The scent of new notebooks and the return of familiar school rhythms make back-to-school a time of excitement and anticipation. For adolescent girls, it marks a period of growth, discovery, and laying of foundations for their future. However, while academic achievements are crucial, holistic development both inside and outside the classroom holds equal importance.

During this season, educators, athletes, women leaders, and professionals have a unique opportunity to mentor girls, guiding them toward their full potential. This mentorship goes beyond academic success, encompassing the fostering of social and emotional growth in the classroom and through everyday interactions.

Why Is Mentorship Important for Young Women?

Sadly, women remain underrepresented and undervalued in leadership roles within various fields, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Mentorship can help bridge this gap, guiding and supporting aspiring STEM professionals in various ways:

Role Models and Inspiration

Women account for only 28% of the STEM workforce and a mere 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs as of 2023. Even in academia, where significant progress has been made, women still comprise just 36% of senior positions. These statistics can be disheartening for girls. However, mentorship can counteract this.

By interacting with successful women in various fields, such as engineers designing life-saving medical technology, professional athletes breaking new ground, or entrepreneurs leading bold new ventures, young women gain role models and a sense of belonging. Witnessing women thrive in their chosen paths can ignite passions and solidify career aspirations, despite the challenges ahead.

Building Confidence and Resilience

When you mentor, you can share your career journey, including roadblocks you have faced and how you overcame them. Learning from your experiences can significantly boost a young woman’s confidence in her abilities and develop resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. There is also no discounting the value of having someone who’s been in her shoes providing her with support. A supportive mentorship relationship is essential in nurturing self-esteem and fostering a growth mindset among future STEM leaders.

Feedback and Development

Honest feedback is essential for professional growth. Mentors provide constructive criticism in a supportive manner, helping mentees identify ways to address shortcomings and refine strengths. Whether reviewing a research paper or offering guidance on a coding project, this personalized feedback equips young women with the tools to excel. In the long-term, mentorship can shape the future of STEM by fostering a new generation of innovative, ethical, and socially responsible leaders.

Network Building

Networking is crucial for career advancement in all fields, and mentors can help young women cultivate and expand their own networks. You can connect your mentee with other inspiring women and professionals in your field, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations on exciting projects. Mentors also provide career guidance, advice on career paths, and support in navigating the complexities of the STEM job market.

Navigating the Workplace

Mentors provide invaluable insights into the culture and skills needed to excel in male-dominated fields. Their guidance helps young women navigate industry-wide and specific workplace dynamics. As a mentor, you not only focus on technical expertise but also emphasize essential soft skills, such as communication, negotiation, and assertiveness, which are crucial components of leadership and success in STEM.

How to Become a Mentor

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of young women, consider becoming a mentor. There are many organizations dedicated to connecting mentors with mentees, and volunteering your time and expertise can be incredibly rewarding.

Play Like a Girl, for example, strives to empower girls and young women through mentorship and leadership development. We believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential. By partnering with companies and organizations that share our vision, we are working to create a world where women are represented at all levels of leadership.

By volunteering as a mentor, you’re not just helping one young woman; you’re inspiring countless others. The back-to-school season is the perfect time to make a positive impact. Whether you have a few hours a month to spare or are looking for a long-term commitment, there are opportunities to fit your schedule and interests. Either way, you’re creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond your initial involvement.

Let’s work together to create a brighter future for young women. Join us in the mentorship movement and help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Contact us today.