May 4, 2026 Launched in 2017, Grade to Grad School for Girls (G3) supports female students’ social, emotional and academic development through intentional mentorship. The program focuses on building self-awareness and self-esteem while expanding access to opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach. Persistent disparities in the workplace present challenges unique to women. G3 addresses those barriers early, equipping students with the confidence and skills needed to navigate future academic and career paths. Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) became a committed partner in 2023, hosting G3’s kickoff in October and end-of-year conference this coming May. Faculty and staff also serve as mentors, supporting students throughout the year. Expanding Access and Opportunity G3 works to bridge gaps for students in low-income, urban schools by providing exposure to college environments and supportive spaces. Mentors cultivate experiences where students feel seen and encouraged to reach their potential. The program introduces post-high school pathways by connecting students with diverse career fields and role models, helping them envision future success. A Community Effort Jamillya Hardley, director of the Woodrick Center at GRCC and member of the G3 planning committee, leads the college’s involvement in the program.   “I have the opportunity to work with some phenomenal women through the organization who all play important roles within the GRPS system,” Hardley said. “Some are advisors, directors, coordinators or teachers, and all share a passion for building up youth.” Hardley emphasized the importance of helping students see themselves in college and beyond. “We value planting seeds that allow these young women to see themselves in college settings or on a post-high school journey,” she said. “We spend time encouraging them and helping them build skills to feel confident in those spaces.” The 10th annual conference will be held May 7 on GRCC’s campus. The college provides funding, volunteers and space as a key community partner supporting underrepresented youth through mentorship and college exposure. A Yearlong Journey The program connects students with mentors through a series of events and workshops. A kickoff event in October launches the year, followed by monthly sessions led by school-based mentors. Topics include relationships, mental health, excellence and self-affirmation. The May conference serves as a culminating celebration, where students present yearlong projects, attend workshops and hear from guest speakers. Leaders and mentors create an atmosphere of excitement to intentionally champion each student in the program.   “We build a multifaceted experience that centers the girls,” Hardley said. “We remind them they’re important—that their voices matter and their dreams are valid.” The Power of Representation   Representation plays a central role in shaping students’ aspirations. Seeing mentors and leaders with shared experiences helps students imagine themselves in roles they may have once considered unattainable. “From start to finish, we hope students feel seen, valued and cared for,” Hardley said. “We want them to feel affirmed—that this is a safe space. It’s powerful to watch them grow and celebrate who they are.” Leading by Example Hardley’s path to higher education was shaped by her own experience with mentorship from a Black woman who recognized Hardley’s potential as both a student and an athlete. “That experience taught me to meet people where they are and listen for what they need,” she said. “Sometimes, all it takes is someone to truly see you. And if that person looks like you, it can make it easier to see yourself in those spaces.” That perspective guides Hardley’s leadership and reinforces the importance of investing in future generations. “We have a responsibility to pave the way,” she said. “There are leaders coming behind us, and what we do now matters.” A Village of Support G3 prioritizes diversity among its speakers, mentors and role models to inspire students and broaden their perspectives. The program also fosters a strong sense of community among its organizers. “I get to work with phenomenal women on the committee,” Hardley said. “We’ve created a supportive space for ourselves, just as we do for the students. We’re intentional about showing up for one another, and we’re living out what we teach.” Maleika Brown, a conference co-founder and front runner for the organization, has helped lead and sustain the initiative for a decade. “It’s because of women like Maleika, who have given so much to this initiative, that we have the opportunity to pour into these students,” Hardley said. “We know how much each student matters. This is an opportunity to fill gaps that may exist in their everyday lives. Together, we can pour into them and help them see they have what it takes to succeed.” Through mentorship, representation and community, G3 continues to empower the next generation—one student at a time. Email Jamillya Hardley , director of the Woodrick Center at GRCC to learn more about how to get involved with G3.  This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.