THE W.AN.T.E.D PROJECT Girls of color are especially in need of the external support provided by effective mentoring programs. Due to facing various forms of discrimination, girls of color can struggle to develop a sense of strong self-esteem, leaving them without the confidence or internal motivation to reach their goals. Mentoring in this critical time period is essential as it provides girls with access to long-term role models that provide encouragement and guidance while also instilling skills like goal setting and problem-solving. Though these girls must face obstacles that white girls often do not encounter, mentoring can ensure that they are well supported now and capable of achieving success in the future.