Your Guide Forward
Welcome to the Guiding Hand Program: a student-led space designed to support you throughout your academic and extracurricular journey. This site is a growing resource hub filled with advice, testimonies, and tools created by students who’ve been through it all. Whether you're choosing AP classes, your extracurriculars, or just looking for honest guidance, you'll find real experiences and practical tips to help you navigate high school with confidence.
It’s led by students. Built for students. Inspired by all.
Our Mission
The Guiding Hand Program exists to make sure no student feels alone on their path. We are a student-led initiative dedicated to providing guidance, support, and connection.
We believe in mentorship, community, and listening.
When students lift each other up, real change happens.
Meet the Team
This is the leadership team behind The Guiding Hand Program.
It's led by students, for students.
Founder & President
Júlia Ribeiro
"I created The Guiding Hand Program after a personal experience opened my eyes to the quiet struggles people carry. Learning to see that taught me that empathy begins with paying attention. I realized that just being there, asking how someone is doing, can make a difference, so I started the program to help those around me."
Vice-President of Internal Affairs
Stella Vorcaro
"What I love most about Guiding Hand is how it brings people together. It’s a space where we are constantly sharing ideas, supporting each other, and creating meaningful connections throughout the school."
Vice-President of External Affairs
Letícia Fialho
"Being part of the Guiding Hand Club means so much to me. It’s a space where we connect, share, and genuinely support one another. Watching our mentees grow more confident each time fills me with gratitude. Guiding Hand truly feels like family, and I’m proud to be someone they can count on throughout their upper school journey."
Service Committee Leader
Letícia Vasconcellos
"The Guiding Hand is more than a club; it’s a brotherhood. Being part of the Guiding Hand means being part of a family that will guide and support you throughout your upper school journey. It’s a pleasure to help our mentees create beautiful paths in their lives."
Secretary
Brunna Gontijo
"I absolutely love being part of the Guiding Hand Program. It’s the perfect way for me to give back to my school community while making a real difference in the lives of younger students. Guiding, supporting, and inspiring the lower graders is such a rewarding experience, and it fills me with pride to know I’m helping them grow and feel welcomed. This club truly combines my passion for leadership and helping others, and I couldn’t imagine a better fit for me."
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Public Relations Manager
Julia Jorge
"I enjoy being part of The Guiding Hand Program because it allows me to connect with other students and share my experiences with them. Watching them grow and become more confident with each meeting is fulfilling."
About the program
Our Impact and Actions
Over 150 students have been directly supported. Check out some of our projects:
6th Grade Skills Activity
40 students
12 mentors
On March 20th, our mentors led an energizing workshop for 6th graders, offering real-life insights and practical tools to thrive in middle school. From joining clubs to building positive teacher relationships, students left empowered and ready to take ownership of their journey.
Introduction to the MYP
for the 5th Graders
Our mentors held a session with 5th graders to ease their transition into MYP. By opening up about friendships, empathy, and kindness, they helped younger students by answering their doubts, and helping them get ready for the next chapter.
Personal Project Presentation for the 9th Graders
45 students
3 mentors
The 10th-grade mentors visited 9th-grade classes to share practical advice and real experiences from their Personal Project journey. Their guidance helped younger students understand what to expect and feel more prepared to start their own projects.
40 students
6 mentors
