The Immersion Lab, launched by Girls For A Change in 2019, prepares Black girls to thrive by closing the digital divide and addressing career skills gaps. More than a coding program, it provides mentorship, training, certifications, and entrepreneurship opportunities that build creativity, confidence, and leadership. Participants work with professionals, test ideas in pop-up shops, and practice pitching to investors while also accessing opportunities like the Creative Industry Camp in New York City. Whether they come with a business idea or not, girls gain practical experience, mentorship, and resources that help them explore careers, launch ventures, and strengthen essential life skills. By combining workforce development with entrepreneurship, the Immersion Lab equips participants with the tools, networks, and confidence to succeed in school, business, and beyond.
Our Immersion Lab aims to disrupt that cycle by being proactive and equipping young women with the tools and resources they need to thrive instead of merely survive by discovering skills and career paths they didn’t know possible and/or becoming entrepreneurs.
The Immersion Lab offers two avenues for Black girls in high school to gain skills, certifications, and access to a network of professionals.
Meeting Days
Wednesdays, 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Schedule
October 22nd - April 29th
Location
Girls For A Change Branch
100 Buford Road
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Facilitator
Coach Soliel Lindsey
Participants
Open to all area high school-aged girls, as well as current 8th-grade girls who already have a business that has been operating for at least one year.
For girls looking to sharpen their skills and explore career avenues and opportunities:
Join a community of aspiring young Black women on our learning platform for connections, inspiration, training, masterclasses, and live Q & A’s with successful professionals in multiple fields. This monthly membership allows members to take classes at their own pace, based on their interests.
For entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs:
The Budding Black Girl Incubator offers an immersive experience as you work to startup and grow your retail business. Members will learn from industry experts and work in a group of peer co-founders to build successful business and solve business challenges in viable ways. Get support from this vetted entrepreneur community of peers for insights on growing your business, and overcoming challenges during your most critical times.
Articles:
February 3, 2025 - The Simplest Way to Get More Girls to Become Entrepreneurs, According to a Study of 750,000+ Teens
July 24, 2024 - Closing the gap: How to overcome obstacles as a female entrepreneur.