NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A television judge known for her straight talk and tough judgments lends a helping hand when she is not in front of the camera.

Judge Judy Sheindlin presides over Her Honor Mentoring Program.

The program’s sixth class of mentees were matched up with their mentors on Thursday.

“I’m hoping for these young women that they become independent people that never have to do depend on anybody else because women who have to depend on someone else are always unhappy,” Sheindlin told CBS 2′s Kristine Johnson on Thursday.

The mentoring program was developed six years ago by Judge Judy’s daughter, Nicole, because she had a great relationship with her own mentor.

“I am really passionate about supporting young women and my relationship with my mentor who happens to be Judge Judy was formed on a very similar basis where I would go with her and watch her in court,” Sheindlin said.

Her Honor Mentoring Program matches 40 girls from six local high schools with professional women who offer hands-on work experience, advice and guidance for succeeding in the workplace.

Maria Barto is a student at Mamaroneck High School and said she is thankful for the opportunity to take part in the program.

“I’m looking to learn how to be more independent, to take care of myself and to focus on being successful in life and I want to achieve all my goals and I know this program will help me with it,” Barto told Johnson.

Barto said she wants to become a therapist to help other young women.

Barto’s mentor told Johnson that the program is important for young women.

“I’m really hoping that I can help her in terms of giving her confidence, showing her that she can do it all,” said Nancy White, president of The Flower Bar.

The mentoring program lasts for a full school year, capped off by a ceremony in May.