400+ graduates from program

To be a GEM
is to stand out brightly

The REAL GEMS trains adolescent girls to become women of excellence through community service, self-activation, peer connections, and practical life skills.

Learn More

Recommend a Student

The GEMS Advantage

Why choose us?

We meet girls where they are — and help them rise. GEMS equips young ladies with decision-making skills, emotional regulation, and confidence through consistent mentorship and opportunity.

Whole-Person Development

We focus on mind, body, and soul — helping girls build emotional strength, self-awareness, and character so they can succeed in every area of life.

Whole-Person Development

We focus on mind, body, and soul — helping girls build emotional strength, self-awareness, and character so they can succeed in every area of life.

Whole-Person Development

We focus on mind, body, and soul — helping girls build emotional strength, self-awareness, and character so they can succeed in every area of life.

Real-World Exposure

From cultural outings to guest speakers and leadership opportunities, GEMS offers experiences that broaden horizons and inspire ambition.

Real-World Exposure

From cultural outings to guest speakers and leadership opportunities, GEMS offers experiences that broaden horizons and inspire ambition.

Real-World Exposure

From cultural outings to guest speakers and leadership opportunities, GEMS offers experiences that broaden horizons and inspire ambition.

Support That Transforms

With weekly mentorship and a caring community, we walk alongside girls through challenges and growth — helping them become confident, goal-driven leaders.

Support That Transforms

With weekly mentorship and a caring community, we walk alongside girls through challenges and growth — helping them become confident, goal-driven leaders.

Support That Transforms

With weekly mentorship and a caring community, we walk alongside girls through challenges and growth — helping them become confident, goal-driven leaders.

Financial Award

We partner with various organizations to support our GEMs initiatives and sponsor individuals.

Financial Award

We partner with various organizations to support our GEMs initiatives and sponsor individuals.

Rewards
Interships
Tutoring
Volunteer Opportunities

Rewards
Interships
Tutoring
Volunteer Opportunities

Rewards
Interships
Tutoring
Volunteer Opportunities

Instant Savings
Field Trips
Mentoring
Scholarships

Instant Savings
Field Trips
Mentoring
Scholarships

Instant Savings
Field Trips
Mentoring
Scholarships

Girl Power

A dynamic team.

We only allow our girls around women who are leaders, nurturers, and prior GEMS. Each member contributes time and resources to see the new GEMS succeed.

Juantonia
Founder
Juan
Verified since April 2019
Trust is the cornerstone of Airbnb's community, and identity verfication is part of how we build it.
Erica
Board Member
Juan
Verified since April 2019
Trust is the cornerstone of Airbnb's community, and identity verfication is part of how we build it.
Shera
Board Member
Juan
Verified since April 2019
Trust is the cornerstone of Airbnb's community, and identity verfication is part of how we build it.
Ashley
Board Member
Juan
Verified since April 2019
Trust is the cornerstone of Airbnb's community, and identity verfication is part of how we build it.
Tiffany
Board Member
Juan
Verified since April 2019
Trust is the cornerstone of Airbnb's community, and identity verfication is part of how we build it.

The process

Now accepting applicants

How to become a GEM.

Follow the process and start your journey to becoming apart of the family.

Start the process

Have questions? Contact us.

1. Complete the application

Begin your GEMS journey by filling out our application. Tell us about your interests, goals, and why you want to be a part of the program. We’re looking for young ladies ready to grow and lead.

1. Complete the application

Begin your GEMS journey by filling out our application. Tell us about your interests, goals, and why you want to be a part of the program. We’re looking for young ladies ready to grow and lead.

1. Complete the application

Begin your GEMS journey by filling out our application. Tell us about your interests, goals, and why you want to be a part of the program. We’re looking for young ladies ready to grow and lead.

2. Submit Referrals

Provide recommendations from people who know your character — one parent or guardian, two teachers, and one trusted community member. These voices help us understand your strengths and potential.

2. Submit Referrals

Provide recommendations from people who know your character — one parent or guardian, two teachers, and one trusted community member. These voices help us understand your strengths and potential.

2. Submit Referrals

Provide recommendations from people who know your character — one parent or guardian, two teachers, and one trusted community member. These voices help us understand your strengths and potential.

3. Pass Interview

Once your application is complete, you’ll be invited to a brief interview. This helps us get to know you better and match you with the right support as you begin your mentorship journey.

3. Pass Interview

Once your application is complete, you’ll be invited to a brief interview. This helps us get to know you better and match you with the right support as you begin your mentorship journey.

