Mentorship has always been recognized as a key factor in the success of individuals, particularly in the early stages of their careers.

For many young professionals, mentorship is the bridge between classroom learning and real-world application. However, the opportunity for mentorship is not equally available to all. Young people—especially girls and those from underrepresented backgrounds—often face barriers in accessing the guidance and support they need to thrive. This mentorship gap is an issue that needs to be addressed at the national level, and one of the most effective ways to do so is through corporate volunteerism.

As a corporate volunteer, you have the power to play a pivotal role in closing this gap by championing mentorship within your organization. This article will explore how corporate volunteers can engage in the national effort to close the mentorship gap, starting a program at their company and creating a pipeline of mentors who not only support young professionals within their organization but also serve as mentors to girls in their communities. We’ll also highlight an exciting opportunity for corporate volunteers to connect with girls at Play Like a Girl Honors this International Women’s Day, where you can join forces with colleagues to mentor middle school girls in a meaningful way.

The Mentorship Gap: A National Challenge

According to recent reports, one in three young people will grow up without a mentor. This statistic is even more troubling when you consider the long-term impact that the lack of mentorship can have on a young person’s academic, social, and career success. For girls, especially those from underrepresented or marginalized communities, the gap is even wider. Without female role models to look up to, young girls may not feel empowered to pursue their dreams, particularly in spaces where women are underrepresented, such as STEM and sports.

The lack of mentorship also creates a cycle where the next generation of female leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers do not have the tools or support they need to break through barriers and succeed in their future careers. This is not just a personal issue—it’s a national crisis that limits potential across industries and communities.

As part of the national effort to close this mentorship gap, Play Like a Girl is working to engage corporate volunteers in this important work. Companies like U.S. Bank, Amazon, and Turner Construction have the unique ability to influence and shape the next generation of leaders by establishing mentorship programs for their employees, as well as by partnering with social impact initiatives that provide mentorship opportunities for girls. This is where corporate volunteerism becomes a powerful tool for change.

Closing the Mentorship Gap

Corporate volunteers have the opportunity to contribute to the national mentorship effort by advocating for mentorship within their own companies. Many employees look for more than just a paycheck—they want to feel connected to a cause, to see their work making a difference in the world. Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to provide this sense of purpose. By starting a mentorship program at work, corporate volunteers can build a culture of collaboration, learning, and support for women at all career stages within their organization, while also giving back to the community by mentoring young girls and women.

Corporate mentorship programs offer many benefits, including:

  1. Employee Development: A mentorship program creates an opportunity for employees to grow by developing new skills, expanding their networks, and gaining confidence. This is especially important for young professionals who may not have had access to mentorship in their early careers.
  2. Stronger Employee Engagement: Employees who are engaged in mentorship are more likely to stay with the company and feel a sense of loyalty to the organization. They know that their company values their personal development and cares about the success of the next generation.
  3. Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce: Mentorship programs are especially important for underrepresented groups. By focusing on providing mentorship to women, minorities, and other underrepresented communities, companies can create more diverse and inclusive workplaces where employees feel supported and empowered.
  4. Connecting Employees to the Community: Through mentorship, employees can connect with young people in the community, helping to break down barriers and create a more equitable society. For many girls, seeing women in leadership roles is the spark that encourages them to pursue careers in fields where women are underrepresented. Corporate mentorship programs can bridge the gap between girls’ dreams and their reality.

