Chattanooga Girl’s Leadership Academy: Empowering Young Minds
CHATTANOOGA, TN – The vibrant city of Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as students from the Chattanooga Girl’s Leadership Academy (CGLA) dive into an enriching experience with their Empower Mentoring Program. This initiative aims to connect young girls with inspiring adult mentors who guide them through their academic journeys and help them prepare for future careers. It’s a beautiful example of what’s right with our schools and the community coming together.
A Day to Remember
Today’s introductory meeting felt like the first page of an exciting new chapter. As students gathered, they were ready to meet their mentors for the very first time. “Grab a hard hat and safety glasses,” one mentor playfully instructed, setting the tone for a day filled with discovery and learning.
Rachel Lewis, a Workplace Mentor at CGLA, shared how this program partners with 16 different organizations across Chattanooga. “These are workplace mentorships where our girls either go to these mentorships, or the mentors come on campus. They collaborate on crucial life skills and career essentials that the girls will need to succeed,” Lewis explained, her enthusiasm contagious.
Diverse Career Paths
So, what kind of careers can these young ladies explore? Mentors like Justin McBath, Senior Project Supervisor at TVA, are ready to offer insights into fields such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and project management. “The girls should know that these fields are not only about numbers and projects; they’re about making a difference in our world,” McBath emphasized.
Mock interviews and interactive curriculums play significant roles in this program. Students learn to craft their resumes and discover various businesses in Chattanooga, which opens doors to countless opportunities. “Some of our workplace mentors even offer scholarships to students upon graduation, which is a fantastic boost for them,” Lewis added.
Creative Expression Through Film
The Empower Mentoring Program isn’t just about careers; it also taps into the students’ creative sides. Robyn Stringfellow, Manager of Education Content and Services at WTCI, highlighted a project where students created short films based on topics that interested them. “Last year, our eighth graders developed films focusing on issues they care about, aiming to connect with an audience going through similar experiences,” Stringfellow shared.
A senior at CGLA, Yajara Perez, shared her aspirations while working on her film project: “I want to change the world. I want everyone to see that someone like me, with parents from Guatemala and Mexico, can make it. It’s possible for others, too!” Her determination radiated through the room as she spoke.
Valuable Community Connections
What makes this program extraordinary is the support it receives from local businesses and mentors. Stringfellow noted, “Amazing partners throughout Chattanooga are helping bring students into their workplaces, teaching them hands-on skills and igniting their interest in various industries.”
For senior Sta’Lea Fant, shadowing her real estate mentor has been eye-opening. “She’s teaching me tips that most people don’t know about buying houses. It feels great to get a head start in my future career,” Sta’Lea said enthusiastically.
Building An Active Community
The Empower Mentoring Program is more than just career guidance; it’s about fostering an active and engaged community. “I want the girls to experience their community in a new light, to know how to participate actively and thoughtfully,” Rachel Lewis concluded, highlighting the program’s core values.
As the day wrapped up, it was clear that the Empower Mentoring Program at CGLA is setting a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders. With dedicated mentors and a supportive community, these young women are not just imagining their future; they are actively shaping it.
