ABOUT PROJECT GROW

Pass the Torch for Women is creating an innovative and powerful way for communities of women, galvanized by a shared belief in the value of mentorship and leadership, to come together to fight structural inequality based on gender biases that exist today. This is accomplished by investing in women at all stages of their careers, beginning with underserved adult female college students.
 
The Pass the Torch for Women Foundation’s Project Grow Program is a mentorship program intended for female college students who wish to achieve their goals for higher education and career advancement. This is an academic year-long engagement in which students receive free access to the Pass the Torch for Women Foundation mentoring program, monthly leadership development webinars, and modules surrounding personal and professional development topics. Students are matched with executive mentors for one-on-one sessions to address professional and soft-skill development.
“Who would’ve thought that a high school dropout that attended a non-traditional high school would be able to go back and mentor and inspire hope in non-traditional students all over the nation. Because of this program, I am more confident and more equipped with the skills that will help me in my personal and professional life.”

Gloria Combs, Class of 2016

HISTORY OF PROJECT GROW

Project Grow started as a unique partnership between the Pass the Torch for Women Foundation and Strada Education Network (formerly USA Funds) to encourage educational success and teach the how-tos of building strategic relationships and honing leadership skills. The curriculum has been adapted to help participants create their mentoring plan and build leadership skills through personal development opportunities and partnerships with qualified mentors nationwide. The end result of these efforts is a group of women who persist to graduation, successfully transition to the workforce, and grow both personally and professionally.

2014

Program Launch

Institutional Partner

Programming

2016

15 Graduates

Marian University
Ivy Tech CC

Four Core Modules
One Hour/Month Mentorship

2017

45 Graduates

Marian University
Ivy Tech CC
University of Indianapoli
s

Financial Literacy
Resume Building
Confidence Building

2018

91 Graduates

Ivy Tech CC
Indiana University
IUPUI
Bay Path University

Stress Management
Etiquette Luncheon
Interview Process
Dress for Success

2019

250 Graduates

Ivy Tech CC Statewide
Indiana University
IUPUI
Bay Path University

StrengthsFinder
Social Activities
STEM Focus

2020

350 Graduates

Ivy Tech CC Statewide
IUPUI
Bay Path University
Purdue University

National Virtual Model
Alumni Association
Career Fair
Semester-Long

2014

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Program Launch

15 Graduates

45 Graduates

91 Graduates

250 Graduates

350 Graduates

Institutional Partner

Marian University
Ivy Tech CC

Marian University
Ivy Tech CC
University of Indianapoli
s

Ivy Tech CC
Indiana University
IUPUI
Bay Path University

Ivy Tech CC Statewide
Indiana University
IUPUI
Bay Path University

Ivy Tech CC Statewide
IUPUI
Bay Path University
Purdue University

Programming

Four Core Modules
One Hour/Month Mentorship

Financial Literacy
Resume Building
Confidence Building

Stress Management
Etiquette Luncheon
Interview Process
Dress for Success

StrengthsFinder
Social Activities
STEM Focus

National Virtual Model
Alumni Association
Career Fair
Semester-Long

See and hear how Project Grow has positively affected these program graduates:

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

The Pass the Torch for Women Foundation’s formal mentorship program enables Project Grow participants to gain access to professional mentors for one-hour per month, either by phone or video conferencing. In order to request a formal mentoring relationship, participants must receive their “Module Badge” by completing all four core modules.

PROGRAM MODULES

“Building Blocks of Project Grow”

“Successfully Navigating Your Career Path”

“Harvesting Authentic Confidence and Grit”

“Grow Your Network and Expand Your Career”

Interested in Bringing Project Grow to Your Institution?

HOW HAS THE PROJECT GROW PROGRAM IMPACTED THEM?