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West Monroe - West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce seeks high schoolers for mentoring program

The West Monroe - West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is seeking the newest class of its mentorship program aimed at high school students. The program is designed to foster workforce development and leadership skills. The mentorship opportunity is open to students in grades 9 through 12 to connect with business professionals. The program is also asking business leaders to help by volunteering time to mentor students.

The mentorship program spans eight months, starting on September 8 and concluding on April 7. Students will be matched with mentors from various industries, allowing them to gain invaluable career insights and soft skills. The registration deadline for interested students is August 25.

Margaret Troquille, the Mentoring Program Coordinator, said “Through this program, students will learn about their core values and make informed decisions about their future careers.”

Participants will engage in a combination of in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and group coaching with leadership development coaches. Mentors are expected to commit about four to six hours per month, which includes one face-to-face meeting and additional virtual interactions.

One of the standout features of the program is the opportunity for job shadowing, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest. The practical exposure helps students determine if a particular career path aligns with their passions and skills.

The program is free of charge. Both high school students and homeschoolers are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to register for the mentorship program, visit www.westmonroechamber.org/mentoring-program.

Originally from Monroe, Cory has worked in a variety of media. He has worked in television news and spent seven years as a TV sports play-by-play announcer. He was also creative director for a television advertising department and worked extensively as a photojournalist. Cory has lived in both Dallas and New Orleans.