ago, the trust started meeting with its grantee organizations to better understand resources in the community for teen girls. Today's forum, now in its second year, was an outgrowth of those conversations.

The trust is working with Columbia Heights Youth Club, Girls, Inc., Young Women's Project, Young Ladies of Tomorrow, Alcanzando Metas Foundation, The Fishing School, DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the Greater Fellowship Full Gospel Baptist Church.

IF YOU GO

When: 8 am to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave. NW

Cost: free

dlevitz@dcexaminer.com