Rise and Shine
A space for young women and gender diverse youth to strengthen their mental and emotional wellness.
Spring 2025 Apply TodayAbout the Program
HELPING YOUTH SHINE THEIR BRIGHTEST
Rise and Shine is an online program designed for self-identifying girls and gender-diverse youth ages 15-24. Participants learn and practice strategies to strengthen their mental and emotional wellness and shine their brightest.
This program consists of seven sessions developed by mental health experts, giving participants the opportunity to connect with supportive peers and mentors in a safe, non-judgmental space. Throughout the program, youth will explore topics related to mental and emotional wellness, develop resilience, and build meaningful connections.
Each session includes a workshop with interactive activities allowing participants to practice valuable skills in a fun and encouraging environment.
Facts & Stats
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Girls aged 12-17 are more likely to develop mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
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In their teen years, girls’ confidence levels drop by 46%
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The presence of confident female mentors helps girls aspire to improve their own wellness and well-being
Sources: https://www.confidencecodegirls.com/poll https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/barriers-for-girls/
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In response to the unique mental wellness needs of young women, we launched the first Rise & Shine program in 2024.
We served 41 youth from 11 communities. -
100% of participants said the program helped them to develop skills to support their mental wellness
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100% said they felt comfortable expressing their thoughts openly
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100% were able to positively connect with the other participants and mentors
Program Overview & Impact
WHAT IS RISE AND SHINE?
Rise and Shine was created in response to youth calling for more mental health support. Our goal is to bridge the connection between wellness and leadership by helping young people recognize and build their resilience while providing a safe, supportive space where they can connect with others and know they’re not alone.
At Rise and Shine, we believe that strong leadership and resilience start with showing up for yourself—learning how to care for your well-being, even when life gets busy. Through interactive lessons and meaningful conversations, this program empowers youth with the tools and skills to prioritize their mental and emotional wellness as they continue their journey toward growth and self-leadership.
Program Participants Will Discover:
Self-awareness and how to avoid thinking traps
Setting and maintaining boundaries
Cultivating self-compassion and kindness toward oneself
Coping with sadness, stress, anxiety, and depression
Exploring different ways to practice self-care
2025 Dates
Upcoming Sessions
Sessions will take place on Zoom over seven sessions from 10:00 AM–11:30 AM PST.
March 17: Welcome and Opening Circle
March 18: Self-Awareness and Thinking Traps
March 19: Boundary-Setting
March 20: Self-Compassion
March 25: Stress and Anxiety
March 26: Sadness and Depression
March 27: Self-Care and Closing Circle
Program Structure
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Rise and Shine offers engaging workshops that feature expert facilitation, group discussions, and interactive activities. Participants will practice real-life wellness strategies in a supportive environment while learning from experienced mentors and guest speakers.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Youth will become part of a welcoming community of like-minded peers who share a commitment to personal growth and well-being. These connections provide encouragement and remind participants they are not alone in their wellness journey.
SUPPORTIVE MENTORS
Rise and Shine introduces participants to mentors who offer guidance, lived experiences, and valuable perspectives on resilience and self-leadership—including members of Minerva’s Youth Action Council, emphasizing the power of peer mentorship. These mentors, from diverse backgrounds and professions, provide encouragement and practical advice while helping participants see themselves as leaders in their own lives.
Registration and Support
REGISTRATION
We are looking for youth who are eager to prioritize their well-being, build resilience, and connect with a supportive community of peers from across the province. Indigenous youth are encouraged to apply.
While the terms “women” and “girls” are used for this program, we invite attendees and mentors who identify as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-questioning.
NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS
Thanks to the support of our generous donors and sponsors who believe in youth leadership, there is no cost to attend this program.
Become a Partner, Sponsor, or Donor
We are committed to increasing no-cost leadership learning opportunities for youth in BC. If you want to help us increase our impact by becoming a partner, donor, or sponsor, please get in touch.
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