Program span
4 Years
Grades 9–12 fully served
Year 1 cohort
100
Enrolled · 75 consistent
Sessions per year
7
Monthly · Nov–May
Sectors
4
All sectors, every year
Evaluation
HI + EE
HelloInsight + Empowerment Eval
Structural Model
How Power Hour Works Across Four Years
The core design problem
How do you run shared monthly sessions for mixed grades where content builds progressively, but a freshman with no work experience sits next to a junior who's been in the program two years?
01
Shared sessions, differentiated depth
Every monthly session has one theme. All participants are in the room together. What each girl does with the content depends on her E-level — not her grade.
02
E-level = years in Power Hour
Every girl starts at E2 Exposure regardless of entry grade. You don't choose a path you haven't seen. Older new entrants move through E2 faster — they don't skip it.
03
Sector focus rotates annually
Each year spotlights a different high-growth South Florida sector. Returning girls get new industry content every year. All sectors appear every year — one leads.
04
7-month arc is the constant
Foundation → Exploration → Mid-Point → Intensification → Showcase. Same structure every year. The content within it changes by sector and E-level.
05
Portfolio is the spine
Every session produces a deliverable. The portfolio grows in complexity across E-levels, from a skills inventory to an employer-ready professional package.
06
Employability is the through-line
E1 — the 18 universal soft skills from the FL Workforce Needs Study — is embedded in every session, every year. It's not a module; it's how girls do the work.
07
Evolution is the second through-line
E5 — learning agility, AI fluency, adaptability, financial resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking. E1 is what employers need today. E5 is what keeps her relevant when today's employers don't exist.
Framework
The 5 E's — Program Framework
E1
Employability
Transferable skills employers require across all sectors — communication, teamwork, professionalism, critical thinking, self-management. Aligned to FL Workforce Study's 18 universal soft skills.
Yr 1 begins
Yr 2 deepens
Yr 3 mastery
Yr 4 demonstrated
E2
Exposure
The full breadth of career pathways — especially high-wage, non-traditional sectors. Guest panels, site visits, wage data workshops. Broadens what girls believe is possible for someone like them.
Year 1 — primary focus
E3
Exploration
Structured opportunities to sample, test, and identify genuine areas of interest. Informational interviews, sector deep-dives, values clarification. Prevents identity foreclosure.
Year 2 — primary focus
E4
Experience
Sustained, applied learning in real contexts — capstone projects, Ambassador leadership, mock interviews with industry feedback, internship placement. Duration matters.
Year 3 — primary
Year 4 — peak + launch
E5
Evolution
The capacity to remain relevant when today's employers don't exist. Learning agility, AI fluency, adaptability, financial resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking. These girls will work until 2070 — this E prepares them for the jobs that haven't been invented yet.
Every year — second through-line
Why a 5th E?
E1–E4 prepare girls for the careers that exist today. E5 prepares them for the careers that don't exist yet. The sector rotation is anchored to Miami-Dade's 2034 labor projections — but these girls will be working until 2070. E5 Evolution sits alongside E1 Employability as a second through-line: present in every session, every year, building the meta-skills of adaptation, self-directed learning, and technological fluency.
E5 Evolution — The Five Components
L
Learning Agility
How to teach yourself something new. Not "learn to code" but "evaluate whether you should, find the resource, get functional in 30 days." The skill of learning itself.
A
AI & Tech Fluency
Not a sector — a tool layer. Using AI, evaluating it, understanding its limits. Every career will be AI-adjacent. Girls who can leverage it won't be replaced by it.
A
Adaptability
The world changes fast — and so will you. That's a strength. How to navigate change, transfer skills to new contexts, and see evolution as opportunity. Life isn't linear — the program builds the muscle to move with it.
F
Financial Resilience
Compound interest, emergency funds, benefit negotiation, freelance/contract navigation, salary benchmarking. If we're serious about the wage gap, financial literacy is non-negotiable.
E
Entrepreneurial Thinking
How to create value, identify problems, build from nothing. Not just for founders — every employee who can think like an owner has a career advantage that doesn't expire.
Differentiation
E-Levels — How Girls Progress
E-level follows years in program, not grade
The research is clear: jumping to readiness activities without adequate exposure leads to premature foreclosure. A junior who joins for the first time hasn't seen the career landscape yet. Every girl starts at E2 — she doesn't choose a path she hasn't seen. That's the program's philosophy.
| E-Level | Triggered By | Primary Lens | Girl's Posture | Portfolio Expectation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E2 Exposure | Year 1 in program (any grade) | See the full landscape of what's possible | Curious observer — sampling broadly | Skills-based: interests inventory, strengths worksheet, basic resume, 1–2 informational interview write-ups |
| E3 Exploration | Year 2 in program | Test, sample, and begin choosing | Active investigator — narrowing with intention | Developing: sector-specific resume, cover letter draft, 3+ interviews, LinkedIn profile, personal statement draft |
| E4 Experience | Year 3 in program | Sustained, applied skill development | Practitioner — building real things | Advanced: tailored resume (multiple versions), polished cover letter, industry-reviewed capstone, mock interviews |
| E4 Peak | Year 4 in program | Real-world application and launch | Launcher — using skills live | Professional: job-ready portfolio, rec letters, applications submitted, Future Ready Scholarship, CareerSource |
Pacing Adjustment for Late Entrants
| Entry Grade | E-Level Start | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman (Gr 9) | E2 — full year | Standard pace. High structure, broad sampling, guided activities. |
| Sophomore (Gr 10) | E2 — full year | Standard pace but with more autonomy. Can self-select deeper prompts. |
| Junior (Gr 11) | E2 — compressed | E2 Exposure months 1–3, transition to E3 Exploration months 4–7. Developmental maturity allows faster processing. |
| Senior (Gr 12) | E2 — compressed | E2 months 1–2 (intensive), E3 months 3–4, E4 entry months 5–7. Focused on launchable deliverables by May. |
Sector Model
All Sectors, Every Year — Depth by E-Level
Why not rotate sectors by year?
