Application Process
If you are interested in becoming a college guide, please fill out our Join form. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. As a next step, we will contact qualified candidates for an interview. Please note that all candidates will be asked for a resume and three professional references.
College guides are volunteers who support our mentees with the college application process.
They lead workshops on how to craft components of college and scholarship applications, meet one-to-one with high school juniors and seniors and their mentors to provide advice/feedback on application materials and support mentees with the college decision making process.
A large component of our work within our three programs is preparing our mentees for success in the college application process and college itself. We execute this through our Writing Works program—where our fabulous teaching artists cover topics ranging from the personal statement and scholarship applications to study tips and editing basics—and our incredible team of college guides who support our community on their college readiness path.
The academic and professional success of our mentees—our rising creatives, leaders and activists—has always been one of the highest priorities for Girls Write Now. 100% of our graduating seniors go on to college, largely due to the support they receive from our college guides.
Volunteer Commitment
College Guides are asked to commit for a minimum of one academic school year (start date through June), providing up to, but no more than, 3 hours of support per month. College Guide activities include the following:
- Field mentee and mentor questions about the application process, such as how to earn scholarships/which ones to apply to, craft a stand-out personal statement, college list, how to decide which college to attend, and more
- Serve as a panelist or presenter at select workshops (virtual or in person, safety permitting) to provide college readiness information
- Recommend resources (online, over the phone, and in-person—when deemed safe) for preparing for the college and scholarship application process
Volunteer Qualifications
- Experience with the college admissions process, such as working in admissions or being a private college coach/consultant
- Ability to successfully pass a background check
- Passion for our mission to mentor the next generation of writers, leaders and activists
Who We Serve
Girls Write Now serves a culturally and educationally diverse community of girls and gender-expansive youth (mentees)—90% of color, 90% high need, 75% immigrant or first generation and 25% LGBTQ+/gender expansive. These teens, from systemically underserved communities, who have long been negatively impacted by the lack of resources and opportunities in public schools, can face significant challenges to educational and professional success. Unfortunately, in our city and our country, girls and gender-expansive teens of color are rarely given the guidance, care, and systemic support they need to gain confidence in their talents and accomplishments, graduate from high school and access viable college or career opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disempowerment. Girls Write Now is uniquely positioned to help correct these longstanding inequalities.
About Girls Write Now
Girls Write Now is a powerhouse of voices that have been ignored or silenced for too long, and a pipeline of talent into schools and industries in need of different perspectives. As a community, we follow our hearts and—through bold, authentic storytelling—inspire people to open theirs.
For 25 years, we have been breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the next generation of writers and leaders who are impacting businesses, shaping culture and creating change. Thank you for joining our movement.