Chambers to Launch Student Mentoring Initiative

DELHI — High school seniors in Delaware and Otsego counties will learn about local career opportunities from area business mentors through a new program initiative by regional chambers of commerce.

Mentoring for Success will connect high school seniors with business business leaders and other professionals from the region who volunteer to listen and advise students about preparing for careers with local companies, advanced education, and entrepreneurial ideas.

Students will use an online platform to select a mentor, participate in one-on-one sessions, track goals, and complete an employability profile to measure improvement of their technical and “soft” skills.  The program is intended to remove existing barriers to sustaining careers for students wishing to remain in the area.

The project is led by a team from the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

“Southern Tier 8 is proud to support this effort to help strengthen the region’s workforce ecosystem by connecting students with experienced mentors in the business community. Over the first year of this initiative, supported by investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission, will allow up to 80 students to learn about different career pathways, engage with prospective employers, and help position them to secure quality jobs,” said Jen Gregory, Executive Director of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board.

Those interested in volunteering as mentors may contact the Otsego County Chamber at info@otsegocc.com or the Delaware County Chamber at mentoring@delawarecounty.org.

High school seniors may start the enrollment process by visiting the Regional Student Mentoring Program page under the Events and Program tab at DelawareCounty.org.