Mentors, volunteers, and donors are quietly changing the world, one girl at a time. Their contributions to Play Like a Girl create monumental shifts, giving young women access to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and sports that they might never have dreamed of before. Together, these supporters are the cornerstone of programs that empower and inspire girls, fostering their growth and potential.

Whether you’re already a supporter or simply curious about how you can contribute to a good cause, this blog explores the essential roles these change-makers play. By the end, you’ll see how your time, knowledge, or financial support might just ripple to inspire a generation of trailblazers. 

Donors: Creating a Ripple of Hope, a Wave of Change

Imagine a 14-year-old girl, Taylor, attends a Play Like a Girl sports camp funded by individual donor contributions. For the first time, she feels like she belongs in sports. That confidence pushes her to join her school’s soccer team, where she learns teamwork, builds friendships, and discovers leadership skills she carries into adulthood. 

This ripple effect doesn’t stop with Taylor. It spreads to her teammates, community, future team at work, and beyond. Essentially, mentors, volunteers, and donors aren’t just helping girls reach their potential; they’re planting seeds of empowerment that grow into forests of change. 

Another example: a generous donation from U.S. Bank funded Play Like a Girl’s Leadership Academy, a transformative program that empowers girls to take responsibility and lead both on and off the playing field. The financial support enabled 50 middle school girls to attend leadership development workshops, where Olivia, a participant, discovered a passion for financial literacy and used her newfound knowledge to start a jewelry business. She even opened her first savings account — a step toward her future success! 

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg, showcasing the long-lasting and tangible difference supporters make. As annual donor Michael L. reflects, “Seeing the tangible difference my contributions make — like providing scholarships for young women of color pursuing STEM degrees — keeps me coming back year after year.”

Mentors and Volunteers: The Driving Force Behind Play Like a Girl

Mentors and volunteers at Play Like a Girl channel their diverse expertise and passion to inspire and empower the next generation. Through their dedication, they bring the mission to life, opening doors to opportunities that transform lives and build brighter futures.

A Tapestry of Industries

Our mentors and volunteers represent a wide variety of fields across all industries and sectors, broadening the horizons for girls in our programs and helping them envision bigger, brighter futures for themselves.

Representation Matters
Ninety-nine percent of our volunteers are women, and they serve as relatable role models for the girls they mentor. Their diversity mirrors the communities Play Like a Girl serves, ensuring every girl sees herself represented and celebrated.

Corporate and Multigenerational Connections
Many volunteers are introduced through corporate Employee Resource Groups, which strengthen workplace engagement while giving back to the community. Additionally, our volunteer and mentor network spans generations, with college students offering fresh perspectives and retirees sharing a wealth of wisdom from their many years of experience.

Impact in Action
Whether guiding a budding engineer through hands-on STEM activities or coaching middle school athletes on the field, our mentors and volunteers form personal, lasting connections that empower girls to dream bigger and aim higher.

Contribute to Play Like a Girl and Enjoy the Myriad Benefits of Giving

Contributing to Play Like a Girl creates life-changing opportunities for young women while offering meaningful benefits to those who give. Discover how your support can make a lasting impact for both them and you.

  • Tax deductions: More than a token of goodwill, year-end giving is also a smart financial move. Your donations to Play Like a Girl are tax-deductible, allowing you to give back while reducing your taxable income. It’s a win for you and an even bigger win for the community. [Donate Now]
  • Bigger impact: Companies sometimes offer matching gift programs, doubling your donation’s impact (e.g., your $100 donation could become a $200 gift ). Some even match volunteer hours with monetary donations. Inquire with your employer today to see if they offer a matching donation program.
  • Stronger social connections: Volunteering and mentoring provide incredible opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, whether they’re cheering alongside you at a Play Like a Girl sports clinic or brainstorming design ideas with middle school girls. Here are some ways you can contribute your time to our cause:
    • #HourWithHer: Dedicate just one hour on National Girls and Women in Sports Day (February) to coach and mentor a girl. Your time and advice can make a world of difference. [Be A Mentor]
    • Play Like a Girl Honors: Spend International Women’s Day (March) inspiring middle school girls, showing them what’s possible for their futures. [Sign Up Now]
  • Personal fulfillment: Celebrate the spirit of giving at our Holiday Huddle, a festive fundraiser to honor our supporters and set the stage for year-end contributions. Join us for an inspiring evening of stories, music, and community. Let’s come together to make a difference and experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back. [Join the Holiday Huddle]

After all, the best reward is knowing you’ve made a difference. As Lisa R., one of our corporate sponsors, says, “Play Like a Girl aligns with my personal values, and I love knowing that my support helps create opportunities for girls to excel.”

The Challenge

At Play Like a Girl, we believe that the combined efforts of talented mentors, dedicated volunteers, and compassionate donors have the power to rewrite the futures of countless girls. Your support doesn’t just shape dreams: it makes them attainable realities. 

Now, the next step is yours to take. Are you ready to help us inspire and uplift the leaders of tomorrow? Every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, and every story shared builds a brighter future for girls who dare to dream big. Join the movement today — because when girls succeed, we all win.