Clermont County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Work Readiness Initiative equips some 300 students with mentoring by more than 30 professionals
Miami Township, Ohio – Three-hundred students, 35 professionals and seven minutes to listen and ask questions.
It’s called Speed Mentoring and it’s one of the unique opportunities offered through the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Work Readiness Initiative. The volunteer professionals recruited by the Chamber set up at Loveland’s Oasis Center to mentor Loveland High School’s entire senior class; small groups of students sat with each professional for Q&A sessions that lasted seven minutes each, before rotating. At the end of the event, students had the opportunity to work with all of the professionals.
“I think it’s a really unique opportunity to learn about businesses that are in our area that I had no idea were here,” said LHS Senior Hayley Combs. “This is enabling me to begin to form a network of professionals in the community which will keep me from going into college without knowing anyone to connect with for opportunities during college and after graduation.”
“It’s a priceless connection our students were able to make during this debut Speed Mentoring session,” said Loveland Director of Secondary Programs Andrea Conner. “This was a rare opportunity to learn about professions our students may be planning to enter into directly from the people who are players in those fields. We are grateful to the Clermont Chamber for hosting such an enriching event.”
Loveland has put strategic focus in building up an Academic Pathway Program for students beginning as early as middle school. Recently, Loveland signed a partnership with the University of Cincinnati to create an Information Technology Pathway – one of the first for high schools students in Ohio. And, the district is working to expand its internship program for LHS students.
“It’s all about helping our students think outside of the traditional classroom to enhance their learning experience, and really begin to craft the story they want for their future once they leave Loveland High School,” said Conner. “It is no small decision for our students; we will continue to push ourselves as educators to help them on this journey.”
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