If E2 Exposure is about seeing the full landscape, but Year 1 only covers Healthcare, a girl who does one year got exposed to one sector. That's the opposite of anti-foreclosure design. All high-growth South Florida sectors appear every year. The E-level determines how deep she goes — not the calendar.
Content freshness for returning girls is solved by rotating activities, speakers, and workshops within the same sectors each year — new T2 partners, new hands-on activities, new case studies. The sectors are constant. The content is fresh. The partner pipeline deepens over 4 years instead of rebuilding every year.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Every Year
Ambulatory health, clinical, admin, research, public health, biotech. Strong female representation to build from — while pushing toward higher-wage pathways beyond support roles.
+26,118 jobs by 2034
Technology & Innovation
Every Year
Miami #2 nationally for tech growth. 70–89% male — deliberate counter-programming. Software, cybersecurity, data science, UX/UI, digital marketing, fintech.
$121K–$141K senior roles
Professional & Business Services
Every Year
Largest growth sector. Marketing, finance, consulting, legal, architecture, engineering. Broadens beyond STEM-only framing. Connects to entrepreneurship.
+33,910 jobs by 2034
Creative, Social Impact & Entrepreneurship
Every Year
Design, media, nonprofit, public policy, social enterprise. Honors girls whose interests cross boundaries. Most modern careers are interdisciplinary.
Cross-sector integration
How E-Level Determines Sector Depth
| E-Level | Sector Engagement | T2 Workshop Experience | Mentor Matching |
|---|---|---|---|
| E2 Exposure | Samples ALL 4 sectors broadly. Rotates through panels, workshops, and speakers from each. No commitment required. | Attends all sector workshops as a sampler. Completes comparison chart across sectors. | Matched with a general mentor (not sector-specific). Focus is on relationship, not industry. |
| E3 Exploration | Chooses 1–2 sectors for deeper investigation. Still attends all sector sessions but does deeper work in chosen area(s). | Does informational interviews and sector-specific projects in her chosen area(s). Fresh activities each year. | Matched with a mentor in her area of interest. Relationship deepens around sector-specific guidance. |
| E4 Experience | Concentrated in chosen sector. Capstone project is sector-specific. Still attends shared sessions but does advanced work. | Works directly with T2 partner on capstone. Receives employer-level feedback. Internship pipeline in this sector. | Mentor relationship is now professional — industry contact, reference, internship connector. |
| E4 Peak | Applying skills in real-world contexts within chosen sector. Cross-sector integration encouraged for capstone. | Live employer interactions: interviews, applications, placement. T2 partner is now a professional reference. | Mentor transitions to long-term professional relationship. Part of her portable network. |
Work-Based Learning
Internship Pipeline & 4-Tier Partner Model
The employer consensus
Miami-Dade employers say graduates lack "tangible hands-on experience." Only 2% of U.S. high school students have completed an internship. Only 5% of available internships are for high schoolers. Power Hour fills this gap — and Miami-Dade already has the infrastructure to do it.
The 4-Tier Partner Model
Tier 1 · Collegiate Role Models
College Panelists
FIU + Barry University students bridging the high school-to-career gap. Serve on panels, share their journey, normalize the path. Relatable near-peer connection.
Commitment: 1–2 sessions per year.
Tier 2 · Industry Partners
Workshop Leaders
Professionals leading hands-on, portfolio-building workshops. Review capstone projects. Provide employer-quality feedback on mock interviews.
Commitment: 2–4 sessions per year + capstone review.
Tier 3 · Mentors
Industry Mentors
Matched by shared industry interest. Meet regularly between sessions. Relationship deepens from general guidance to professional reference.
Commitment: Monthly meetings across the 7-month cycle.
Tier 4 · Internship Providers
Paid Placement Hosts
Employers hosting paid internships for Year 3+ girls. 15 hrs/week (10 on-site + 5 with Girls Inc.). Funded by Girls Inc. and/or industry partners. 10 placements/year target.
Commitment: Summer placement (5–6 weeks). MOU required.
Employer value proposition — why they say yes
For T2/T3 partners: Access to a pre-screened, diverse talent pipeline. Brand visibility in Miami-Dade's workforce community. Zero cost if internships are grant-funded (SYIP model). Program handles recruitment, screening, onboarding, compliance, and supervision. Short commitment (5-week summer or micro-project). Public recognition at annual showcase. Shape future employees before committing to a hire.
