National Mentoring Month is a time to recognize the incredible power of mentorship, and I Am A Mentor Day shines a spotlight on those who step forward to make a difference. Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s a bridge to opportunity, inspiration, and success, especially for girls and young women who face unique barriers in sports, STEM, and other male-dominated fields.

At Play Like a Girl, we’ve seen firsthand how mentorship changes lives. Girls gain confidence, set bold goals, and see possibilities they never imagined. Today, we celebrate mentors everywhere and invite you to become part of this transformative journey.

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship has been shown to create life-changing outcomes. Research indicates that young people with mentors are:

  • 55% more likely to enroll in college.
  • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly.
  • 90% interested in becoming mentors themselves.

For girls and young women, these benefits are even more critical. Despite making up nearly half of the workforce, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, STEM careers, and professional sports. Mentorship provides girls with the tools, confidence, and networks they need to succeed.

Mentorship in Action

At Play Like a Girl, our mentorship programs are designed to meet girls where they are. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

  1. Flash mentoring: Our flash mentoring model allows busy professionals to make an impact without long-term commitments. These short-term engagements expose girls to diverse role models and mentors who share their experiences to inspire them to dream big.
  2. Role Models: Our Game Changers ambassador program is a collective of influential women in sports, STEM, business, and beyond who believe in the mantra: “If you can see it, you can be it.” Through social media and live events, these women share their stories and encourage others to mentor.
  3. Conferences: Our annual Girls Rock STEM+ and Leadership Summits brings together middle school girls and women leaders for a day of hands-on learning, connection, and inspiration. Hosted at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the 2025 Play Like a Girl Leadership Summit features interactive panels, skills-building workshops, and group mentoring sessions focused on helping girls develop the leadership skills needed to succeed on and off the playing field.

Success Stories

Mentorship changes lives. Take Maia, a middle schooler who discovered her passion for coding after being matched with two woman engineers in our six-week e-mentoring program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, she’s a high school junior preparing to major in computer science.

Christina, a mentor, shared:

“Mentoring through Play Like a Girl has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching my mentee discover her potential reminds me why I do what I do every day.”

How to Get Involved

Becoming a mentor is easier than you think. Here’s how to start:

  1. Visit Our Website: Go to iplaylikeagirl.org/mentor to learn more about mentoring.
  2. Sign Up: Fill out a simple form and let us match you with a group of 5-7 mentees.
  3. Start Making a Difference: Whether you’re mentoring for an hour or a year, your time can change a girl’s life forever.

Today is your day to step up. Join us at Play Like a Girl and help create a brighter future for girls everywhere. Visit iplaylikeagirl.org/mentor to learn more and sign up today.