Mrs. Obama kicks off mentoring program for high school girls

7:33 AM on 11/03/2009

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White House leadership and mentoring initiative event, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, in the White House State Dining Room in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

NATASHA T. METZLER,Associated Press Writer

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.