Work-Based Learning Progression by Year in Program
| Year | Work-Based Learning Type | Structure | Who Manages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Career exposure only. No internship. Panels, site visits, speaker sessions, wage data workshops. She sees the landscape. | Built into monthly sessions via T1 + T2 partners. No between-session employer commitment. | Kasidy (facilitation) + Virginia/Dyani (partner scheduling) |
| Year 2 | Micro-internships. 10–20 hour project-based engagements with T2/T4 partners. Single deliverable. Low commitment both sides. | 1–2 micro-projects during the 7-month cycle. Can be virtual. Matched by sector interest. | Kasidy (matching + oversight) + T3 mentor (guidance) |
| Year 3 | Paid internship. 15 hrs/week (10 on-site + 5 with Girls Inc.). 5–6 weeks summer. 10 placements target. Funded by Girls Inc. and/or industry partners. | Option A (SYIP Feeder): Partner with M-DCPS + The Children's Trust. Girls arrive pre-trained. Requires formal partnership. Option B (Direct): Girls Inc. builds own T4 pipeline. $1,500/intern. MOU with each employer. |
Virginia/Dyani (employer pipeline) + Kasidy (student prep) + Sarah (funding/logistics) |
| Year 4 (Senior) | Light touchpoints + post-graduation tracking. Continued placement or job search support. College enrollment. CareerSource registration. Future Ready Scholarship. | Light-touch check-ins. Post-graduation outcome tracking via alumnae survey. Senior transition plan finalized by Month 5. | Virginia/Dyani (employer relationships) + T3 mentor (professional reference) + Sarah (tracking outcomes) |
Florida Law — What You Need to Know
Hours (School Year)
Max 30 hrs/week when school is in session. Max 8 hrs/day. Cannot work before 6:30 AM or after 11:00 PM on school nights. Mandatory 30-min break after 4 consecutive hours.
Hours (Summer)
Hour caps relaxed when school is not in session, but 6:30 AM–11:00 PM window and break requirements still apply. SYIP model: 30 hrs/week, 5 weeks.
Paid vs. Unpaid
Pay them. Unpaid internships at for-profit employers are legally risky under FLSA. The safest and most equitable path: fund stipends through grants so employers host at zero cost. Every successful equity-focused program pays participants.
Internship Funding Model
The math
At $15/hr × 15 hrs/week (10 on-site + 5 with Girls Inc.) × 5 weeks = $1,125 per intern. For 10 placements per summer = $11,250–$15,000 per year. Funded by Girls Inc. and/or industry partners. If using the SYIP feeder model (Option A), employer wages are grant-funded — Girls Inc. covers only the 5 hrs/week program time. Virginia wants first placements by summer 2027.
Pipeline Build Timeline
| Program Year | Work-Based Learning Active | Pipeline Building Underway |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (2026–27) | E2 exposure only (panels, speakers, site visits). No internships yet. | Virginia + Dyani: identify 5–10 T2 employer partners. Explore SYIP partnership. Connect with CareerSource youth services. Begin micro-internship pilot conversations. |
| Year 2 (2027–28) | E3 micro-internships launch (10–20 hr projects for returning girls). | Formalize SYIP feeder agreement OR build direct Girls Inc. pipeline. Secure internship funding (grant application by January). Recruit 10–15 internship host sites. Build employer toolkit. |
| Year 3 (2028–29) | E4 summer internships (5–6 weeks, paid). First cohort of 10–15 interns placed. | Evaluate placement quality. Survey employers + interns. Expand pipeline to 20+ host sites. Develop micro → summer → school-year progression. |
| Year 4 (2029–30) | E4 summer + E4 Peak school-year placements. Full pipeline operational. 20+ placements per summer. | Program mature. Employer retention. Alumnae tracking (did internship lead to employment?). Pipeline self-sustaining through employer relationships. |
Miami-Dade Ecosystem — Existing Infrastructure to Leverage
M-DCPS Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP)
3,187 students at 974 worksites. Employer pays nothing (grant-funded). Applications due May 1. Runs July–August, 30 hrs/week, 5 weeks. 1 academic credit. Employer portal: GetMyInterns.org. Funded by The Children's Trust + CareerSource + EdFed + private foundations (~$7M total).
Power Hour opportunity: feeder program. Girls arrive pre-trained with portfolios, professional skills, and sector clarity. SYIP handles placement and wages.
CareerSource South Florida — Youth Services
Serves youth ages 14–21. Coordinates In-School and Out-of-School workforce programs. Partner in SYIP funding coalition. Registration and job matching services available year-round.
Power Hour opportunity: register E4/E4 Peak girls. Access to employer matching, job readiness support, and post-program employment pipeline.
Girls Inc. of Orange County — Externship Precedent
Free 6-month program for 9th–11th graders. Career exploration in underrepresented fields. Placed 127 girls with PepsiCo, Edwards Lifesciences, ADP in 2023. 98% strengthened professional competencies.
Power Hour opportunity: direct model within the Girls Inc. network. Contact OC affiliate for playbook, employer toolkit, and lessons learned.
FIU — Mutual Benefit Anchor
Women & Gender Studies (possible free venue). Fem Tech connection in progress. FIU students serve as T1 collegiate role models. FIU departments and research labs can host micro-internships and summer placements.
Power Hour opportunity: internship hosting in exchange for mentors. The mutual-benefit model Virginia and Marlena already identified.
