Every year, high school juniors from across Lancaster County enter the Discovering Paths Mentoring Program looking for guidance, encouragement, and a clearer vision for their future. But that’s not possible without our business community stepping forward and helping to create that impact.

The Discovering Paths Mentoring Program is inviting more Lancaster County professionals – across every industry, role, or region – to join us in helping students explore careers, build confidence, and better understand the paths available to them after graduation.

This is more than a career exploration program. Discovering Paths brings together professionals who share a common commitment to developing Lancaster County’s future workforce. By serving as a mentor, you’ll invest in the next generation while strengthening your own leadership skills, expanding your professional network, and helping shape the future of our community.

Strengthen Your Leadership Skills

Mentorship is often viewed as an opportunity to support someone else, but many mentors find they gain just as much from the experience.

Guiding a student through questions about careers, education, and future goals requires many of the same skills used by effective leaders every day. Listening, coaching, problem-solving, communication, and relationship-building all play an important role in the mentoring process.

For some professionals, mentoring also provides an opportunity to reflect on their own career journey and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

“I really enjoyed the way this program challenged me to show up in ways I don’t always have to. Some days my student needed a friend, some days she needed a teacher, some days she just needed someone to really listen to her and help her find clarity. I felt like sharing my own knowledge, skills and experience helped both me and my student grow.” – Mentor

“It was rewarding to watch my mentee become more confident and open throughout the year. It reminded me how important listening, patience, and encouragement are in any leadership role.” – Mentor

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, mentoring offers a meaningful way to continue developing skills that benefit both your career and your community.

Expand Your Professional Network

Discovering Paths is built on relationships.

In addition to connecting with a student, mentors become part of a network of professionals from across Lancaster County who are committed to supporting the next generation. Throughout the program, mentors have opportunities to interact with business leaders, educators, community partners, and professionals representing a wide range of industries.

One mentor described the program as, “somewhat of a baked-in networking opportunity for us while sharing an experience of purpose together.” – Mentor

“I got to meet some really great people and connect with so many professionals that can really help me in the future.” – Mentee

The relationships built through Discovering Paths often extend beyond the program itself, creating stronger connections between businesses, schools, and the broader community while expanding your own professional network.

Make an Impact on our Future Workforce

One conversation can change the direction of a student’s future.

Many students enter the Discovering Paths Mentoring Program unsure of what career path they want to pursue or what opportunities are available to them after graduation. Through regular conversations and exposure to real-world experiences, mentors help students make more informed decisions about their future. The impact can be significant.

“I went back and forth on two very different career paths. With the help of my mentor, meeting other adults and students, and different opportunities, I decided what I wanted to do.” – Mentee

“I quicky learned how much of an impact I had on my student when her mother reached out thanking me for helping her daughter come out of her shell. Even so, when my mentee started asking me for help with things outside of the program, like writing application essays. It was confirmation that she trusted me and my guidance. And that felt good.”  – Mentor

By sharing your experiences, insights, and perspective, you can help students better understand the opportunities available to them while strengthening the future workforce that Lancaster County businesses depend on.

Our Call to Action

The future of Lancaster County’s workforce isn’t shaped solely in classrooms. It’s shaped through conversations, relationships, and the professionals who take the time to share what they’ve learned along the way. Tomorrow’s workforce depends on the leaders willing to invest in it today.

Will you be a part of the impact?

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