Teen Mentors

Girls' LEAP could not exist without an amazing group of people. Join us! To apply for a position or request additional information, please send your resume and cover letter to Girls' LEAP at [email protected] !

Hours: 4 - 10 hours/week, Monday-Saturday Mornings/Afternoons/Evenings in 3–4-hour blocks.

Pay: $25/hour

Girls’ LEAP works to disrupt the violence that surrounds girls and gender expansive youth by amplifying their voices, emboldening their courage, and imparting critical life and self-defense skills so they can take on challenges with confidence.

Our programs combine physical skills with social-emotional development, in a unique and synergistic combination. Young people recognize and develop their physical strength by practicing physical self-defense. Experiencing the power in their bodies gives them the confidence to use their voices, set boundaries, create healthy relationships, and develop into leaders.

We enroll groups of 8‑20 girls and gender expansive youth (ages 8‑18, in age‑appropriate groups) at no cost to them in their neighbourhood schools and community centres. We aim for a 4:1 ratio, students to staff in each program.

The Lead Teacher teaches Girls’ LEAP Self‑Defense programs, collaborating with an inter‑generational team comprising college‑aged Teaching Assistants and Teen Mentors. Programs typically run weekly for 11 weeks during the school year and 6 weeks during the summer with occasional workshops.

• Teach the Girls’ LEAP curriculum to 8‑20 students, leading the intergenerational teaching team
• Coach the teaching team assigned to each program
• Coordinate with our site sponsor
• Produce weekly reports on the progress of programs and staff

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with youth
• Experience in physical, outdoor, or experiential education, martial arts, dance, theatre, or some other expressive physical medium
• Commitment to Girls’ LEAP values of empowering girls and non‑binary youth from a strength‑based team approach and fostering a consent culture
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people in a team environment
• Ability to manage conflict effectively
• Bilingual/bicultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply
• Valid MA driver’s licence and regular access to a reliable vehicle preferred

Teen Mentors build leadership skills by teaching younger and near‑aged girls in Girls’ LEAP programs. They also raise community awareness about violence that girls face.

Who can apply? Teens from Boston who identify as girls, ages 14‑18. We especially encourage those who are interested in empowerment, social justice, leadership, or self‑defence to apply. Teen Mentors are selected through a rigorous training and application process. Once hired, Teen Mentors will be part‑time, paid employees with Girls’ LEAP.

• Increased confidence in personal safety
• Increased awareness of higher education opportunities
• Ability to coach and mentor
• Work readiness and confidence in communication and presentation skills
• Professionalism in engagement with peers and supervisors

A weekend‑long training and 20‑25 hours/week for the duration of the program. You must be available each week of the program, typically seven weeks in the summer. Hours are scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Teen Mentors who successfully complete the summer program may be invited to continue their employment into the school year, assisting with Girls' LEAP Programs, Workshops, and outreach events after school, and/or on weekends.

• Assist in teaching Girls' LEAP Community Programs
• Engage in training and discussion on social justice topics relevant to Boston girls, such as racism, sexism, discrimination, violence, and what we can do about these issues
• Create content for Girls' LEAP's Instagram, You Tube, etc. about things that matter to you—learn skills like video and music editing, write poetry, draw, take pictures
• Build personal skills like financial literacy and goal setting, and professional skills like resume writing

The Teen Mentor Program intern will work one‑on‑one, and…