Curriculum
Year-by-Year — 7-Month Session Arcs
Year 1 — Foundation
Grades 9–11 · All participants at E2 Exposure · 100 enrolled / 75 consistent · Monthly sessions Nov–May · All 4 sectors sampled broadly
| Month | Theme | Key Activities | E2 Deliverables | E's Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Month 1 November Foundation |
Foundation & Identity Who am I? Where am I going? |
Values clarification workshop Strengths & interests inventory Portfolio intro + exemplar review Near-peer mentor meet & match Small group norm-setting (~6) HI Pre-Survey |
Career interests inventory Values & strengths worksheet Goal-setting template (draft) |
E2 Exposure + E1 begins |
Month 2 December Exploration |
Career Landscape & Networking What's out there? |
Miami-Dade labor market data (all 4 sectors) Wage gap & sector analysis Informational interview training Women of color speaker panel (cross-sector) Professional email writing |
Career research (1 sector of choice) Informational interview template Draft professional email |
E2 Exposure primary |
Month 3 January Exploration |
Sector Deep Dives Which world could I see myself in? |
T2 industry workshops: rotating across all 4 sectors (healthcare, tech, professional services, creative/social impact) Hands-on sector sampling activity Interview debrief Resume workshop — draft v1 |
Interview write-ups (2+) Career cluster comparison chart Draft resume v1 (skills-based) |
E2 Exposure |
Month 4 February Mid-Point |
Mid-Point Check-In & Reflection How are we doing, really? |
HI Check-In survey EE "Taking Stock" — staff + youth rate 1–10 Group data review Portfolio checkpoint Adjust Months 5–7 |
Draft resume + 2 interview write-ups Reflection journal Revised goal-setting sheet |
E2 + E1 |
Month 5 March Intensification |
Professional Skill-Building How do I tell my story? |
Cover letter workshop + revisions Personal statement drafting LinkedIn profile development Mock interview round 1 (peer) T3 mentor portfolio review |
Polished resume v2 Cover letter draft v1 LinkedIn profile (draft) Personal statement draft |
E1 deepens + E2 |
Month 6 April Completion |
Portfolio Completion & Peer Coaching How do I show my best self? |
Mock interview round 2 (mentor) Portfolio final review + peer critique Rec letter coordination T2 partner review Presentation coaching |
Final resume (print + digital) Polished cover letter Personal statement (final) Skill inventory complete |
E1 + E2 |
Month 7 May Showcase |
Showcase & Transition I am ready. Here's my proof. |
Public portfolio showcase HI Post-Survey EE Reflection session Alumni network launch Peer leader cycle close |
Complete digital + print portfolio Showcase presentation Next-step action plan Alumni network card |
E2 closing |
E5 Evolution Thread — Year 1
Learning Agility: "How did you figure that out?" reflection after every hands-on activity. Girls name their learning process, not just the outcome.
AI & Tech Fluency: Use AI tools to draft professional emails and compare to their own drafts. Introduction to AI as a collaborator, not a replacement. "What did it get right? What did it miss about you?"
Adaptability: Month 2 labor market workshop includes "jobs that didn't exist 10 years ago" data. Plant the seed: the world changes fast — and so will you. That's a strength, not a threat.
Financial Resilience: Wage gap data isn't just exposure content — it's financial literacy. Girls calculate lifetime earnings differences. Compound interest intro: "What does $5/week become in 10 years?"
Entrepreneurial Thinking: "What problem do you see in your community?" brainstorm embedded in Month 1 identity work. Documented but not yet acted on — seeds planted for later years.
AI & Tech Fluency: Use AI tools to draft professional emails and compare to their own drafts. Introduction to AI as a collaborator, not a replacement. "What did it get right? What did it miss about you?"
Adaptability: Month 2 labor market workshop includes "jobs that didn't exist 10 years ago" data. Plant the seed: the world changes fast — and so will you. That's a strength, not a threat.
Financial Resilience: Wage gap data isn't just exposure content — it's financial literacy. Girls calculate lifetime earnings differences. Compound interest intro: "What does $5/week become in 10 years?"
Entrepreneurial Thinking: "What problem do you see in your community?" brainstorm embedded in Month 1 identity work. Documented but not yet acted on — seeds planted for later years.
Year 2 — Depth
Grades 9–12 · Mixed E-levels (E2 new + E3 returning) · Seniors added · All sectors — E3 girls begin choosing 1–2 for deeper work
| Month | Theme | Key Activities | E2 (New) Deliverable | E3 (Returning) Deliverable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Month 1 November Foundation | Reconnection & New Foundations | Returning girls: reflection + goal reset New girls: values + interests Mixed small groups (E2 + E3 paired) T1 cross-sector panel HI Pre-Survey | Interests inventory Values worksheet Goal-setting template | Year 2 goals + sector narrowing plan Portfolio audit + Year 2 plan Mentorship goals |
Month 2 December Exploration | Career Landscape & Deeper Networking | Updated labor market data (all sectors) Gender gaps by sector deep-dive Women of color cross-sector panel (new speakers from Yr 1) Digital fluency + online presence | Career research (new sector) Professional email Interview template | Sector comparison across interests LinkedIn update 3+ interview plan in chosen area(s) |
Month 3 January Exploration | Sector Deep Dives — All Sectors, New Activities | T2 workshops: new partners, new activities across all 4 sectors Hands-on sampling (different activities from Yr 1) Resume workshop (E-level specific) | Interview write-ups (2+) Career cluster chart Resume v1 (skills-based) | Interview write-ups (3+) in chosen sector(s) Sector-specific resume Cover letter draft |
Month 4 February Mid-Point | Mid-Point Check-In & Pivot | HI Check-In EE Taking Stock Portfolio checkpoint (E-level specific) Adjust Months 5–7 | Resume + 2 interviews Reflection journal Revised goals | 2 resumes + cover letter + 3 interviews + LinkedIn live Sector narrowing statement |
Month 5 March Intensification | Professional Identity & Sector Depth | Advanced mock interviews Personal branding T3 mentor deep review E4 girls: capstone launch | Resume v2 Cover letter v1 LinkedIn draft Personal statement draft | Tailored resume (2 versions) Polished cover letter Personal statement v2 Mock interview recorded |
Month 6 April Completion | Portfolio Completion & Industry Feedback | Mock interviews (T2 partners) Portfolio peer critique Capstone presentations (E4) Rec letters College/career resources | Final resume Cover letter Personal statement Skill inventory | Full portfolio: multiple resumes, cover letters, personal statement, interview portfolio, LinkedIn, capstone outline |
Month 7 May Showcase | Showcase & Launch | Public showcase HI Post-Survey EE Reflection Internship pipeline announcement Alumni event | Complete portfolio Showcase presentation Next-step plan | Advanced portfolio with sector depth Opportunities identified Internship readiness (E4) |
E5 Evolution Thread — Year 2
Learning Agility: "Learning Sprint" activity — girls pick a tech skill (basic coding, spreadsheets, data viz), teach themselves in 45 min with curated resources, then present what they learned and how they learned it. Process is the point.