3. Pass Interview

Once your application is complete, you’ll be invited to a brief interview. This helps us get to know you better and match you with the right support as you begin your mentorship journey.

Legacy

We are building a legacy.

We're creating a legacy.

The Real GEMS is more than a program — it’s a movement. From our first cohort to today’s rising leaders, each GEM leaves a mark. Hear from past and present participants whose stories reflect growth, sisterhood, and the power of mentorship that lasts a lifetime.

Get Started

Submit a memory.

REAL GEMS has impacted me because it gave me a community of sisters that I will value forever.

Shakayla

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS truly gave me a place to open up and begin the journey to loving myself. It's still something I'm trying to figure out but I learned so much about my worth through GEMS. GEMS felt like home at a time when I was really trying to find and feel comfortable with myself. I'll always be forever grateful to Ms.Hill and GEMS for creating such a safe and loving space for me.

Kristen

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS allowed me to understand my potential at a young age. It instilled in me the power of confidence & community. It nurtured my creativity & expressiveness. I carry these things over into my adulthood. I am forever grateful for REAL GEMS!

Alyse

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS solidified in me a sense of confidence, ambition, and excellence. The lessons I learned during my years of mentorship were really the framework for how I make goals and set standards for myself and others.

Sierra

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS was a molding block that truly shaped my perspective on life; it has given me a sense of belonging and self-confidence.GEMS has inspired me to strive for success in all that I do while supporting others, leading and cultivating genuine relationships

Jewel

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS not only gave me a sense of sisterhood but also the confidence I needed that I carried with me into the depths of womanhood. It's more than organization GEMS was the foresight into how successful I could really be.

Tomeka

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS has been part of my journey since day 1 of my joining. From exciting new experiences to life-long lessons, Ms. Hill and my sisterhood have played a pivotal role in how I show up as a woman in today's world.

Paige

GEMS Alumni

In GEMS I learned to believe in myself. I wasn't raised with a silver spoon nor a plastic one however, I WAS BLESSED because REAL GEMS gave me mentors, companions, sisterhood, and a GROUP. GEMS/sisterhood gave me the strength to guide me through college, a prosperous future, career, entrepreneurship, and life. I'm thriving because of my girls! GEMS!

Amber

GEMS Alumni

REAL G.E.M.S has played such a pivotal role in my life and will forever be a part of me. There are so many tools that I use in my life today that I learned from G.E.M.S and Ms.Hill. I still remember a lot of the lessons ranging from handling conflicts in friendships, understanding your self-worth, and touching on how certain events in history affect us as black girls. I truly am grateful to have been in a space where I was surrounded by genuine love and support as a young black girl. My time in REAL G.E.M.S has allowed me to nurture my self-esteem and grow into a beautiful well-rounded young lady.

Janae’

GEMS Alumni

Being a part of REAL GEMS has greatly impacted my life and has always stuck with me throughout adulthood. REAL GEMS taught me so many things about self-worth, etiquette, decision-making, and always striving past your greatest ambitions. The dedication and care that Ms. Hill puts into this program is truly remarkable and has a profound influence on numerous young women during such a critical period in their lives. I am forever grateful for the lessons, friendships, and guidance GEMS has brought into my life.

Kristen

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS has played a significant role in shaping the woman I've become. It provided me with one of my earliest experiences of sisterhood and served as a nurturing environment where my confidence flourished. I am eternally grateful to have been part of such a remarkable community, and GEMS will always hold a special place in my heart.

Taylor

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS has impacted the woman I am today by teaching me empathy. To be able to understand and connect with other people in a soft manner truly speaks volumes to the next person. REAL GEMS taught me how to be an effective leader, a person who knows how to give clear communication and build confidence while empowering others to feel confident in themselves. Without GEMS I honestly can’t say I would be the woman I am today. I find myself always going back in my memory and connecting the present time to each workshop Ms. Hill had us participate in. I know the true meaning of sisterhood because of her!

Savannah

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS is where I built a bond with my lifelong sisters and best friends. GEMS inspired me to dream BIG and accomplish anything I set my mind to do! GEMS is a sisterhood and bond that could never be broken. It is recommended 10 out of 10!

Amber

GEMS Alumni

I truly believe that without REAL GEMS, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. The invaluable lessons I acquired not only motivated me to evolve into an inspirational leader but also shaped me into the strong and resilient woman I am today. GEMS instilled in me the significance of giving back to my community, the true essence of sisterhood, and the importance of maintaining high standards in all aspects of my life. Thanks to the exceptional mentorship provided by Ms. Hill, I genuinely wouldn't be the amazing woman I am today without her love and this life-changing program.

