Year-Round Programming
Her Climb’s year-round programming gives structure and continuity to the girls' journey that begins with the Summer Intensive. Once the school year starts, students meet weekly for Saturday Workshops that reinforce skills from their track, build community, and give them space to reflect on their growth. Semester Check Ins keep students on track academically and personally, with clear goals and direct support from our Program Director. Our annual calendar also includes Winter Retreats focused on connection and Spring Retreats tied to community engagement and celebration. These touchpoints ensure that students stay grounded, supported, and accountable long after summer ends.
Throughout the year, students gain access to cultural and athletic experiences that expand their sense of belonging. Through partner programs across New York City, our girls explore activities such as golf, horseback riding, lacrosse, tennis, track and conditioning, swimming, and nature hikes. These opportunities are not about skill mastery. They are about exposure, confidence, and learning to move comfortably in spaces that have not always felt open to them. Alongside ongoing mentor contact, volunteer engagement, and program evaluation, these activities reinforce the leadership, access, wellness, and sisterhood that define Her Climb’s long-term model.
Our Annual Calendar
SUMMER INTENSIVE
WHEN: 3 weeks in July; 10AM-3PM
WHO: Cohort students, Her Climb team, mentors, volunteers, & professionals
WHAT: Immersive curriculum | Wellness & cultural enrichment | Mentorship & exposure to professionals | Team-building activities & bonding | $750 stipend
PURPOSE: Leadership and college access experience & establish cohort culture
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
WHEN: Weekly starting in
September; 1-4PM
WHO: Cohort students, select staff, volunteers, mentors
WHAT: Career skill-building | Track-specific workshops | College prep | Mindfulness sessions
PURPOSE: Continuity and skill reinforcement beyond summer intensive
SEMESTER CHECK-INS
WHEN: Twice per semester (Fall & Spring)
WHO: Cohort students + Program Director
WHAT: Academic & personal development check-ins | Incentivized by $100 stipend per semester based on grades, improvement, & engagement
PURPOSE: Monitor progress, provide mentorship, keep students accountable
WINTER RETREAT
WHEN: November, before Thanksgiving
WHO: Cohort students, Her Climb team & board, mentors, & instructors
WHAT: Full-day bonding activities (e.g., NYC scavenger hunt, team challenges) | Group workshops | Skill-building sessions | End-of-day dinner/reception
PURPOSE: Strengthen the Her Climb network
SPRING RETREAT
WHEN: April
WHO: Cohort students, Her Climb team & board, mentors, & instructors
WHAT: 5K fundraiser community walk/run followed by a park picnic with food, music, games, and overall celebration of wellness and student progress
PURPOSE: Celebrate growth, community engagement, and solidify relationships ahead of summer intensive
CONTINUOUS
Ongoing mentor check-ins | Volunteer engagement | Program evaluation and feedback collection | Planning for summer intensive, year-round programming, and access weekend