National Mentoring Month Highlight: Girls’ Mentoring Programs

     Happy National Mentoring Month! Throughout Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), instructors are committed to providing well-rounded educational experiences that go above and beyond expectations. At every level, elementary, middle, and high school, educators have created space for young women to learn, grow, and thrive as successful students and GCPS graduates, through mentoring programs dedicated to their development.

     “Creating a space for young women to convene and receive mentorship fosters confidence, empowerment, and personal growth by providing guidance and positive role models,” says Duluth High School Mathematics Teacher and “Girl Up” Advisor Raven Jackson. “It helps break down societal stereotypes, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and navigate challenges. These spaces also build strong communities, where women support each other, create opportunities, and promote solidarity over competition.”

     Over at Mason Elementary School, the Lady Lions are excelling through the ROAR Mentoring Program, led by Hanifa Nakayima, Meaghan Drumm, and Destiny Goldsmith, teachers at the school.

     Based on insights from the 2023-2024 Educational Effectiveness Survey, Nakayima identified an opportunity to address a gap in students’ sense of “Belonging” and “Well-being.” To support this goal, she collaborated with Mason Elementary Principal Ryan Wilson to launch the ROAR Girls Mentoring Program.

     Working with homeroom teachers, each mentee is scheduled to meet one-on-one with their mentor every week. In addition, mentees meet monthly as a group to hear from guest speakers and engage in activities focused on goal-setting, leadership, friendship, problem-solving, games, and more.

     “Being a mentor means showing up consistently and building genuine relationships,” says Goldsmith. “It means listening, encouraging, and guiding students with care and empathy. Personally, I strive to help my mentee recognize her strengths and believe in her own potential, even if she struggles to see it herself.”

Anelys, a 5th-grade student, says the program makes her feel seen.

     “I get to meet new people and have fun,” Anelys shares. “It makes me feel loved and appreciated for who I am.  Also, my mentor, Ms. Goldsmith, is really sweet.”

     ROAR extends beyond the classroom, fostering collaboration with counselors, parents, and administrators. It has also partnered with the district’s Community-Based Mentoring Program (CBMP), which has provided external opportunities and activities. CBMP is a district-led program that provides mentoring support to students in grades 4-12.

     “Mentoring has supported me as a student by giving me guidance, encouragement, and someone I can trust to talk through challenges,” says 12th-grade Duluth High School student Emme. “I’ve gained confidence in my abilities, learned better study and time-management skills, and felt more motivated to set and reach my academic goals. Having a mentor has also helped me feel supported and understood, which makes a big difference in how I show up at school.”

     National Mentoring Month, organized by the National Mentoring Partnership, aims to highlight the impact mentors have on students and to advocate for supportive relationships during the formative years.

According to MENTOR:

• 92% of youth are more likely to volunteer in their communities
• 85% of youth say mentoring has helped with issues related to school and their education
• 74% of youth say that a meaningful mentoring experience has contributed significantly to their success later in life

     “Successful mentoring gives young women the space they need to grow into confident, capable, and self-motivated individuals,” says Interim Director of Community-Based Mentoring Dororthy Parker Jarrett. “When students feel connected, supported, and heard, they then have the foundation for strong emotional and social development, supporting long-term success in school and life.  Mentors support the preparation students need to become productive citizens in a global society.  As they say, ‘preparation is the key to being able to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.’”

Other girls' mentoring programs across the district include:

Girl Talk – Crews Middle School

Kultivated Krowns Girls Club – Dacula Middle School

S.E.A.L (Sisters Educated and Liberated) – Meadowcreek High School

Discover more about mentoring in GCPS on the district website, and check your local school’s website for clubs and programs specific to your school.