UCLA Women and Youth Supporting Each Other

Women and Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE) at UCLA is a curriculum-based mentorship program dedicated to empowering middle school girls through structured support and guided personal development. Operating in Los Angeles, CA, WYSE pairs UCLA student mentors with seventh and eighth-grade mentees from partner schools including Mark Twain Middle School and Francisco Sepulveda Middle School. The program delivers a comprehensive, LAUSD-approved curriculum spanning eight-week sessions throughout the academic year, with over forty trained mentors serving approximately forty mentees across multiple sites.

The mentorship model combines one-on-one relationship building with group discussions focused on critical life topics. Weekly sessions cover essential areas including self-esteem development, body image awareness, healthy relationships, and critical thinking skills. Each meeting incorporates icebreakers, personalized activities, and facilitated group conversations designed to build confidence and foster leadership capabilities. Beyond classroom-based instruction, WYSE enriches the mentee experience through regular field trips to cultural and educational venues, including UCLA campus tours and visits to the California Science Center.

Founded in 1992 at UCLA, WYSE has expanded to ten university branches nationwide while maintaining its core mission of creating positive community change. The program's unique structure, developed by women for women, provides a safe and supportive space where mentees can explore identity, navigate adolescence, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for informed decision-making. With a focus on long-term relationship building, WYSE mentors serve as vital support systems throughout the school year, creating lasting bonds of trust and friendship that extend beyond the formal curriculum. The organization continues to grow its mentor base and expand community impact across Los Angeles schools.