This is the second year of the Girls Lead program, empowering girls interested in public service

     Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton today announced that applications are now open for Girls Lead, an innovative mentorship program designed to inspire and empower girls across Illinois to pursue careers in public service. The application for both mentors and mentees is available at bit.ly/GirlsLead2024. 

“Girls Lead represents our commitment to fostering the next generation of women leaders in Illinois,” said Lt. Governor Stratton. “By providing hands-on experiences and mentorship, we’re opening doors for girls to see themselves in roles that shape our state’s future.”

This marks the second year of the Girls Lead initiative, which was met with overwhelming enthusiasm in its inaugural year. Participating students were matched with women legislators to learn about how state government functions in real time.

The program, part of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls (ICWG) and supported by the Illinois State Board of Education, offers tailored experiences for different age groups:

  • 5th grade students will spend a day shadowing a woman leader in state government.
  • 6th to 8th grade participants will have a similar shadowing experience, followed by a reflection activity.
  • High school students (9th to 12th grade) will engage in a semester-long policy mentorship, including research projects and multiple days of hands-on experience in government offices.

Mentors will include women legislators in the Illinois General Assembly, Agency Directors, and senior-level managers from various state departments.

“Girls deserve and need to have access to women in leadership who can confirm that they too can accomplish their goals, in spite of societal barriers, socio-economic status, race, or gender,” said Nikita Richards, co-chair of the ICWG. “We’re thrilled to launch the 2024 program and grateful for Lt. Governor Stratton’s leadership in bringing this vision to fruition.”

“We want every girl in Illinois to know that this state supports them as leaders,” saidMaaria Mozaffar, fellow co-chair of ICWG. “We want them to find their voice, make their impact and believe that every turf is theirs to explore. This is the essence of Illinois Girls Lead.”

Applications for both mentors and mentees are now open for Girls Lead. Interested individuals can apply here or visit bit.ly/GirlsLead2024.