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It's high time for a Best Press Release Ever Award — because in the big, glossy world of modeling, no child is left behind:

For Immediate Release
Wilhelmina Kids Will Offer Mentoring Program To Aid Aspiring Child Models
Agency President cites the need to help newcomers and their parents overcome fear and answer questions to better prepare for Modeling Careers or opportunities

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Wilhelmina Kids, a leader in children's modeling and talent management, has undertaken a new mentoring program to support aspiring child models and their parents as they seek to enter the competitive world of modeling. Marlene Wallach, President of Wilhelmina Kids, headquartered here in New York City, announced the first-of-its-kind program.

But what about the "uncertainties" and "fear of the unknown" in the world of professional modeling? How will those things affect a child's understanding of The Bridge to Terabithia? Read on for the answers to these important questions and more...

"When first entering the world of professional modeling, a child is faced with many uncertainties and in some cases fear of the unknown," Wallach points out. "By teaming up aspiring models with a mentor - which in a sense is a big brother or big sister - to help guide them through the process of beginning a career in modeling, the transition will be made easier for both the children and their parents. And I say parents because they are a critical part of the process, much more than just accompanying their child to auditions and jobs."

This announcement coincides with the beginning of the child modeling industry's most active period - the summer months when children are out of school and many marketers are shooting their campaigns. According to Wallach, nearly 50% of their modeling assignments for children take place from May through August when clients are shooting "back-to-school" and their "holiday" campaigns, which makes the timing for the mentoring program ideal.

Wilhelmina Kids has more than 200 child models under contract. Many of these experienced Wilhelmina Kids, such as [redacted and redacted], are excited with the opportunity to help and make new friends as well. "Modeling is fun and exciting and introduces you to new experiences," says [redacted], who along with [redacted] each earned a six figure income from modeling and commercials in 2004. "There is a lot of uncertainty about what you can expect from modeling and acting. I want to mentor beginning models, helping them to have a good time and save their money for college" says the goal-oriented [redacted].

"Aside from adoring children in general, one of the most rewarding consequences of working with children and parents in our field, is the ability to dispel many of the rumors that have been associated with modeling. I see many instances where our staff needs to assist ( actually mentor) parents, spending considerable time educating them about what to expect when they decide to have their child begin modeling. Through the formalization of the Wilhelmina Kids mentoring program, we will offer the same valuable insight, support, and guidance to aspiring models, from those best qualified — established child models and their parents.

Wallach, President of Wilhelmina Kids for seven years, prides herself in nurturing young talent in the modeling and talent industry, says this mentoring program will be a real value and asset to young models and their parents.

Children interested in entering the professional world of modeling and look to participate in the Wilhelmina Kids mentoring program can call 212 473-1253 to find out more about how to get started in the world of child modeling and learn more about this program.

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Headquartered in New York with offices across the United States, Wilhelmina Kids is a leader in the child modeling and talent management business. Wilhelmina Kids represents models age newborn to teens. Many of these models can be seen in fashion and beauty campaigns, commercial print campaigns and on magazine covers. Through its Wilhelmina Creative Management Division, many young actors and actresses can be seen in feature films, television programs and commercials and in theatrical productions.

Update: The program has been cancelled. Go figure.