Programs & Services

High School Mentorship

The YWCA High School Mentorship program is a one-to-one mentorship program for Grade 11-12 girls* and gender diverse youth.

Mentors from the industry will support youth as they explore career options build pathways for their future, nurture their leadership skills and address barriers they may experience along the way.

*This program is open to young cis and trans women, non-binary and gender-diverse youth.

Apply as a mentee

Attend an information session

Want to be a mentee? Attend an information session to learn more:
Wednesday, September 29th 4:30-5:30pm, Thursday, October 14th 4:30-5:30pm.

To fully engage in the info session, you will need access to the following:

A laptop, computer, or smartphone
A webcam
A microphone
Speakers or headphones
Internet connection

We will be using an online video-conferencing platform and will have CART captioning services available. Please reach out to mentorship@ywcavan.org if you have any questions or accessibility needs.

Photo of participants in the High School Mentorship program

We're looking for mentors. join the waitlist!

How the Program Works

We match Grades 11 and 12 girls* (mentees) with volunteer professionals (mentors) for a one-to-one mentoring relationship. Matches are based on career and education goals, hobbies and the level of support required. Mentees and mentors meet a minimum of once a month and attend a minimum of one workshop offered by the program staff during the program duration from November to June.

As a mentee, you will:

Explore your career options
Create education and training plans
Improve your leadership skills
Gain life experience, advice and more

*Our program welcomes members of the LGBTQIA2S+ and Disabled communities and primarily serves cis and trans women and people who are systemically marginalized due to their gender identity and gender expression

Please Note: During the pandemic, some of our programming will be held virtually online, and all planned in-person meetings, workshops and events will adhere by the latest provincial health guidelines and recommendations. Program participants will be notified of updates should any health guidelines and recommendations change.

Testimonials

Mentee - YWCA High School Mentorship

This program is so special! You can’t get this opportunity anywhere else. I loved connecting with my mentor whether it’s be through personal stories or talks about career. I feel as if I have gained a new friend and a relationship that is so full of positivity and compassion.

Mentee - YWCA High School Mentorship

Having a mentor was one of the best experiences of my life. I had someone there to help guide me and offer advice when I needed it.

Mentee - YWCA High School Mentorship

It was a wonderful experience having someone with knowledge and experience in the field that I want to pursue in the future, as I do not have anyone that I know personally who works in the field.

Program Timeline

Unsure about your career interests and looking for support? A mentor can be there to guide and support you, and help you explore your academic and professional interests, and practice leadership and communication skills.

September – October: Mentee Intake

How to apply:

Apply through our online form
Attend an interview with our program staff
Attend an orientation session

Commitment:

A minimum of 1 meet up with your Mentors per month (minimum one hour) from November to June
Attend a minimum of 1 workshop/event hosted by YWCA program staff with your Mentor
Submit monthly journals/check-ins
Proactively organize and schedule your meet up with your mentor

For more information, contact the High School Mentorship team at mentorship@ywcavan.org or phone Program Coordinator at 604 2195628.

October – November: Matches between mentees and mentors are based on career interests, personalities and the support mentees need to succeed. Only candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest and are ready to make a commitment from November to June will be considered.

Our volunteer mentors are caring and passionate adult volunteers who are committed to helping their mentees grow professionally and navigate through barriers they may face. Mentors understand the value of a positive adult friendship intergenerational guidance and the importance of positive role models in a young person’s life. Mentors gain as much from the relationships as the mentees, often making life-long friends.

Mentees who have benefited the most are flexible and open to new experiences, able to express their needs, maintain consistent and open communication, take initiative when organizing meetings and are committed and motivated!

November – June: You’ll meet with your match at least once a month for seven months and attend a minimum of one workshop hosted by program staff.

Some activities our mentors and mentees like to do together include:

Meeting over coffee or video to chat about career goals and education plans
Touring universities/colleges
Researching and discussing education programs/options
Arranging job shadowing (if appropriate)
Participating in recreational activities
Attending workshops, classes and events together

To ensure a low-barrier program, we offer and host free workshops and events, in addition to monthly newsletter with free and low-cost activity ideas.