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.