Trinity

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS opened my eyes to the possibilities of me. Giving me support and love when I felt broken and unwanted.

Chantelle

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS has played such a pivotal role in who I am today and the woman I am growing into. To have learned how to love myself, treat others with kindness, and value sisterhood at such a crucial time in my adolescence, has truly empowered me to maintain success!

Jayla

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS helped lay the foundation for my walk into womanhood. It helped me to improve my self-esteem and self-worth and has helped make me into the woman I am today.

Colbi

GEMS Alumni

REAL G.E.M.S. has helped me foster lifelong friendships and empowered me to be a part of organizations surrounded by other successful women. A truly unforgettable mentorship experience!

Alli

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS helped me get out of my shell and made me feel good about being a part of something other than basketball. I'll always remember the foundation it gave me as a young woman and the real-life skills it taught me. I'm currently a remote Medical Coder and am proud to say that GEMS will always play a part as I excel in life and my career.

Kaylyn

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS was something I never thought I would be able to fit into due to my confidence level at the time, until the ladies already involved showed me it's a confidence booster! Having a community of supportive women and an even more supportive mentor gave me the head start I didn't know I needed.

Teka

GEMS Alumni

Being A GEM has been a transformative experience for me. Having a person like Ms. Hill in my life at a young age set the foundation for me to move beyond what I thought I knew. Ms. Hill has always had an eye for seeing the hidden potential and pulling that out of you, whether you see it yourself or not. Being a member of REAL G.E.M.S challenges your perspectives, encourages personal growth, and creates a sisterhood of empowering women. Ms. Hill's genuine excitement and encouragement for the young generation of women to grow into the best versions of themselves is so pure, which is why REAL G.E.M.S will continue to flourish.

Jordyn

GEMS Alumni

REAL GEMS was a divine blessing, offering a profound framework of servant leadership, love, and self-assurance that I hadn't realized I lacked. My experience with GEMS proved to be a resource for healing, a haven for security, and a close-knit community fostering sisterhood.

Sarah

GEMS Alumni

OUR GRADUATES GO FAR

FAQ'S

Got a quick question?

We're here to help you make the right decision. Explore our frequently asked questions and find answers below.

Who can apply to join GEMS?

GEMS is open to middle school girls, typically in grades 6–8, who show promise, commitment, and a desire to grow through mentorship.

Who can apply to join GEMS?

GEMS is open to middle school girls, typically in grades 6–8, who show promise, commitment, and a desire to grow through mentorship.

Who can apply to join GEMS?

GEMS is open to middle school girls, typically in grades 6–8, who show promise, commitment, and a desire to grow through mentorship.

Is the program free?

What is the time commitment?

Do I need to live in a specific area to join?

What kind of activities are included?

How are mentors selected?

Let’s empower the next generation.

Join us in building confident, compassionate young women who lead with purpose. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, educator, or supporter — there’s a place for you in this movement.

Donate Today

Recommend a student

Have questions? Contact us.

Let’s empower the next generation.

Join us in building confident, compassionate young women who lead with purpose. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, educator, or supporter — there’s a place for you in this movement.

Donate Today

Recommend a student

Have questions? Contact us.

Let’s empower the next generation.

Join us in building confident, compassionate young women who lead with purpose. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, educator, or supporter — there’s a place for you in this movement.

Donate Today

Recommend a student

Have questions? Contact us.

To be a GEM is to stand out brightly

To be a GEMis to stand out brightly

Why choose us?

Why choose us?

Why choose us?

Whole-Person Development

Whole-Person Development

Whole-Person Development

Real-World Exposure

Real-World Exposure

Real-World Exposure

Support That Transforms

Support That Transforms

Support That Transforms

Financial Award

Financial Award

A dynamic team.

A dynamic team.

A dynamic team.

How to become a GEM.

How to become a GEM.

How to become a GEM.

1. Complete the application

1. Complete the application

1. Complete the application

2. Submit Referrals

2. Submit Referrals

2. Submit Referrals

3. Pass Interview

3. Pass Interview

3. Pass Interview

We are building a legacy.

We're creating a legacy.

Got a quick question?

Let’s empower the next generation.

Let’s empower the next generation.

Let’s empower the next generation.

To be a GEM
is to stand out brightly

To be a GEM
is to stand out brightly