Click Here to download a printer friendly version of the Parent’s Frequently Asked Questions Sheet.

*If you daughter is already in YWLP and you are trying to contact her group facilitator, send an email to ucfywlp@mail.com or ywlp@mail.ucf.edu.

What is the YWLP?

The Young Women Leaders Program is a mentoring program sponsored by the UCF Women’s Studies Program. YWLP originated at the University of Virginia, and UCF has launched the program in the Orlando community. YWLP promotes middle school girls’ leadership abilities, pairing collegiate women with middle school girls. In mentoring pairs and small groups of Big and Little Sisters, participants focus on learning competence and autonomy, independent thinking, empowerment, self-esteem, and encouraging girls to think about their futures.

What is the Commitment?

For each bi-weekly mentoring session, your young leader will bring home a parent activity sheet.  Please read it and try to work on some of those lessons with your daughter. You are also asked to attend the Parent’s Orientation so that you can become familiar with the program and raise any questions you might have. Finally, you are responsible for making sure your daughter has a ride home from the Wednesday afternoon meetings and for committing to her participation in the program.

What will students do in a YWLP session?

The sessions meets for an hour and a half after school every other Wednesday. Each meeting is divided into several components: 1) an introduction to the day’s special topic by the group facilitator; 2) time for each Big/Little Sister pair to discuss the topic one-on-one; and 3) group time to talk about and participate in creative and fun activities. This structure enables the mentors to talk with “Little Sisters” about important issues, to build relationships in each pair and among the group as a whole, and, mostly, to have fun!  Topics include: Leadership, Friendship, Autonomy, Body Awareness, Tough Decisions, Connection, and Looking Ahead. Click Here to see the curriculum summary.

How long does the program last?

The fall program starts in late August and runs through late November. The spring program begins in late January and runs through mid April.  Your daughter, both during the program and after, can join the Alumnae chapter of YWLP at her school and continue the friendships and connections she has made in the program. Click Here to find out about the YWLP Alumnae Club.

Who can be a Little Sister?

Little Sisters are nominated by their teachers.  Little Sisters are middle schools girls of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds who, for whatever reason, have yet to reach their potential as leaders.  Leadership, in this context, is defined broadly as the ability to guide oneself first, and others secondarily, on issues that are important to one’s self-worth.  

Who are the Big Sisters?

The Big Sisters of the YWLP are enthusiastic and hardworking UCF undergraduate and graduate women.  All Big Sisters have gone through an interview and selection process and are committed to building relationships with middle school girls in their community. These collegiate women have been trained and verified by the Seminole County School Board in order to work as mentors to your students. They have also completed our training program, which is specifically designed to prepare them for the curriculum and program needs. Beyond the regular mentoring sessions, Big Sisters attend bi-weekly lesson planning sessions with the UCF Women’s Studies Program. Each Big Sister is accountable to a confidentiality agreement and the standards set by the Seminole County School Board.

What is the Parent’s Guide?

To support positive relationship development in the lives of YWLP participants, the program seeks to maintain and support a relationship with the parent(s) of each participant. In order to facilitate the parent’s understanding of YWLP, the program presents a parent orientation meeting and developed the Parent’s Guide to YWLP. Click Here for a sample of the Parent’s Guide.

         Are you ready for your daughter to become a Little Sister? Check with your daughter’s middle school to see if they offer the program or contact the YWLP Program Coordinator to see about starting a chapter in your area.