AI & Tech Fluency: AI as a career tool: use AI to research companies before informational interviews, generate first-draft cover letters then critically edit, analyze job postings for hidden requirements. Girls evaluate AI output — "What bias did you catch?"
Adaptability: "Adaptability Exercise #1" at mid-point: "The world just shifted — a new technology changed how your sector works. What stays the same about you? What do you build on?" Small group exercise. Debrief: what's transferable, what's core to who you are.
Financial Resilience: Budgeting workshop: build a realistic post-graduation budget for Miami-Dade. Rent, transport, food, savings. "Can you live on $13.80/hr? On $18.04? On $35?" Salary negotiation intro.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Revisit Year 1 community problem brainstorm. "Could this be a business? A nonprofit? A policy change?" Introduction to the difference between a job and creating a job.
AI & Tech Fluency: AI as a career tool: use AI to research companies before informational interviews, generate first-draft cover letters then critically edit, analyze job postings for hidden requirements. Girls evaluate AI output — "What bias did you catch?"
Adaptability: "Adaptability Exercise #1" at mid-point: "The world just shifted — a new technology changed how your sector works. What stays the same about you? What do you build on?" Small group exercise. Debrief: what's transferable, what's core to who you are.
Financial Resilience: Budgeting workshop: build a realistic post-graduation budget for Miami-Dade. Rent, transport, food, savings. "Can you live on $13.80/hr? On $18.04? On $35?" Salary negotiation intro.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Revisit Year 1 community problem brainstorm. "Could this be a business? A nonprofit? A policy change?" Introduction to the difference between a job and creating a job.
Year 3 — Application
Grades 9–12 · E2, E3, E4 all present · All sectors — E4 girls concentrated in chosen field · Internship placement begins · Capstones reviewed by employer panels
| Month | Theme | Key Activities | E2 Deliverable | E3 Deliverable | E4 Deliverable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month 1 November Foundation | Community & Vision-Setting | Returning + new integration E-level assessment Professional services intro T1 panel: women in business HI Pre-Survey | Interests inventory Values worksheet Goal-setting | Year 3 goals Portfolio audit + plan Sector deepening plan | Capstone proposal Internship checklist Ambassador plan |
Month 2 December Exploration | Business & Professional Landscape | Professional services ecosystem Entrepreneurship pathways Women of color in leadership Negotiation + financial literacy | Career research Professional email Interview template | 3-year sector comparison Updated LinkedIn Biz-focused interview plan | Internship target list Networking plan Capstone research begins |
M3 January Deep Dive | Sector Deep Dives — Business Pathways | T2: finance, marketing, consulting, legal, architecture Business case challenge Mock client pitch | Interview write-ups Cluster chart Resume v1 | Sector-specific resume Cover letter (biz role) 3+ interviews | Capstone prototype Internship apps drafted Mentor feedback sessions |
M4 February Mid-Point | Mid-Point Check-In | HI Check-In · EE Taking Stock Portfolio checkpoints by E-level E4: capstone progress review | Resume + 2 interviews Reflection Goals revision | 2 resumes + cover letter + LinkedIn Sector commitment | Capstone 50%+ Internship apps in progress Ambassador mid-review |
M5 March Intensive | Advanced Professional Skills | Negotiation simulation Public speaking mastery Behavioral + case interviews T3 mentor intensive | Resume v2 Cover letter v1 Personal statement | Tailored resume (3 ver.) Cover letters Mock case interview | Capstone near-final Employer mock interviews Internship interview prep |
M6 April Completion | Portfolio & Capstone Completion | Portfolio peer critique E4 capstones to employer panel Rec letters Future Ready Scholarship + CareerSource | Final portfolio | Advanced portfolio Capstone outline/project | Capstone presented Internship confirmed Reference portfolio |
M7 May Showcase | Showcase & Transition | Public showcase HI Post-Survey Internship launch ceremony Alumni pipeline | Complete portfolio Showcase Next-step plan | Advanced portfolio Opportunity pipeline | Capstone exhibited Internship begins Alumni mentor commitment |
E5 Evolution Thread — Year 3
Learning Agility: E4 Ambassadors design and lead a "skill sprint" for E2 girls. Teaching something you just learned is the highest-order learning agility test. Documented as Skill Evidence in portfolio.
AI & Tech Fluency: AI for capstone development: use AI to conduct market research, draft project proposals, analyze data. Then critique: "What assumptions did the AI make? What local context did it miss?" Girls become AI editors, not AI consumers.
Adaptability: "Adaptability Exercise #2" (more complex): "Your company just evolved its business model. Your manager says: 'We need you on something new — something you haven't done before.' How do you step in?" Skills transfer mapping. Reframe: change is opportunity, not crisis.
Financial Resilience: Full salary negotiation simulation with T2 partners. Benefits analysis workshop: "This offer is $52K with benefits vs. $60K contract with none — which is actually worth more?" Investment basics: index funds, compound growth, retirement at 22 vs. 32.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Capstone projects encouraged to include an entrepreneurial angle. "What if this wasn't just a project — what if it was a business?" Lean canvas exercise for interested girls. Social venture pitch at showcase.
