LYNN — Girls Inc. of Lynn is offering young women the opportunity to take advantage of a free college-mentoring program this school year.
The organization has been offering programs for high school juniors and seniors navigating the college-application process for decades, according to Donna Crotty, director of Development and Communications at Girls Inc. of Lynn.
“We usually have between 30 and 40 girls,” Crotty said. “It’s very important that people help them and guide them.”
The junior program, which meets Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m., will run from October to May and consists of small — usually three-person — groups that work with mentors to learn about the college-application process, identify good matches for schools, and navigate the financial-aid and scholarship processes.
The senior program runs from September to May with meetings on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30-7 p.m.
Programs will include workshops on essay-writing, interviewing, scholarships and financial aid, and the transition to college life on Mondays, with one-on-one support from mentors to help guide girls through the application process on Tuesdays.
“They coach them through the whole college process,” Crotty said. “Everything from looking at school lists, helping them think about what they might do for a major and what fit is right for them … They work through everything.”
Both programs provide dinner.
Girls Inc. is seeking volunteers to be mentors for the program. Volunteers will be matched with high school seniors to help them navigate every step of their college and scholarship applications.
Volunteers will meet with mentorees in-person from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Girls Inc. of Lynn.
Crotty said mentors come from all walks of life, from recent graduates to retirees.
“For mentors, it’s very rewarding,” Crotty said. “It’s just phenomenal to see these women grow in so many different ways.”
Those interested in taking advantage of the programs, or in becoming mentors, can email Career and College Readiness Coordinator Ariel Garfinkel at [email protected].
