A career exploration and mentoring program for high school juniors across Lancaster County.

A program of the Lancaster Chamber, Discovering Paths inspires, guides, and empowers high school juniors as they consider their next steps. Through positive one-on-one mentoring relationships with professionals across Lancaster County, critical business and industry connections, and experiential learning, Discovering Paths strengthens pathways for students within the Lancaster community.

2023-2024 Program Schedule:

We need you, Lancaster!

Interested in serving as a mentor to guide the next generation of Lancaster’s leaders? Apply below!

By participating in the Discovering Paths program, mentors commit to attending:

• a mentor training session
• a meet and greet to connect with your mentee’s parents/guardians;
• Up to 9 sessions with your mentee, averaging about once a month; and
• an in-school luncheon.

Mentors are required to:

• Submit their PA Criminal Background Check and PA Child Abuse History Check clearances. If you have not lived in Pennsylvania consecutively for the last 10 years, you will need to have the FBI Federal Criminal History Background Check and Fingerprinting completed which will cost a small fee.
• Assist your mentee with job shadowing placements (We have resources to help!); and
• Complete a self-assessment and an end-of-program evaluation.

Completing this application is the next step in the process to becoming a mentor. we will evaluate mentor-mentee pairings at the beginning of the upcoming school year and let you know if we are able to provide you with the perfect match!

Once you’ve been selected, we will walk you through our registration process. Registration costs $140, which includes meals and self-assessment fees administered to the mentees to aid in self-awareness and career planning.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in cultivating opportunities for Lancaster County’s high school students! Your support enables us to plan and execute monthly educational sessions for our partnering schools filled with engaging hands-on activities, interactive business tours, and exciting local speakers.

Interested in engaging your district with Discovering Paths?

We are happy to connect with you to incorporate your high school into our Discovering Paths program.

Learn more about the commitment here:

If you are interested in discussing adapting this program for your school district, please contact us. We’re happy to share our model, identify business champions, and support your adoption of this program to scale its impact to meet the needs of your student body. We can work with you to select which critical components you want to retain for your district, create meaningful connections with potential mentors and business partners, and support in the planning and development of your school’s implementation. Contact Ashley Glensor, Programs & Workforce Strategies Manager, at aglensor@lancasterchamber.com.

Components to consider:

• Mentoring, at a ratio determined by our district partners
• Guest speakers representing a variety of industries and career paths
• Job shadowing and/or business tours
• Employer/Career fair, with a focus on businesses in your district offering part-time summer employment and internships
• Career readiness preparation, such as interviewing and employability skills
• Guest speakers representing a variety of industries and career paths
• StrengthsFinder and DISC profile integration with team-building activities

not secure