AI & Tech Fluency: AI for capstone development: use AI to conduct market research, draft project proposals, analyze data. Then critique: "What assumptions did the AI make? What local context did it miss?" Girls become AI editors, not AI consumers.
Adaptability: "Adaptability Exercise #2" (more complex): "Your company just evolved its business model. Your manager says: 'We need you on something new — something you haven't done before.' How do you step in?" Skills transfer mapping. Reframe: change is opportunity, not crisis.
Financial Resilience: Full salary negotiation simulation with T2 partners. Benefits analysis workshop: "This offer is $52K with benefits vs. $60K contract with none — which is actually worth more?" Investment basics: index funds, compound growth, retirement at 22 vs. 32.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Capstone projects encouraged to include an entrepreneurial angle. "What if this wasn't just a project — what if it was a business?" Lean canvas exercise for interested girls. Social venture pitch at showcase.
Year 4 — Launch
Grades 9–12 · All E-levels including E4 Peak · All sectors — cross-sector integration encouraged · Alumnae network formalized · Program fully mature
| Month | Theme | Key Activities | E2 | E3 | E4 | E4 Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M1 Nov Found. | Vision & Cross-Sector Thinking | Creative industries intro T1: women founders, designers, policy makers Multi-year growth reflection HI Pre-Survey | Interests Values Goals | Cross-sector map Portfolio audit | Capstone proposal Internship goals Ambassador plan | Senior transition plan Application timeline Launch checklist |
M2 Dec Explore | Creative & Social Impact Landscape | Creative economy + social enterprise Design thinking Storytelling + personal brand | Career research Template | 4-year sector map LinkedIn refresh | Cross-sector capstone Network strategy | Applications in progress Scholarship apps Pathway finalized |
M3 Jan Deep Dive | Creative & Entrepreneurial Deep Dives | T2: design/media, nonprofit, policy, social enterprise Design sprint Social venture pitch | Interviews (2+) Cluster chart Resume v1 | Interviews (3+) Cross-sector resume Cover letter | Capstone prototype Internship apps Employer meetings | Apps submitted Interview prep Career action plan |
M4 Feb Mid-Point | Mid-Point Check-In | HI Check-In · EE Taking Stock E-level checkpoints 4-year model assessment | Standard checkpoint | Advanced + sector commitment | Capstone 50%+ Internship status | All apps status Transition 75% Aid/scholarship status |
M5 Mar Mastery | Mastery & Integration | Cross-sector problem-solving Portfolio storytelling T3 mentor intensive E4 Peak: real interview circuit | Resume v2 Cover letter Statement | Multi-version portfolio Cross-sector statement | Near-final capstone Employer interviews | Final interview prep Workplace readiness Financial planning |
M6 Apr Complete | Portfolio & Capstone Completion | Final reviews E4 capstones to expanded panel E4 Peak: live app support Future Ready Scholarship | Final portfolio | Advanced cross-sector portfolio | Capstone done Internship confirmed References | All finalized Enrolled or placed Complete pro package |
M7 May Legacy | Showcase, Launch & Legacy | Expanded showcase (community, media, employers) HI Post-Survey Alumnae induction Graduation celebration | Portfolio Showcase Next-step | Advanced portfolio Cross-sector depth | Capstone exhibited Internship begins Alumni pledge | Launched Alumni founding member Legacy commitment |
E5 Evolution Thread — Year 4
Learning Agility: "Teach-back capstone" — E4 Peak girls each teach a 20-minute workshop on a skill they learned outside Power Hour. Proves she can acquire and transfer knowledge independently. This is the graduation test of learning agility.
AI & Tech Fluency: AI for career management: using AI to optimize resumes for ATS systems, prepare for interviews at specific companies, research salary benchmarks, identify emerging roles. "AI is your career co-pilot after you leave us — learn to drive it."
Adaptability: "Adaptability Exercise #3" (real stakes): "It's 2035. The world looks different than anyone predicted. Using everything you've built — your skills, your network, your portfolio, your identity — what stays true about you? What moves with you anywhere?" Future-self letter: "Dear me in 10 years, here's what I know about myself that doesn't expire."
Financial Resilience: "First 90 days" financial plan: first paycheck budget, employer benefits enrollment, emergency fund timeline, student loan strategy (if applicable), retirement contribution from day one. Girls leave with a real financial plan, not a theoretical one.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Cross-sector capstones encouraged to be launchable — not just presented but started. Girls who want to build something get connected to Miami's entrepreneurship ecosystem (Venture for America, StartUP FIU, local incubators). The showcase includes a "venture track" for entrepreneurial capstones.
AI & Tech Fluency: AI for career management: using AI to optimize resumes for ATS systems, prepare for interviews at specific companies, research salary benchmarks, identify emerging roles. "AI is your career co-pilot after you leave us — learn to drive it."
Adaptability: "Adaptability Exercise #3" (real stakes): "It's 2035. The world looks different than anyone predicted. Using everything you've built — your skills, your network, your portfolio, your identity — what stays true about you? What moves with you anywhere?" Future-self letter: "Dear me in 10 years, here's what I know about myself that doesn't expire."
Financial Resilience: "First 90 days" financial plan: first paycheck budget, employer benefits enrollment, emergency fund timeline, student loan strategy (if applicable), retirement contribution from day one. Girls leave with a real financial plan, not a theoretical one.
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Cross-sector capstones encouraged to be launchable — not just presented but started. Girls who want to build something get connected to Miami's entrepreneurship ecosystem (Venture for America, StartUP FIU, local incubators). The showcase includes a "venture track" for entrepreneurial capstones.
