Skip to content

Welcome to the Chamber Mentorship Program

Empowering the next generation by connecting students with experienced professionals to inspire and guide their career paths.

 

Why Mentorship Matters

  • Students with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer in their community.
  • Mentorship reduces dropout rates, improves self-esteem, and fosters career readiness.
  • Having a mentor increases a student’s career exploration confidence by 130%.
  • Virtual mentorship can be just as effective as in-person mentorship, providing flexibility for both students and professionals.
(Source: U.S. Dream Academy)

 

How It Works

  1. Students Identify Interests – Through collaboration with school counselors and teachers, students explore career possibilities and areas of interest.
  2. Submit an Interest Form – Students complete a form on this page, specifying their career interests and mentorship preferences.
  3. Mentor Matching – The Chamber connects students with professionals in relevant industries for a tailored mentorship experience.
  4. Mentorship Engagement Begins – Mentors and students meet in a format that suits them best, whether it’s in-person, virtual, or a mix of both.
  5. Ongoing Support & Check-Ins – The Chamber follows up to ensure successful connections and continuous engagement.
  6. Program Milestones & Evaluations – Periodic check-ins, surveys, and milestone tracking ensure measurable growth and engagement for students and mentors.

 

 

For Students: Get Connected with a Mentor

If you're a high school student interested in exploring a career field, sign up to be matched with a mentor.

Student Interest Form

 

For Mentors: Make an Impact

Are you a professional who wants to help guide the next generation? Sign up to become a mentor and provide invaluable career insight.

Mentor Application Form

 

 

Program Structure & Expectations

To ensure a successful and impactful experience, all participants agree to the following guidelines:
  • Commitment: Mentors and students should engage for at least one academic year, with meetings occurring at least once per quarter.
  • Defined Objectives: Each mentorship pairing should establish clear goals at the beginning of the relationship, ensuring a structured and purposeful experience.
  • Check-in & Feedback Mechanism: The Chamber will provide structured evaluations at regular intervals to track progress and engagement.
  • Professionalism & Boundaries: Communication should remain professional, and mentorship relationships should adhere to school district policies and Chamber guidelines.
  • Recognition & Completion: Students and mentors who complete the program will receive recognition through certificates, networking events, and potential Chamber awards.
Best Practices for Entering Schools
  • Collaborate with School Officials: Work with guidance counselors to schedule mentorship meetings.
  • Follow School Protocols: Schools may require visitor check-ins, background checks, and approval for mentor-student meetings.
  • Respect Academic Priorities: Meetings should not interfere with class time or schoolwork.
  • Leverage Virtual Options: If in-person meetings are challenging, virtual mentorship can be just as valuable.
  • Check for Required Forms: Some schools may require parental permission or administrative approval.

FAQs

Q: How often do students and mentors meet?
A: The frequency varies. Some mentorships meet monthly, while others connect quarterly. Virtual options provide additional flexibility.

Q: Can I mentor more than one student?
A: Yes! If you have the capacity, you are welcome to mentor multiple students.

Q: Is there a background check required?
A: If mentoring within a school setting, you may be required to complete a background check per school district regulations.

Q: Can students request a specific mentor?
A: While we try to match students with their requested mentors, availability may impact pairings.

Q: Can businesses or organizations get involved?
A: Absolutely! Businesses can sponsor mentorship events, provide job shadowing opportunities, or offer industry insights to students.

Q: What happens at the end of the program?
A: Students and mentors will participate in an end-of-year recognition event where achievements are celebrated, and participants can reflect on their experience.

 

Additional Program Features

  • Workshops & Career Panels: The Chamber hosts occasional career panels and workshops featuring industry professionals.
  • Job Shadowing Opportunities: When possible, students may shadow professionals to get hands-on experience.
  • Internship Connections: For students interested in deeper engagement, internship opportunities may be available.
  • (Future Date) Resource Hub: A collection of career resources, resume-building guides, and interview tips is available on our website.

 

Contact Us

For more information or to sign up, contact the Chamber of Commerce at reception@wheelingchamber.com or call  (304) 233-2575.

 

Join us in making a difference by guiding the future leaders of our community!