Polished Pebbles is a renowned mentoring program based in Chicago, dedicated to equipping young women with essential communication skills and enhancing their employability for the future workplace. With the mission to empower girls aged 7-17, Polished Pebbles has become a leading mentorship initiative, serving over 500 girls and young women each school year in Chicago, as well as in Indiana, Texas, and North Carolina. Since its establishment in 2009, Polished Pebbles has positively impacted the lives of more than 4,000 African-American and Latina girls, providing them with over 500 mentors across 100 schools.

The program has established valuable partnerships with esteemed organizations, including iHeart Radio, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Microsoft, and many more. Polished Pebbles takes a unique approach by offering a comprehensive continuum of programming that starts at the age of 10 and continues until young women secure employment or pursue higher education. By combining anti-violence, social-emotional, and communication-focused mentoring, Polished Pebbles ensures that girls of color in Chicago have access to tailored support and opportunities in various industries, such as technology, retail, engineering, and the non-profit sector.

With a talented team of professionals, corporate partners, and dedicated volunteers, Polished Pebbles is committed to breaking down barriers and providing real opportunities for girls in underserved communities. Their successful model has even expanded nationally, with programs introduced at Duke University to support young women of color during their collegiate journey. By joining forces with Polished Pebbles, you can make a significant impact on the lives of girls, helping them overcome challenges and build a brighter, more successful future