G.E.M.S. Program

The Patuxent River (MD) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is proud of the work accomplished within its umbrella program.  The program, Cultivating Young Girls into GEMS; Global-minded, Empowered, and Motivated for Success, focuses on the development of young ladies in a holistic manner incorporating the work of all five of The Links, Incorporated's program facets (Services to Youth, Arts, Health & Human Services, International Trends and Services, and National Trends & Services).  
 

The GEMS Program for girls in grades 5-12 addresses their current challenges and prepares them for the next stage of life beyond high school. Starting at Germantown Elementary School (GES) with 5th graders, the program began to address bullying, its causes, and its impact on girls (and their families). The Program was re-designed to target the development of the whole child – strong academic focus, leadership skills, social skills, self-advocacy, healthy living, mental health, and creativity; while exposing underserved girls to culturally diverse people and opportunities to which they would not otherwise be exposed. Still hosted at GES, it has expanded to include girls (our “mentees”/GEMS) from several other elementary, middle and high schools.  We have a mentoring component that follows the GEMS from elementary through high school.  Working with our program partners we create environments that stimulate their interest in STEAM, international, and non-traditional careers for females.
 
The Patuxent River (MD) Chapter's future plans include following the GEMS through high school and awarding a targeted number of college scholarships as the GEMS matriculate. 

Program Goals: 

1. Increase opportunities for promising young ladies in grades 5-12 to be exposed to cultural programs and activities, international people and ideas, healthy lifestyles/choices and new approaches to conflict management. 
2. Implement a mentoring program that would help to identify and enhance the positive qualities and traits that the GEMS possess that would result in increased self-esteem, self-advocacy and leadership skills.
3. Increase opportunities for the GEMS and their family members to learn more about health wellness and financial literacy programs.
4. Introduce the GEMS to STEM-related career opportunities to expose them to and increase their interest in career and education options not otherwise considered.