.png)
The Challenge
Girls in high school today face intense social and academic pressures. Expectations to do everything “right” turn engaging coursework and well-intentioned extracurriculars into endless tasks to complete. Social connections that should be fun and supportive frequently morph into opportunities for self-judgement and comparison.
Too often, high school is the time when girls learn to be motivated by fear of failing, pleasing others, and looking good for colleges. The cruel paradox is that true connection to one’s own interests and values is, in fact, the single highest factor in creating success and fulfillment in life.
The Opportunity
The Inner Compass Summer Program is a fun, engaging & collaborative program that develops girls at the beginning of their high school experiences into young women who trust in themselves, find meaning in their work, and confidently embrace their unique ideas, knowing they have the toolkits and agency to turn them into realities.
Program Features
6-7 week independent project
designed to develop each girl’s capacity for self-inquiry, project management skills, and sense of agency—while providing genuine fun and fulfillment during the summer.
6 group sessions
full of fun, interactive trainings and skill-building activities to explore tough topics and develop the skills girls will apply to their projects, in school, and beyond.
Topics include:
-
Values-based goal setting & authentic decision-making
- Turning big ideas and long-term projects into reality
-
Managing procrastination & perfectionism
-
Self-advocacy
-
Untangling self-awareness from self-criticism
-
Self-image in a universe of social media
-
(Re)connecting to the joy of learning
6 Weekly Pod Meetings
of 3-4 girls to foster community, dive deep into personal development topics, and practice offering & receiving peer support as they complete their independent projects.
3 one-on-one mentoring meetings
with program leaders to support girls in reaching their highest aspirations for the program.
Celebration & Final Project Showcase
to share girls’ accomplishments with friends & family.
Supportive community & Long-term Peer Network
strengthened in a non-competitive environment outside the social dynamics and academic pressure of their high schools.
More Details
-
Who: Female-identifying and non-binary students in the SF Bay Area entering 9th & 10th grades
-
Location: Zoom (Computer/ tablet with video & strong internet required)
-
Group size: 8-15 girls per group and 3-4 girls per pod
-
Time commitment: Estimated 6-10 hours/week for 7 weeks
-
15 hours of group / 1:1 time
-
5-8 additional hours/week for personal project
-
Learn More & Apply
The 2020 Inner Compass Program is now complete.
Plans for a 2021 program are still TBD. To learn more or give input, reach out to meredith (at) meredithbellcoaching.com. We'd love to hear your thoughts!