The 6-6-12 journey: belonging, skills, and leadership in action
The program begins with identity and belonging work to establish a foundation of confidence, voice, and healing-centered support.
Stage 1: Building Her Foundation
Stage 1 helps girls build the inner foundation for leadership by creating safety, belonging, and space for self-discovery. Through weekly circles, girls explore identity, values, boundaries, consent, emotional wellbeing, healing practices, and the values of Girls Lead Change. Growth is tracked through simple self-checks and facilitator
observations, and the stage ends with an I Am Ceremony, where each girl shares an “I am” statement, receives a Stage 1 badge or certificate, and is invited to continue to the next stage of her journey.
Stage 2: Equipping Her for Leadership
Stage 2 helps girls build the practical skills needed to lead with confidence. Through hands-on learning, girls strengthen communication, collaboration, problem-solving, planning, and time management while exploring leadership tracks such as entrepreneurship, political leadership, technology, and community leadership.
Progress is measured through simple skill rubrics, reflections, and attendance tracking, and the stage includes a Micro-Showcase where girls demonstrate what they are learning through pitches, debates, and group presentations, earn track certificates, and may be selected for leadership roles in
Stage 3: Putting Leadership into Action
Stage 3 helps girls turn identity and leadership skills into real community impact through girl-led projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Working in teams, girls identify a community issue, create a simple project plan, and put their ideas into action with regular check-ins, reflection circles, and feedback from mentors and peers.
The stage concludes with an Annual Impact Showcase, where girls present their work, receive values-based awards and an 18-month completion certificate, and are invited into the Alumnae and Big Sister pathway.
Global Trek (Optional Capstone)
The Global Trek is an optional capstone that gives girls the chance to deepen their global identity, build cross-country sisterhood, and grow as visible ambassadors of Girls Lead Change. Taking place over 7 to 14 days toward the end of Stage 3, the experience brings together girls selected through a merit-based process that considers leadership, values, Sustainable Development Goals contribution, personal growth, and diversity. Access includes scholarship, co-funded, and self-funded pathways, and each girl is expected to give back through a sharing activity when she returns. Girls who complete the experience are recognized as Girls Lead Change Global Trek Ambassadors and receive a certificate and visible symbol of their achievement.
Alumnae Path
The journey does not end at completion. As alumnae, girls step into the next chapter of leadership as Big Sisters, role models, and emerging mentors for those coming behind them. They stay connected through a lifelong sisterhood, share the impact of their journey, and gain opportunities to speak, lead, and continue growing in community.
