By Maya Fenner, Workforce & Education Initiatives Coordinator with the Lancaster Chamber
What is Discovering Paths?
Discovering Paths is the Lancaster Chamber’s career exploration mentoring program for high school juniors. Entering its 17th year, the program brings together more than 140 students from 20 schools across the county to participate in monthly sessions throughout the school year.
Students are matched one-to-one with a mentor who inspires, guides, and empowers them as they consider their next steps after graduation through career exploration. Mentors walk alongside their mentee throughout the sessions comprised of various hands-on workshops and activities.
Why Mentorship Matters
Mentors are an integral part of this program. As a mentor, you provide a student with real world insights, exposure to possibilities, and invaluable encouragement and confidence as they prepare to take their next steps. Mentors come from all backgrounds and industries. Every career journey has something to teach. Whether you are early on in your career, a seasoned professional, or have taken a nontraditional path, your experience can help shape a student’s understanding of what is possible.
We are currently recruiting mentors for the 2025-2026 school year! If you are looking to give back to the community, invest in the future workforce, and build lasting connections, Discovering Paths may be a great fit for you.
In Their Own Words: Mentorship in Action
“When I first met my mentee, she had a few career ideas in mind. Her interests were broad and showed how open she was to exploring different paths, but she wasn’t sure which direction truly fit her. I could see her confidence grow with every session—not just in terms of career clarity, but also in how she carried herself and engaged with others. It’s been so rewarding to see her find direction and take such meaningful steps toward her future. I’m proud to have played a small part in her journey.”
– 2024/25 Discovering Paths Mentor
“Coming into the program, I was unsure about my path. I knew I wanted to go to college, but I wasn’t sure for what. With the help of my mentor and the very informative sessions, I learned what I want in a future career and how my skills that I currently have can be applied to the workplace. Also, hearing about the nonlinear career paths of Lancaster business professionals opened my eyes to the many possibilities in Lancaster and beyond. The information and advice I received about interviews, networking, and other real-life skills will be quite useful to me throughout my life. The connections I made with my mentor and other professionals gave me confidence about joining the workforce. The job shadows opened my eyes to potential careers through a hands-on approach. Everybody involved in this program is extremely supportive and helpful throughout the entire process, and I will forever be grateful. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is unsure about what they want to do in the future!”
– 2024/25 Discovering Paths Student
4 More Ways to Engage with Discovering Paths!
Participate as a Speed Mentor
For a more short-term commitment, you can participate as a Speed Mentor on a day that represents your industry. Speed Mentors share their career journey with students, provide advice, and answer questions!
Host a Group or Individual Job Shadow
By hosting a job shadow, you can provide a firsthand look into your profession. Whether individually or in small groups, you’ll offer valuable perspective into your career and skills required to succeed.
Facilitate Hands-on Activities
Lead interactive, hands-on activities that give students a chance to experience the skills and operations involved in your career field or company.
Participate in an Industry Career Fair
Tabling during Discovering Paths sessions allows you to connect with participants directly. You can showcase your organization and highlight potential future opportunities available for students!
Sponsor Discovering Paths
Sponsoring Discovering Paths directly supports students in exploring career paths, gaining invaluable hands-on experience, and forging connections that will shape their professional journeys in Lancaster County.
If you are interested in any of above opportunities, contact Maya Fenner at mfenner@lancasterchamber.com.
To learn more about Discovering Paths, visit our website. Ready to apply as a mentor? Click here to get started.
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