2026 Program Overview

Launching in February 2026, the Girl Connected Mentorship Program (GCMP) returns for its next cohort — a virtual five-month experience designed to support and prepare emerging women professionals pursuing careers across the music and creative industries.

This year, mentees will have the opportunity to specialize in one of three core streams — Music Business, Marketing, or Creative Direction — each offering practical, project-based learning that mirrors real-world industry work.

Within the Music Business stream, applicants will select one of two focus areas: Artist Development or Event Production, depending on where their skills and interests align. Each path offers a distinct hands-on experience while still connecting across streams through shared workshops, group projects, and collaborative assignments.

Stream 1

Music Business

Focus Areas: Artist Development or Event Production

The Music Business stream is designed for those who want to understand the business and logistics behind bringing creative ideas to life — whether developing artists or producing events.

Mentees will choose between two focus areas:

Artist Development
Event Production

Apply Now

Apply Now

Stream 2

Marketing

The Marketing stream focuses on strategy, storytelling, and audience connection. Mentees will explore how to build effective marketing plans for music, events, and creative projects — learning how to drive visibility, engagement, and brand growth.

You’ll complete a three-part project focused on:

Research: Build an industry marketing database to strengthen awareness and resources.
Marketing Plan: Develop a marketing strategy for a music or event concept of your choice, including audience insights, content planning, and key activation moments.
Collaborative Rollout: Partner with mentees from the Music Business or Creative streams to create a cross-functional marketing plan for a selected project (artist or event).

By the end, you’ll understand how to craft impactful campaigns that amplify music, experiences, or creative work in meaningful ways.

Stream 3

Creative Direction

The Creative Direction stream is designed for those who bring ideas to life visually and conceptually. Mentees will learn how to craft creative concepts, build visual identity systems, and oversee the execution of content that defines an artist, event, or brand.

You’ll complete a three-part project focused on:

Research: Explore current creative trends and build a visual inspiration archive that reflects your aesthetic and influences.
Creative Concept Development: Create a cohesive visual concept or creative campaign for an artist, project, or event — including mood boards, color palettes, tone, and brand messaging.
Collaborative Project: Partner with mentees from the Marketing and Music Business streams to develop and present the creative direction for a campaign, event, or rollout.

By the end, you’ll understand how to turn vision into execution — translating ideas into visual stories that are consistent, intentional, and creatively powerful.

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Submitting Your Application

The deadline to apply is December 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time). We recommend submitting your application 24–48 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Late submissions will not be accepted after 11:59 PM ET on the due date.

Please ensure all required materials are complete before submitting. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Your Resume

Submit your professional résumé highlighting your most relevant experience, education, and skills related to your chosen stream. Focus on projects, positions, or collaborations that best represent your growth and commitment to your career path.

Your Reference Letter (Optional but encouraged)

A reference letter is optional but highly recommended. A strong reference can strengthen your application by providing insight into your character, work ethic, and potential. The letter may come from a supervisor, mentor, educator, or collaborator familiar with your professional or creative experience.

Be Prepared to Tell Us

Please respond thoughtfully and clearly to each of the following prompts:

Your background / work experience (max 150 words)
What interests you most about your chosen program stream (min 150 – max 500 words)
What effective mentorship means to you (min 150 – max 500 words)
Your top 3 professional goals (max 150 words)
Where you see yourself post-program (min 150 – max 500 words)

We encourage applicants to write with authenticity and intention. Our selection committee values professionalism, clarity, and a genuine desire to learn, grow, and contribute to the community. Take this opportunity seriously — and bring your A-game.

Be Prepared to Show Us

Include the following materials in your application:

Your social media pages (professional or public profiles only)
Links to your work and/or accolades (e.g., portfolios, press coverage, event pages, projects, or published work)

Your headshot — does not need to be professional, but should be a clear, high-resolution image that represents you confidently and authentically.

Across all streams, GCMP mentees will complete a five-month, project-based curriculum that blends learning, mentorship, and collaboration. Each mentee will:

Attend weekly sessions and industry workshops led by mentors and guest speakers.
Complete individual projects within their chosen stream.
Collaborate on a final cross-stream project, combining music business, marketing, and creative strategy.

The program concludes with final presentations before a panel of GC mentors and industry professionals, giving mentees the opportunity to showcase their skills, ideas, and growth throughout the program.

By graduation, mentees will have gained tangible portfolio pieces, real-world industry insight, and the confidence to pursue their next professional milestone as artist managers, marketers, event producers, or creative directors shaping the future of the industry.

Graduating from the Girl Connected Mentorship Program is just the beginning. Once you complete the program, you’ll join our growing network of GCMP alumni — a collective of women across music, entertainment, and the creative industries who continue to connect, collaborate, and rise together.

As a GCMP graduate, you’ll gain access to:

Ongoing Community Connection: Stay connected through our private alumni channels, regional meetups, and online networking groups.
Curated Alumni Events: Invitations to intimate, purpose-driven gatherings — including our Still Connected Breakfast Club, alumni panels, and exclusive partner activations.
Career Opportunities & Placements: Access to job postings, mentorship-led placements, and introductions to industry partners seeking emerging talent across creative and business roles.
Press & Recognition: Opportunities for alumni highlights, press features, and media spotlights celebrating your work and achievements post-program.
Accolade & Award Pitching: Guidance and support for nominations in industry recognition programs — from music and media awards to professional fellowships and community honors.
Priority Access: Early RSVP and exclusive pricing for all Girl Connected public programming, including masterclasses, workshops, and live events.
Continued Mentorship: Opportunities to return as a speaker, panelist, or mentor for future GCMP cohorts, fostering a cycle of leadership and growth.

Graduating from GCMP means joining a lifelong community where learning, opportunity, and recognition continue to grow long after the program ends.

2026 Program Overview

Music Business

Marketing

Creative Direction

Application Submission Guidelines

Curriculum & Final Project

After The Program