Join Us

GEM’s comprehensive 9-month Mentorship Program helps girls break through barriers to success by connecting motivated high school girls with professional women, and provides unique experiential educational opportunities to enhance their professional skills and build confidence.

Mentees and Mentors are the heart and soul of GEM. We’d love for you to read up on becoming a Mentee or a Mentor, what the commitment looks like and how the application process will flow. Links below to apply. We can’t wait to connect with you.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Toronto, Hamilton and Waterloo Regional (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge) cohort are open for Mentees and  Mentors.

 

Applications should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Become a GEM Mentee

Accepted Mentees will be paired with a Mentor, and be supported in their personal and professional growth, focusing on key areas including goal setting, time management, and confidence building. This support brings Mentees one step closer to achieving their goals and aspirations. Mentees will join a broad network of accomplished women and girls in diverse industries across the GTA and Hamilton.

Mentee applications for the 2026/27 Cohort ARE NOW OPEN!

Apply Now

You would be a great fit as a Mentee if: 

  • You will be attending high school for the duration of the 2026-2027 school year
  • You face socioeconomic barriers that limit academic and professional opportunities
  • You are able to commit to sustaining a 9-month mentorship relationship from September – May which requires weekly online touchpoints and monthly meetings
  • You are able to attend a mandatory orientation session in the early September
  • Attend 5 bi-monthly GEMinars on Saturdays, filled with skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, and exposure to career pathways. These GEMinars are hybrid with transportation provided for in-person attendees.
  • You live in the GTA, Hamilton or Waterloo Region regions with access to public transit
  • You can submit a signed permission form from your parent/guardian to join the GEM program

A bit about the application process: 

  • Application: Applications open on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, and close Monday, May 4th, 2026. 
  • Interview: Once applications close, selected applicants will be invited to complete a virtual interview at their convenience. Invitations will be sent in early spring, and each email will include a specific deadline for completing the interview.
  • Acceptance and Matching: Applicants who are accepted into the program will be notified and matched with a mentor during the summer. They will be required to complete a mandatory matching survey by the end of August; failure to do so will forfeit their spot in the program.
  • Orientation: All accepted mentees are required to attend a mandatory orientation, which takes place during the first or second week of September.
  • Program Start: The program officially begins with GEMinar #1 at the end of September. Details, including the date and time, will be shared with participants in the acceptance summary.

If you require any accommodation to fill out the application or participant in the program, please contact us info@girlsementorship.com

Become a GEM Mentor

GEM Mentors support Mentees in navigating key personal and professional development areas including goal setting, time-management and confidence building. Mentors help their mentees seek new opportunities, develop a professional network and stay committed to achieving their goals – ultimately bringing Mentees one step closer to achieving their goals and aspirations.

Apply Now

You would be a great fit as a Mentor if:

  • You have a minimum of 5 years of industry experience and are enthusiastic and willing to share your skills, knowledge and professional resources with a mentee
  • You are passionate about gender equality, equity and inclusion
  • You are able to commit to a 9-month mentorship relationship which includes digital weekly touchpoints and monthly meetings
  • You are able to attend up to five GEMinar workshops (held on Saturday mornings once every two months throughout the program year)
  • You are able to attend the mandatory mentor orientation session at the end of August or early September
  • You will be able to submit a cleared background/vulnerable sector police check before the program start date
Apply Now

Please note: Program capacity is in part based on funding. You may be accepted as a GEM mentor, but not matched in the up-coming cohort. Unmatched but accepted mentors do not need to apply and interview again for future GEM cohorts and will still have an opportunity to engage wiht the GEM community and network.

If you require any accommodation to fill out the application or participant in the program, please contact us info@girlsementorship.com