Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Women Helping Girls existed?

Women Helping Girls began in 1992. Since that time, we have served more than 300 girls in the Rochester City School District.

How are girls selected for participation in the program?

In the 7th grade, girls are recruited for the program by their guidance counselors, teachers, or directly by WHG representatives. They must apply and they must have the permission of a parent or guardian. In general, the girls chosen for WHG are in good standing academically, and have established a record of good conduct and consistent school attendance.

Who are the adult women in the program? Are they all AAUW members?

Although Women Helping Girls is affiliated with the American Association of University Women, participants need not be members. Our mentors and volunteers are a diverse group of women, aged 25 through 70, with a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. Together they offer our girls a strong pool of female role models.

Is Women Helping Girls a mentoring program?

Yes, but not exclusively. One-on-one mentoring is the backbone of the organization, but there are other opportunities for volunteers who wish to contribute to the success of young women but do not desire the commitment of a direct mentor-mentee relationship. For some ideas of what a volunteer might do, click here.

How does the mentoring part of the program work?

Ideally, a woman who wishes to be a mentor is assigned a 7th grade "mentee" at the beginning of the school year. There are orientation activities for the entire group of new mentors and mentees early on to help break the ice and acquaint everyone with expectations and goals. Mentors meet parents/guardians as soon as possible to establish a partnership in the girl's future success. Mentors are expected then to plan regular meetings with mentees (WHG suggests two a month). In addition, mentors should keep in touch by phone or email as frequently as both parties desire. The initial commitment is for 12 months -- one calendar year. We have found that often mentors and mentees wish to continue their friendship throughout high school and even beyond. This is done by simply signing a new commitment contract at the beginning of each school year.

Are there any restrictions to becoming a mentor?

We ask that you be at least 25 years old and have a good driving record. Background checks are part of the orientation process for new mentors.

What if I've never done anything like this before -- is there help for mentors?

There are many opportunities to tap into the experience and wisdom of other mentors -- at group activities, mentor-only get-togethers, and via the informal support network of the telephone and email. WHG plans 2-3 mentoring roundtable discussions per year during which mentors can air problems, network regarding resources, and hear from outside experts on topics like adolescent development and teen sexuality.

How are the matches between mentors and mentees completed?

Girls and mentors fill out short interest surveys, where they indicate the types of activities they enjoy and describe what their ideal Saturday would be like. Common interests are taken into account for each match. The Mentor Coordinator accompanies the mentor on the first home visit to meet the mentee and the mentees' parent/guardian.

What about activities?

Normally, there are at least a couple of group activities each month in which a mentor-mentee pair can chose to participate. This includes a "Saturday Activity" event every month, which might be held at the AAUW house on East Avenue -- a money management workshop or an etiquette discussion -- or a field trip type activity, like a trip to a museum or a community service project. Volunteers who are not mentors are also welcome at these activities -- we can always find something for you to do!

One-on-one activities between mentors and mentees run the gamut: movies, plays, concerts, lunch out, walks, horseback riding, sledding, creative projects, you name it. Other mentors will be happy to share their most successful outings.

What about the success rate of the program?

If we use high school graduation as a benchmark, in 2003 11 out of 11 high school seniors graduated, with 7 going on to college. In 2004, 6 out of 6 seniors graduated; 4 went on to college. In 2005, 3 out of 3 seniors graduated; all 3 went to college. In 2006, 6 out of 7 of our seniors graduated. The 6 are enrolled at Harvard, Cornell, Nazareth, and MCC.