In Practice
How One Session Works — Differentiated by E-Level
Example: Year 3, Month 5 — "Advanced Professional Skills." Same room, same theme, same facilitator model (objective → mini-lesson → activity → peer feedback → wrap-up). Different depth.
Month 5 · Year 3 — Negotiation & Professional Skills
~2.5 hours · Professional & Business Services lead sector · All E-levels in one room
Session Block
E2 Girl (New)
E3 Girl (Year 2)
E4 Girl (Year 3)
Opening · 15 min
Same for all: session objective stated explicitly. Warm-up activity. Community check-in.
Mini-lesson · 20 min
Same for all: negotiation fundamentals — why women undersell, wage gap data, how to research market rates.
Activity · 60 min
Guided negotiation roleplay with structured prompts. Partner practice with feedback checklist.
Scenario-based negotiation (raise, benefits, project scope). Peer feedback + self-recording.
Simulated salary negotiation with T2 industry partner. Employer-quality feedback. Recorded for portfolio.
Portfolio · 30 min
Negotiation reflection added to portfolio. Resume skills language update.
Cover letter refined with negotiation/leadership language. LinkedIn update.
Capstone section finalized. Internship negotiation talking points prepared.
E5 Thread · 15 min
After roleplay: "What if this didn't go as planned — what would you try differently?" Adaptability intro. Reflection: "How did you figure out your strategy just now?"
Use AI to research the market rate for the role she negotiated. Compare AI data to what the T2 partner said. "Where do they agree? Where don't they?" AI as fact-checker.
Benefits math exercise: "This offer is $52K + full benefits vs. $60K contract. Which is actually worth more?" Calculate the real numbers. Add findings to capstone financial section.
Wrap-up · 10 min
Mixed E-level pairs: E2 observes E4's recording, E4 coaches E2 on resume language. Cross-pollination by design. Growth narrative prompt: "What surprised me today about my own ability."
Portfolio
Portfolio Progression by E-Level
| Component | E2 (Year 1) | E3 (Year 2) | E4 (Year 3) | E4 Peak (Year 4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resume | Skills-based, 1 version | Sector-targeted, 2 versions | Industry-specific, 3+ versions | Job-ready, tailored per opportunity |
| Cover Letter | Basic template completed | Customized draft for 1 role | Multiple polished versions | Submitted with real applications |
| Personal Statement | Draft exploring identity + goals | Refined with sector focus | Publication-ready | Used in college/scholarship apps |
| Informational Interviews | 2 completed + written up | 5+ across sectors | 8+ including employer contacts | Converted to professional network |
| Draft (may not publish) | Live, basic connections | Active, 50+ connections | Professional-grade, recruiter-ready | |
| Mock Interviews | 1 round (peer feedback) | 2 rounds (peer + mentor) | 3 rounds (peer + mentor + employer) | Live interviews completed |
| Capstone/Project | — | Sector research project | Industry-reviewed capstone | Cross-sector capstone or venture |
| Rec Letters | — | 1 requested | 2–3 secured | Complete reference portfolio |
| Certifications | — | — | CareerSource registered. Future Ready info. | Certifications earned. Enrolled or employed. |
| E5: Learning Sprint | 1 guided sprint (learn + present a micro-skill in 45 min). Reflection: "How did I learn this?" | 2+ self-directed sprints. Teaches process to E2 peer. Documents learning method in portfolio. | Designs and leads a sprint for E2 girls. Recorded as skill evidence. Can name her learning style and strategies. | "Teach-back capstone" — 20-min workshop on a skill learned outside Power Hour. Proof of independent learning agility. |
| E5: AI Fluency | AI-assisted email drafting. Compare AI output to own work. "What did it miss about me?" | AI for career research + cover letter editing. Evaluates AI bias. "What assumptions did it make?" | AI for capstone research + data analysis. Critical editor of AI output. Teaches E2 girls AI evaluation. | AI as career co-pilot: ATS optimization, company research, salary benchmarks, emerging role identification. Self-sufficient user. |
| E5: Adaptability | "Jobs that didn't exist 10 years ago" data. Seed planted: the world changes — and so will you. | Adaptability #1: "The world shifted. What stays the same about you? What do you build on?" Skills transfer mapping. | Adaptability #2: "Your company evolved — you're needed on something new." Step into the unknown. More complex scenario. | Adaptability #3: "It's 2035. What about you doesn't expire?" Future-self letter using 4 years of accumulated skills and identity. |
| E5: Financial Plan | Lifetime earnings calculator. Compound interest intro. "$5/week for 10 years." | Realistic post-grad budget for Miami-Dade. "Can you live on $13.80/hr vs. $35/hr?" | Full salary negotiation sim. Benefits analysis: "$52K + benefits vs. $60K contract." Investment basics. | "First 90 days" financial plan: paycheck budget, benefits enrollment, emergency fund, retirement from day one. Leaves with a real plan. |
| Growth Narrative | First reflection: "Who am I today? What do I want?" Identity anchor written in her own voice. | Mid-journey reflection: "What's changed? What surprised me?" Compares Year 1 self to now. Sector focus emerges in the narrative. | Leadership narrative: "What do I stand for? How do I lead?" Integrates capstone, mentorship, and industry experience into a coherent identity story. | Full arc narrative: "Here's who I was. Here's who I am. Here's what changed." Publication-ready identity document — used in college essays, scholarship apps, interviews. |
| Network Map | Initial map: peer group, mentor, 1–2 speaker contacts. Understands what social capital is and why it matters. | Growing map: 5+ professional contacts across sectors. T1/T2/T3 connections documented. Knows how to maintain and activate a relationship. | Active network: 10+ contacts including employer partners. Mentor relationship deepened. Can articulate who to call for what. LinkedIn connections reflect real relationships. | Portable professional network: 15+ contacts across sectors. References who know her work. Alumni network membership. Social capital she built — not inherited. |
| Skill Evidence | 1 recorded activity (mock intro or elevator pitch). Peer feedback form received. Self-assessment of strengths. | 2+ recorded performances (mock interview, presentation). Mentor written feedback. Peer evaluation given and received. Improvement documented across recordings. | 3+ recorded performances including employer-scored mock interview. T2 partner capstone evaluation. Teaching evidence: recorded session where she coaches an E2 girl. Portfolio of feedback received across the year. | Complete evidence portfolio: live interview recordings, employer evaluations, capstone review scores, teaching/mentoring documentation, 360-degree feedback from peers + mentors + industry. Proof of skill, not just claims of skill. |
Why these three matter
The research is clear: self-reported capacity levels hit a ceiling in voluntary programs. Growth Narrative captures identity development that surveys miss (HelloInsight Foster Reflection, α=0.89). Network Map makes social capital — HelloInsight's third core domain — tangible and portable. Skill Evidence provides what the research calls "application of skills, depth, transfer to new contexts, teaching others" — proof that bypasses the ceiling effect entirely.
