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ABOUT GEM

Across Canada, high school girls facing socioeconomic challenges are at a disadvantage when it comes to post-secondary preparedness and achieving their career aspirations

They lack support, and have few connections and limited access to professional development opportunities. The good news is that mentorship can change that.

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Mentorship ignites what's possible

Through mentoring, girls:


  • Improve self-esteem
  • Increase leadership skills
  • Build confidence to pursue higher education and professional careers
A GEM mentee speaks at a Girls E-Mentorship event during an open discussion
DID YOU KNOW

Mentored youth are 95% more likely to pursue further education after high school.

— Future of Good & Mentor Canada (2023). The State of Mentorship in Canada.

Connecting girls to women to limitless possibilities

GEM stands for Girls Excelling through Mentorship (GEM). Since 2012, our goal has been to stand up for, show up for, and support girls facing socioeconomic barriers by connecting them with professional career women to help them see and seize future career opportunities.

GEM’s goal is to fuel the hopes and ambitions of young girls so they can create a future with the confidence, clarity, and the courage to see their limitless possibilities.

Two GEM mentees smile and display their name badges at a Girls E-Mentorship GEMinar

1500+

High school girls have completed our program

87%

of Grade 12 Mentees go on to pursue post-secondary education after completing the program

81%

of Mentees had more confidence in themselves and their abilities after completing the GEM program

91%

of Mentees said GEM provided opportunities they otherwise would not have experienced

GEM mentees listen and engage during a Girls E-Mentorship GEMinar workshop session

What is GEM?

GEM is a research-backed program for girls in Grades 10 through 12 that provides one-to-one career mentorship, professional skill development, and experiential learning through a community of professional women and organizations committed to building tomorrow’s future leaders.

Our Impact

We’ve paired over 1,800 girls with professional female mentors

Career mentorship: shaping the future

Our 1:1 mentorship program pairs girls with professional career women who ignite possibilities by providing career advice, networking opportunities, and support for their ambitions.

Explore becoming a Mentor

Hands-on career exploration and workplace experiences

Mentees visit partner organizations, hear directly from professionals and leaders, participate in career panels or workshops, explore different roles and workplaces, and build meaningful professional connections. These experiences help girls envision themselves in careers they may never have otherwise been exposed to and are a key differentiator of the GEM program.

We’ve awarded over $750,000 to over 286 Mentees

A financial lifeline

GEM provides financial support through our scholarship program and unique real-world work experience with select paid internships as well as student placement programs with our corporate partners. Partner with GEM and help build tomorrow’s leaders.

GEM alumnae line up at a GEMinar

Connections for life

Gem is a community for life. Our Mentees go on to a post-secondary education, join the workforce, and become our future Mentors. Almost 1,000 women have supported our program in the role of Mentor.