About the Program

More Than a Summer Program. A Turning Point.

At EmpowHERto, an "It Girl" is not defined by external trends, but by her decision to invest in her own future. She is a young woman who chooses to show up, embrace new challenges, and grow through experiential learning.

Our It Girl Summer initiative is structured to build your daughter's confidence and capability. Throughout the season, participants engage in curated programs led by professional facilitators. They will develop technical skills, emotional resilience, and professional networks that will support their academic and personal journeys long after the summer concludes.

We proudly serve girls ages 13 to 17 from historically undersupported communities. Our curriculum is designed by trained professionals to meet every student exactly where she is in her development.

Impact Note: Last year, 583 young women experienced a powerful transformation through our programs. We look forward to expanding that vital impact this summer.

It Girl Summer Programs

IT GIRL SUMMER

STEM Programs: AI 4HER & CodeHER

Moving from technology consumers to technology creators.

Our summer STEM programs introduce young women to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and computer coding through hands-on, project-based learning. No prior experience is required, only curiosity and a willingness to explore new technical horizons.

IT GIRL SUMMER

Wellness Workshops

Cultivating personal peace and inner strength.

Programs such as Know Your Worth, Glow Within, and Reelhood provide participants with essential tools for emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, stress management, and effective communication. We believe personal wellness is the foundation of leadership.

IT GIRL SUMMER

AdviseHER: 1:1 Summer Mentorship

Ensuring every young woman has a professional in her corner.

Through the AdviseHER initiative, your daughter will be matched with a professional female mentor aligned with her career or academic interests. Over the summer, they will build a meaningful professional relationship focused on goal-setting, academic guidance, and leadership development.

IT GIRL SUMMER

It Girl Summer Day Camp

An immersive, comprehensive summer experience.

The It Girl Summer Day Camp merges our premier STEM and wellness workshops into a single, cohesive weekly schedule. Participants will graduate from the camp with tangible skills, lifelong friendships, and elevated self-confidence. Please note: Enrollment space is strictly limited.

Eligibility

Is It Girl Summer Right for Your Daughter?

For Participants

  • Young women ages 13 to 17.
  • Based in or able to commute to Toronto for in-person sessions on Fridays. Select fully remote cohorts are also available.
  • No prior experience or prerequisites required.
  • A commitment to consistent attendance and active participation.

For Parents and Guardians

  • A parent or guardian must complete the registration form for any participant under the age of 16.
  • All programs are 100% free of charge due to generous community funding and corporate partnerships.
  • Inquiries may be directed to our team at: programming@empowherto.org

Informational Sessions

Join us for an upcoming parent informational webinar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Parents and Guardians Want to Know

It Girl Summer is EmpowHERto’s premier 2026 summer initiative for young women ages 13 to 17 in the Toronto area. The programming encompasses interactive STEM courses, wellness workshops, 1:1 professional mentorship, and an immersive day camp experience, all designed to build measurable skills and genuine self-esteem.

All programs are offered at no cost to participants and their families. EmpowHERto is fully funded by grants, corporate sponsorships, and private donations to ensure financial limitations are never a barrier to a young woman's development.

We offer two standard instructional blocks:

  • Monday through Wednesday: Session 1 runs from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM; Session 2 runs from 2:45 PM – 4:45 PM.
  • Fridays: Extended interactive sessions run from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

No prior experience is necessary. Our curriculum is tailored to meet students where they are, and our professional facilitators teach all concepts from the ground up. The only requirements are curiosity and consistent attendance.

It Girl Summer utilizes a hybrid model. Specific formats, including in-person, virtual, or hybrid, are clearly designated on each individual program application card.

Simply click the "Apply Now" button on your selected program card or complete the registration form at the bottom of this page. Please note that a parent or guardian must fill out the form for any applicant under 16 years of age.

You will receive an initial email confirmation within one business day. Once your daughter's application is reviewed and approved, a formal welcome packet will be sent containing schedules, location details, virtual access links, and preparation instructions.

Registration

Apply for It Girl Summer 2026

Ready to secure your daughter’s placement? Complete the secure registration form below to apply for our Toronto summer programs. A parent or guardian must complete this application for participants under the age of 16.

Please note: Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A member of our admissions team will contact you within one business day of submission.

Apply Now

Support Our Mission

Help Us Keep This Programming Accessible

EmpowHERto’s programs remain entirely free of cost to families through the generous support of philanthropic donors, corporate sponsors, and civic partners. Every contribution directly funds the resources, technology, and mentorship required to empower a young woman in our community this summer.