In Practice
A Girl's Journey Through Power Hour
Maya — enters as a freshman, stays 4 years
9th Grade · Year 1
E2 Exposure
Sees the landscape. Builds a skills-based resume. Completes 2 informational interviews. Joins a peer group. Gets matched with a mentor.
Leaves with: First portfolio. Confidence that careers beyond her neighborhood exist. A peer group she trusts.
10th Grade · Year 2
E3 Exploration
Samples within sectors. Conducts 5+ interviews. Builds LinkedIn. Writes cover letters. Begins narrowing her interests toward tech.
Leaves with: Developing portfolio with sector depth. Clearer sense of direction. Professional communication skills.
11th Grade · Year 3
E4 Experience
Ambassador role. Capstone project reviewed by employer panel. Mock interviews with industry partners. Internship applications submitted. Mentors younger girls.
Leaves with: Advanced portfolio. Industry connections. Capstone. Summer internship lined up.
12th Grade · Year 4
E4 Peak — Launch
College applications submitted. Scholarship secured. Cross-sector capstone presented. Live interviews completed. Graduates into alumnae network.
Launched: Enrolled in college or career pathway. Professional package complete. Alumni network founding member.
Destiny — enters as a junior, stays 2 years
11th Grade · Program Year 2
E2 (compressed) → E3
Months 1–3: accelerated exposure (processes faster due to developmental maturity). Months 4–7: transitions to E3 exploration depth. Paired with a returning E3 girl as near-peer guide.
Leaves with: Developing portfolio. Sector clarity. Professional network started. Not behind — on her own timeline.
12th Grade · Program Year 3
E4 Experience
Capstone project. Internship pipeline. College/career applications with full program support. Compressed timeline but supported by 2 years of infrastructure.
Launched: Enrolled or placed. Complete professional portfolio. Alumni network member.
Open Decisions
What's Confirmed & What's Still Open
Confirmed decisions
5 E's framework (Employability, Exposure, Exploration, Experience, Evolution) · E-level follows years in program · E5 Evolution as second through-line (Learning Agility, AI Fluency, Adaptability, Financial Resilience, Entrepreneurial Thinking) · All 4 sectors every year — depth by year level · Monthly cadence (7 sessions, Nov–May) · 3 phases: Foundation → Development → Launch · SEL/character development in every session (constant, not siloed) · Shared sessions with differentiated depth · Portfolio as program spine (includes Growth Narrative, Network Map, Skill Evidence, E5 components) · 4-tier partner model (T1 Collegiate, T2 Industry, T3 Mentors, T4 Internship Providers) · Year 1: Grades 9–11, 100 enrolled / 75 consistent (contributes 25–33% of Girls Inc. 300-girl quota) · Year 2+: seniors added · Internships: 10 paid placements by summer 2027, 15 hrs/wk (10 on-site + 5 with Girls Inc.), funded by Girls Inc. and/or industry partners · Year 4 seniors: light touchpoints + post-graduation tracking · Title 1 school students = free; sliding scale for others · Target: under $1.5K per student · Kasidy Brown is dedicated program coordinator · Digital badge for LinkedIn (to be developed) · Alumnae pipeline connects to Girls Inc. HQ national alumni network
"Women in Leadership" themeHow does this brand alongside "Career Readiness"?
Sliding scale fee modelFinancial assistance structure TBD with Virginia
FIU partnershipVenue, internship hosting, mentor pipeline — formalize
Focus groupCurrent sophomores/juniors before July (Marlena + Kasidy)
Session length2.5 hours assumed — needs confirmation
Device accessOn-site computers, Chromebook storage, partner-sharing
T4 employer pipelineIdentify 5–10 T4 internship providers by Feb 2027. SYIP feeder vs. direct pipeline decision.
Liability & legalMOU template (legal review). Liability insurance for off-site placements. Background checks for employer supervisors. Parental consent forms.
E5 AI tool selectionWhich AI tools are age-appropriate and accessible? School device restrictions?
E5 Financial literacy partnersLocal banks, credit unions, or orgs to support financial resilience workshops?
E5 Entrepreneurship pipelineConnections to StartUP FIU, Venture for America, local incubators for Year 4 venture track
Employer value propositionOne-pager for T2/T3/T4 partners. Why participate? What do they get?