Programs & Services

High School Mentorship

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

Unsure about your career interests and looking for support? Our mentors, who are professionals in their careers, will support you in exploring career options, planning your next steps after graduation, helping you learn fundamental life skills, and nurturing your leadership skills!

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

Apply for 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.

Young female sitting on a bench. On the left side the mentee wearing a black shirt, white pants is taking notes while her mentor reads a orange cover book

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

Only candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest and are ready to make a commitment from November to June will be considered.

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

October – November: Match Period & Meeting your mentor

Once your application has been accepted, our team will match you with a mentor based on your career interests, personalities and the level of support you need to succeed. At the beginning of November, we will invite you and your mentor to a Meet & Greet event where you’ll get a chance to meet for the very first time!

Our mentors are caring and passionate adult volunteers who are committed to helping their mentees plan their post-graduation lives and learn to be self-sufficient young adults. 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.

November – June: Monthly Meet-ups with your Mentor

Once the program begins, you will be expected to:

Meet up with your Mentor (in-person or virtually) at least once a month from November to June

Attend a minimum of 2 workshops/events hosted by YWCA program staff with your Mentor
Initiate communication and scheduling with your mentor to improve your professional skills
Submit a monthly check-in to the 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 a monthly newsletter with free and low-cost activity ideas.

For more information, contact the High School Mentorship team at mentorship@ywcavan.org or by phone at (604) 209-6355.

We're looking for mentors. join the waitlist!

Are you passionate about supporting youth* in Grades 11 and 12 explore their career options and plan their next steps after high school? We’re looking for women and non-binary mentors* to match with youth for one-to-one mentoring. 

Matches are based on career and education goals, hobbies and the level of support required. Mentees and mentors meet a minimum of once each month and attend a minimum of one workshop offered by the program staff during the program duration (November to June).

Share your experience and provide guidance and support to help shape the personal and professional lives of young cis or trans women, or gender-diverse youths in your community!

*This program is open to cis and trans women and non-binary and gender-diverse people who are systemically marginalized due to their gender identity and gender expression.

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.

YWCA Mentorship Program

mentorship@ywcavan.org