How to Start a Mentoring Program at Your Company

Starting a mentorship program at your company is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Assess the Need for Mentorship: Before launching a mentorship program, it’s essential to understand the needs of your employees. Conduct surveys to gauge interest in mentorship, and identify potential mentors and mentees. Look for specific groups who may benefit most from mentorship, such as young women in leadership roles or employees from underrepresented backgrounds.
  2. Define the Program’s Goals: Determine the goals of the program. Are you focused on career development, skill-building, or leadership training? Setting clear objectives will help guide the structure of the program and ensure that mentors and mentees have a shared understanding of what the relationship is intended to achieve.
  3. Match Mentees and Mentors: One of the most important aspects of a successful mentorship program is ensuring that mentors and mentees are well-matched. Look for individuals whose skills, career goals, and personalities align. For example, if a new or early-career employee is interested in advancing in the tech field, match them with a senior female leader in technology who can provide insight and guidance.
  4. Offer Support and Training: Mentorship is a two-way street. While mentors have valuable experience to offer, it’s also important to provide them with resources and training to make the relationship as effective as possible. Consider offering mentorship training sessions that cover topics like communication skills, setting expectations, and creating a plan for growth.
  5. Track Progress and Offer Feedback: Monitor the progress of the mentorship program regularly. Solicit feedback from both mentees and mentors to ensure that the program is working as intended. This will help you make adjustments and improve the program over time.
  6. Celebrate Successes and Scale the Program: Once your mentorship program has achieved its goals, celebrate the success of your mentees and mentors. Public recognition and appreciation are key motivators, and they help highlight the value of mentorship within the company. As the program grows, consider scaling it by expanding the number of participants or partnering with external organizations to broaden its impact.

A Special Opportunity for Corporate Volunteers

Play Like a Girl Honors is an exciting opportunity for your company to make a lasting impact in the lives of middle school girls in Nashville this International Women’s Day. This annual event celebrates the achievements of remarkable women in our community, while also raising funds to support Play Like a Girl’s mentorship programs for young girls.

This year’s Honors event is even more special thanks to the exclusive speed mentoring session offered during the VIP Reception. This is an opportunity for corporate volunteers, including women’s networks and Employee Resource Groups, to connect directly with middle school girls from Play Like a Girl’s programs. Together, mentees and mentors will engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and build connections that have the potential to last a lifetime.

Here’s a sneak peek at what makes Play Like a Girl Honors a unique experience:

  1. Mentoring Across All Ages and Stages: The central theme of the event is mentorship. Play Like a Girl Honors brings together women who are already making a significant impact in their fields and connects them with ambitious young girls who are eager to follow in their footsteps. Whether you’re established in your career or just starting out, this event provides a rare opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about empowering young women.
  2. Speed Mentoring: This exclusive mentoring session gives Girlfriends Package and Honorary Host Committee ticket holders the chance to connect and engage with middle school girls from Play Like a Girl’s programs in a dynamic, interactive way. Mentors will share their stories, offer advice, and discuss their own journeys—creating a safe space for girls to ask questions and gain valuable insights into their world.
  3. Networking Opportunities: Women of all ages and backgrounds will have the chance to connect in an intimate setting at the VIP Reception before the doors open for general admission. This is an excellent opportunity for you to network with other professionals and engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to future partnerships, collaborations, and mentorship opportunities. The reception is designed to foster relationships that extend beyond the event, helping to build a supportive community for girls and women.
  4. Celebrating Female Leadership: Play Like a Girl Honors will celebrate the achievements of trailblazing women who have shattered barriers in their industries. You’ll not only be part of a unique mentorship experience but also be inspired by the incredible stories of women who have paved the way for others. This celebration highlights the importance of women supporting women, in the workplace and beyond.
  5. Giving Back to the Next Generation: You’ll also have the opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact through our paddle raise, golden ticket raffle, and live auction. Your participation will directly support our mentorship programs, helping to provide girls with the role models and support they deserve to succeed.

The opportunity to engage in mentorship through corporate volunteerism is not just a way to give back—it’s a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of girls, young professionals, and even your colleagues. By supporting or starting a mentorship program at your company, you can help close the mentorship gap and empower the next generation of leaders. And through Play Like a Girl Honors, you can take this commitment a step further by enlisting the support of your program participants, women’s network, or Employee Resource Groups to participate in exclusive mentoring sessions with middle school girls who need your guidance and support.

Play Like a Girl Honors offers a unique platform for corporate volunteers to connect with these young women, share your experiences, and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Centered around mentorship across all ages and stages, this event provides an intimate setting for meaningful conversations and connections that can create a lasting impact. Your participation will also help to support our mentorship programs, bringing us one step closer to closing the mentorship gap.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something truly special—by mentoring, networking, and giving back, you’ll be making a lasting contribution this Women’s History Month.