GROW BPD

G.R.O.W. is dedicated to empowering girls from Boston's inner-city neighborhoods by providing mentorship, life skills development, and career readiness support. Founded by Officer Jamila Gales, the program fosters relationships between youth, families, and law enforcement while addressing systemic inequities.

Program Model: G.R.O.W. follows a structured, mentorship-based model that equips girls aged 11-24 with the skills and resources they need to succeed. The program is built around five core pillars:

- Life Skills Development: Workshops on financial literacy, communication, conflict resolution, and self-defense.
- Academics & Career Readiness: Tutoring, college prep, job training, and internship placements.
- Physical & Mental Wellness: Trauma-informed workshops, fitness activities, and self-care education.
- Social Action & Restorative Justice: Civic engagement projects and restorative justice training.
- Community Advancement: Leadership summits, cultural experiences, and volunteer initiatives.
Participants Served: G.R.O.W. serves 65-70 girls annually from Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, and Hyde Park. The program targets underserved youth who face systemic barriers to success, offering mentorship and structured support. G.R.O.W. boasts a 100% college acceptance rate, 15 scholarship recipients, and 20 internship placements among its participants.

Impact & Community Engagement: Since 2018, G.R.O.W. has expanded from five to 70 participants, maintaining a waitlist of nearly 50 girls. Through strong community partnerships and city engagement, the program continues to create equitable opportunities, empower young women, and build pathways for success.

Duties and Responsibilities for Leadership Development Fellow:

- Participate in Leadership Training:
Attend and actively engage in workshops and seminars focused on building leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Apply these skills in group discussions, community service projects, and team-based activities.

- Support Community Engagement Initiatives:
Assist in organizing and executing community service projects, civic engagement activities, and events that promote social impact and leadership within the community.

- Complete Social Action Capstone Project:
Develop and lead a social action project that addresses a relevant community issue, demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Present the project to peers, mentors, and community members as part of the program’s final initiative.

- Mentorship and Peer Support:
Collaborate with mentors and peers to share experiences, offer support, and provide feedback. Help younger participants by offering guidance, advice, and encouragement in their personal and career development.

- Participate in the Production of Program Podcast:
Contribute to the creation of the G.R.O.W. program’s podcast by sharing experiences, conducting interviews, or assisting with the technical aspects of production, helping to amplify the voices and stories of youth involved in the program.

Commitment to Program Participation:
- Must be available for weekly workshops, community service events, and other program-related activities, demonstrating consistent attendance and engagement.
Comfortable with Public Speaking and Media:
- Willingness to participate in podcast production, public speaking engagements, and other outreach activities that may require being in front of an audience or on camera.
Willingness to Lead and Take Initiative:
- Ability to take on leadership roles within the program, including developing and leading a social action capstone project, and motivating peers in group settings.
Sensitivity and Respect for Diversity:
- Ability to work with and respect individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender-expansive youth, and demonstrate inclusivity in all aspects of program participation.