GEM Program

Designed By Girls, For Girls

GEM’s mentorship program was developed with educators, social workers and policy experts in conjunction with high-school girls. Using collaborative design-thinking, they created a program for girls, by girls, to overcome barriers as they transition into adulthood.

We individually match each GEM girl with a qualified and trained GEM mentor for a nine-month period running concurrently with the academic year. In collaboration with community, corporate partners and a dynamic body of committed and passionate volunteers, GEM delivers one-on-one mentorship, leadership and professional development workshops, enrichment opportunities, scholarships, and paid internships all focusing on employment skills and a growth mindset.

Program Goals

1. Reduced Systemic Barriers
Youth impacted are vulnerable to lessened academic and career opportunities based on socio-economic status.
2. Improved academic opportunities
Mentors demonstrating what they have achieved through education, increasing mentee’s attitudes towards a career goal.
3. Improved career guidance
Mentees can discover their own path by connecting to mentors in similar career fields, and with similar work passions.
4. Improved self-confidence
Build confidence in abilities, being able to communicate strengths and practice speaking with mentors about their career aspirations.
5. Enriched social capital
Broadened horizons through exposure to new people and experiences.

Program Pillars

Program Impact

96%

Learned to present for a job interview*

96%

Learned about their personal strengths*

84%

Learned to stay motivated, despite difficulties*

85%

Accepted into first-choice universities**

74%

Felt GEM improved their academics and professional development**

82%

Attribute their success to having a mentor**

Read our past Annual Impact Reports to learn more about our program impact.

Comparative Statistics

Learn more about GEM's conclusive outcomes and data from the last three years.

Apply to the GEM Program

GEM gave me a first taste of what ‘owning my future’ feels like – set goals, make plans, seek opportunities and take action.
Shirley

Alumna and Scholarship Recipient, 2019

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