Having a mentor is like having someone touch a hot stove for you. And learning the lesson without having to get burned yourself.
If you’re looking for a mentorship program and not sure where to start. You’re in the right place.
Female mentorship is important because it helps women level up in their careers, supports gender equality, and helps close the pay gap.
Mentoring women also supports female representation in leadership.
To help you get started, we’ve listed free women’s mentorship programs that can transform your career.
What is the purpose of a women’s mentorship program?
The purpose of a women’s mentorship program is to unite established women with the next generation of female leaders.
Female mentorship programs are intended to offer career guidance, education, and emotional support.
Women’s mentorship programs are important as they can help close the gender gap in leadership roles.
15 Women’s Mentorship Programs
1. Women Who Create
Women Who Create is a mentorship program for women of color created by women of color. The program connects young women to mentors in creative fields.
How it works
To get accepted into the program, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
- Identify as an ambitious woman of color
- Be interested in pursuing a career in a creative industry, or be less than 5 years into the field
- Able to make a 15-week commitment to your mentor
- Able to accept different points of view and willing to work on goals with your mentor
- Live in the US
2. Mentoring Her
Mentoring Her is an online platform that connects girls and women to a community of mentors. Mentors and mentees can connect about careers, education, and self-improvement. The platform is available for all women 13 years and up.
How it works
- Complete your application
- Complete your online profile
- Once your profile is complete, you can find potential mentors
3. SCORE
SCORE is the largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors in the US. This is an option for female entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
How it works
- SCORE offers business advice through a network of volunteer business experts
- Mentoring services are free no matter the number of visits with your mentor
- You can meet with one or more mentors via email, video, or phone
- Mentors are experienced in all aspects and stages of business
4. Dream Mentorship
Dream Mentorship is a nonprofit that offers women free mentoring and professional development. The program offers mentorship for women across North America, West Africa, and Asia.
How it works
- Sign up to become a free member
- You’re invited to connect online every last Saturday of the month
- You can become an ambassador and help mentor other women once you complete the program
5. MicroMentor
MicroMentor is a nonprofit that connects entrepreneurs with free mentors.
They connect mentors and entrepreneurs from all over the world to help small businesses thrive.
How it works
- Set up a profile on MicroMentor
- Read profiles of mentors who have the experience you’re looking for
- Reach out to potential mentors by sending them a message
6. WAVE Built By Girls
WAVE is a mentorship program designed to support female and non-binary students in the United States at the early stages of their careers.
How it works
- You’ll need to apply when the application period opens
- You’re paired with a mentor based on matching profiles that you both complete
- You have the option to meet via video call, phone, or in-person
7. Worthy Mentoring
Worthy Mentoring is a nonprofit that connects mentors and mentees in the LGBTQ+ Community through a mobile iOS and Android App. The Worthy Mentoring App is now available to download in the US.
How it works
- After signing up, you decide which topics are important to discuss with a mentor
- You can filter mentors by sexual orientation, gender identity, location, etc.
- Once matched, you get professional resources, guidelines, and handbooks
8. MentorAbility
MentorAbility is a mentoring initiative that promotes the employment of people with disabilities in Canada. They create mentoring experiences where job seekers with disabilities are matched with mentors.
How it works
- Head to their Protégé application page
- Complete the Protégé Sign-up Form
- You have the option to complete your application online or download the application and submit the form at a later time or in-person
- Your application will be sent to a representative near you
9. Ok Mentor
Ok Mentor is a nonprofit and global community that offers free mentorship to young women looking to break into creative industries.
How it works
- Select a program that best fits your career goals
- Get access to their network of creative female mentors
10. Women in Tech
Women in Tech is a global nonprofit that helps break barriers stopping women from pursuing careers in STEM. It offers a free Mentor in Tech program to support women looking to build careers in STEM.
How it works
- Apply online during the application period
- You get 3 individual sessions during 3 months
- You’ll get access to experienced professionals in Tech
11. Creative Connect
Creative Connect is a free mentorship program designed for artists. The program helps you develop your artistic skills. And grow your network in the creative space.
How it works
- You’ll create a new account
- Then complete your profile
- Submit your application and wait to be contacted
12. Latinas in Journalism Mentorship Program
The Latinas in Journalism Mentorship Program connects professionals and students interested in journalism with mentors. The program is open to Latina women and nonbinary Latinx professionals of all ages and career levels.
How it works
- Head to their “Find a Mentor” page
- Search their directory of Latinx journalists
- You can schedule a call with any mentor that fits your career goals
13. Cohort Sistas
Cohort Sistas is a nonprofit that supports black women pursuing doctoral degrees by offering resources, mentorship, and community.
How it works
Sign up for free and you’ll get notified when the mentorship program cycle opens.
14. ASPIRE Mentorship Program
ASPIRE offers community and mentorship to Asian American women. The program consists of one-on-one mentorship, group mentoring, and development workshops.
How it works
- You’re matched with experienced professionals
- You’ll attend an orientation before the program begins
- You’ll meet with your mentor twice a month
- All mentors and mentees will come together monthly
- You’ll attend monthly development workshops
15. Hispanic 100 Mentor Program
The Hispanic 100 Foundation mentor program offers Latinx young professionals between the ages of 18 and 24 access to mentorship to become successful leaders in their fields.
How it works
You’ll have to meet these requirements to complete the program:
- Attend at least 6 monthly workshops
- Complete Mentee Workbook and SMART Goal Setting Worksheets
- Meet with your mentor at least 4 hours per month
- Volunteer in at least 5 community service events hosted by Hispanic 100
Getting Started
Having a mentor that gets you is a serious gamechanger. They can guide your career in the right direction. Hopefully, these women’s mentorship programs give you a starting point.
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Over To You
What qualities are important to you in a potential mentor?
Head to our comments section on social @netwerkmovement and let us know. Share this with someone looking for a femtor!
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