Last, week Million Women Mentors (MWM) in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) took social media by storm, with its “Mentor Fireworks” campaign. Playing off the celebratory fireworks during the month of July, MWM erupted with pledge commitments from over 22 states amounting to over 110,000 new pledges. Participating states included: Alaska, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Each mentor will commit to a minimum of 20 hours and the initiative has five suggested mentor pathways.
Beyond commitments from state networks and STEM collaborative’s, both MWM and the “Mentor Fireworks” campaign have also garnered attention from national leaders dedicated to recognizing the importance of STEM and its role in the future of the American workforce. One of the key leaders spearheading the national push and call to action is Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa. Lt. Governor Reynolds will announce Iowa’s mentoring commitment and has recently issued a challenge to her fellow lieutenant governors to mobilize the business communities in their states to commit to Million Women Mentors pledges.
“The Million Women Mentors initiative is an opportunity to become actively involved in mentoring. Mentors will be able to guide, encourage, and open doors for young women to be fully equipped for the great jobs of tomorrow in STEM-related careers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds. “In the United States, STEM is a driving force behind economic growth, stability, and educational success. That’s why we’re creating an environment in Iowa that prepares all of our students with the necessary skills to compete in a global knowledge-based economy.”
Following the endorsement of Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, the Lt. Governor’s of Georgia and Tennessee both signed on to pledge their support of the MWM initiative and the advancement of girls and women in STEM.
“With the importance of STEM skills growing throughout the country, it is critical that we encourage women to explore the opportunities that growth affords them. The Million Women Mentor initiative is doing just that, and that is why it has my unbridled support.” –Lt.Governor of Georgia, Casey Cagle
“I am proud to support the Million Women Mentors initiative in our state and look forward to the positive results it will bring. With evidence showing a lack of women and girls entering STEM programs and careers, it is more important than ever to translate strong STEM outreach and advocacy into action. I encourage the people of Tennessee, corporations and STEM-serving organizations to support MWM by taking the ‘pledge-to-mentor”—Lt. Governor of Tennessee, Ron Ramsey
The level of support MWM has received from all its sponsors, partners, and affiliates has been overwhelming and we are greatly appreciative. With nearly 170,000 pledges logged onto www.millionwomenmentors.org, our team will continue to keep the momentum going as we begin planning for the end of the year and the start of 2015. Thank You to the National 4-H Council for the recent contribution of 30,000 new pledges and special thanks to NGCP, Fleishman Hillard, the Lt. Governor of Iowa’s office and Senior Adviser Sheila Boyington for their assistance in bring the “Mentor Fireworks” to life. Stay tuned into our bi-weekly newsletter for more updates and visit the website to watch the numbers grow!
Sincerely,
The Million Women Mentors Team
Millon Women Mentors 
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