How can my daughter join the Girl Talk Mentoring Program?

To enroll in the Girl Talk Mentoring Program, parents must complete our online application. This form helps us learn more about girls and their goals for joining the program. Upon final review, parents will be contacted in order to schedule an intake interview.

How old do you have to be to participate in the program?

We cover a wide range of topics and some may require a certain level of maturity. Because of this, girls must be between the ages of 11-16 to participate in the Girl Talk Mentoring Program.

How often do you meet?

The Girl Talk Mentoring Program is a year-long program broken into 3 sessions:

• Session 1: September 1st – December 31st
• Session 2: January 1st – May 31st
• Session 3: June 1st – August 31st

We meet every Saturday from 9:30 am- 4:00 pm in our Capitol Heights Clubhouse.

Is there a fee for my daughter to join?

Yes, there is a small activity fee that students pay each month to help offset the costs associated with transportation, event fees and program materials. Please give us a call at 301-560-0506 to get program fees.

What topics do you cover during the weekly workshops?

Each workshop is broken into two skill-building sessions:

• Life skills: Girls build a toolbox of skills they will need to be self-sufficient and productive as they mature. Topics include: Career awareness, independent living, money management, public speaking and academic planning.
• Social skills: Girls develop the social and emotional skills needed to cope successfully through all situations in life. Topics include: friendship building, confidence and self-love, healthy relationships and conflict resolution.

Can my daughter get community service hours for outreach events?

Yes, girls lead community service projects every month. Doing this allows them to complete more than 60 hours of community service a year.

Do you provide transportation to the workshops?

We do not provide transportation to or from workshops. Parents are encouraged to connect with each other to arrange additional transportation options.

Do you offer workshops for the parents of the students enrolled in the program?

Yes. Each session, we host a parent session to keep parents up to date with the progress and needs of their daughters. This provides an outlet for parents to build a circle of trust, understanding and support between each other and the MGH staff.

Are all girls accepted into the mentoring program?

No. As a preventative program, we promote healthy behaviors and help girls avoid activities that may hinder their future goals for success. As a result, girls with the following factors will not be accepted in the program:

• Those who are pregnant or have children
• Those who are not actively enrolled in an academic-based program
• Those who have had interaction with the criminal or juvenile justice system

I submitted my daughter’s application. What’s next?

After you complete your online application, we will contact you to schedule an intake phone call. This typically takes 20-30 minutes. During this time, we will detail the program and get to know the goals and needs of your daughter. If Girl Talk is the right fit for your daughter, we will extend an invitation for her to join our next session.

I’m not sure if my daughter wants to join. Is there a way for her to check it out before enrolling?

Yes. There is a drop-in option for girls. The drop-in fee is $25 per day and allows her to get the full experience of a day in the workshop without committing to enrolling for a session. You must submit an online application and contact the office to schedule your drop-in day.