The Houston Independent School District announced its newest student mentorship program, Resilient Outstanding Sisters Exemplifying Success (ROSES), at a kick-off event on Thursday at Jack Yates High School with elected officials, community partners, and educators.  

ROSES is the sister program of the Ascending to Men Project (ATMP) and seeks to provide positive role models and advocates to underserved young women offering them guidance and opportunities for educational, social, and professional growth.   

“It is important that our children have mentors, that they have someone they can call on in their time of need,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan said. “It is important that they have models that can help them become the young women they are destined to be in this society.” 

After presenting Dr. Lathan and the ROSES team with proclamations, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee opened the event and spoke on the importance of women supporting and empowering one another.   

“There is power in the understanding of our history,” she said. “And that is what ROSES is here to say to the young women of HISD – you have internal power.” 

Nine hundred students from 30 schools have been identified and invited to participate in the program. Students who join ROSES will participate in a curriculum featuring workshops led by professional women from various industries, entrepreneurship tours, college visits, and a ROSES summit at the end of the year.  

Over 130 individuals have already signed up to be a ROSES mentor, and the program is actively seeking community support.  

“We want to let our community know that we have this outstanding program available,” ROSES Senior Manager Jermani Justice said. “Our purpose is to ensure that we are leveraging our community resources and mentorships for our students.” 

For more information on becoming a mentor, visit houstonisd.org/ROSES