Mentorship has been shown to be one of the most powerful influences on young people, especially girls. Studies reveal that girls with mentors are more likely to stay engaged in school, develop confidence, and pursue studies in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) where young women are traditionally underrepresented. But with so many different types of mentorship programs available, how can parents, educators, and caregivers find the best fit for each girl’s unique goals and interests?

This guide will walk you through the different types of mentorship programs for girls, focusing on finding the right fit and highlighting how Play Like a Girl’s unique mentorship model is empowering girls to reach their full potential.

Why Mentorship Matters for Girls

Mentorship provides crucial support that can significantly impact a girl’s personal and professional development. According to research from Mentor: The National Mentoring Partnership, students with mentors are 55 percent more likely to enroll in college, 78 percent more likely to volunteer, and 130 percent more likely to hold leadership positions. In particular, mentorship is a key factor in encouraging girls to pursue non-traditional fields like STEM, where women make up less than 30 percent of the workforce.

At Play Like a Girl, our mentorship programs combine STEM and sports to foster both intellectual and physical empowerment. Our mentors—many of whom are successful women in STEM and sports—work directly with girls to boost their confidence, develop technical skills, and see firsthand how STEM can intersect with sports and everyday life. Through programs like Meet + Mentor and STEM+ Saturdays, girls are given the tools and exposure they need to imagine themselves in successful, fulfilling careers.

Types of Mentorship Programs

When searching for the right mentorship program, it’s essential to understand the different mentorship types available, each suited to unique needs and goals:

1. One-on-One Mentorship

In a one-on-one mentoring relationship, the mentor and mentee work closely to build a trusting, supportive relationship. This personalized format allows the mentor to focus on the individual needs of the mentee, tailoring guidance to address specific goals, skills, or challenges. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters offer one-on-one mentorship and have been particularly impactful in improving academic and social outcomes for girls.

For girls interested in STEM, a one-on-one relationship with a mentor in the field can be transformative. While Play Like a Girl doesn’t provide one-on-one mentorship, we do connect our girls with women professionals from various fields to help girls develop STEM skills while connecting on a personal level with a wide range of inspiring role models.

2. Group Mentorship

In a group mentorship model, one or more mentors work with a small group of mentees. This format encourages collaborative learning and allows girls to build peer relationships while receiving guidance. Group mentorship programs are especially effective for developing teamwork skills and fostering a sense of belonging, which is crucial for girls navigating male-dominated fields like STEM and sports.

Play Like a Girl’s Girls Rock STEM+ Summit is an excellent example of group mentorship in action. The summit brings together middle school girls for hands-on STEM workshops led by industry professionals. This group setting allows girls to learn alongside their peers, making new friends while gaining valuable insights from women in science, tech, and engineering.

3. Episodic Mentorship

Episodic mentorship (also known as “flash mentoring”) provides short-term guidance and support through a structured event, workshop, or session. Unlike traditional mentorship, episodic mentorship doesn’t require a long-term commitment but instead focuses on specific skills or goals. This flexibility is ideal for busy professionals who still want to make a difference and for girls who may only need temporary support for specific skills.

Through episodic mentoring opportunities such as the Inside Look corporate field trips with companies like Amazon and Google, Play Like a Girl offers a glimpse into real-world careers, allowing girls to connect with mentors across industries in short, impactful interactions. This format has proven effective in opening new perspectives, especially for those interested in STEM careers across all industries and sectors.

4. Virtual Mentorship

With advances in technology, virtual mentorship has become a viable option, especially in regions where access to in-person mentors is limited. Virtual mentorship can include regular video calls, online workshops, or even virtual reality experiences to connect mentors and mentees over long distances. This format is ideal for girls who may not have access to female role models in their local communities, particularly in specialized fields like STEM.

Play Like a Girl leverages virtual mentorship as a core component of programs such as Meet + Mentor and Leadership Academy. Through virtual experiences, girls can connect with mentors who may be across the country or even the world, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from women working in STEM careers.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Mentorship Program

Selecting the right mentorship program requires balancing the needs and interests of the girl with the opportunities provided by the program. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Interests and Goals: Is the girl interested in STEM, sports, or other topics? Programs like Play Like a Girl are designed to nurture interest in STEM through sports, while other programs might focus specifically on academic achievement or social development.
  1. Commitment Level: Not all mentorships require the same level of commitment. Play Like a Girl offers both episodic and long-term mentoring, allowing participants to choose the format that best suits their schedules and commitment levels.
  1. Mentor Background: Look for programs that align mentors with the mentee’s interests. At Play Like a Girl, mentors are women in STEM and sports, providing guidance that directly reflects the aspirations of many of our participants.
  1. Program Structure: Some girls thrive in one-on-one settings, while others benefit from group interactions. Play Like a Girl offers a variety of formats to ensure each girl finds the support she needs.
  1. Geographic Accessibility: For families in remote areas, virtual mentorship programs offer an excellent alternative. Play Like a Girl’s virtual options provide accessible mentorship regardless of location.

Mentorship for the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Play Like a Girl’s mentorship programs are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between sports and STEM, creating a supportive environment where girls can excel. With a mission to level the playing field, Play Like a Girl aims to prepare girls for successful futures by empowering them with the skills and mentorship necessary to succeed.

Our mentoring opportunities are designed to provide girls with access to successful women role models in both STEM and sports. By pairing mentorship with real-world experiences, Play Like a Girl gives girls the confidence to envision themselves in dynamic, impactful careers.

As the only organization focused on girls’ mentorship in STEM and sports, Play Like a Girl is leading the way in providing diverse, flexible mentoring opportunities that inspire girls to pursue non-traditional career paths. Through the support of mentors, these girls are not only learning technical skills but also gaining the self-assurance to break barriers in STEM and sports.

Ready to inspire the next generation? Explore how you can support Play Like a Girl’s mentorship programs as a mentor, partner, or donor, and help create a more equitable future for girls in STEM and sports. Together, we can level the playing field.