First lady launches White House mentoring program

First lady Michelle Obama speaks to a group of female students during an event to kick off a White House leadership and mentoring initiative in the State Dining Room at the White House November 2, 2009 in Washington, DC. The program provides local high school students the opportunity to discuss career paths with members of the White House staff, including White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, White House Domestic Policy Adviser Melody Barnes and others. (Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama is launching a mentoring program for local high school girls to have access to women at the White House.

Thirteen girls joined the first lady and 18 White House staffers in the State Dining Room on Monday to kick off the program.

The program is designed inspire 10th and 11th grade girls from public and private schools in Washington, Maryland and Virginia by giving them access to accomplished women. The program will expand slightly in the coming weeks.

Mrs. Obama said creating the program is one of her top goals as first lady.

The White House says a program to mentor boys will be launched soon.

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