Information For Students:

• Mentoring sessions will ideally be scheduled Monday through Friday, after school. The specific dates and times will be arranged based on the availability of the mentor, student, and parent for transportation. 

• Students will have a Resource Binder and work with their Mentor to set goals, learn new skills, and implement them throughout the mentorship program.  

• Students and Mentors will participate in monthly Zoom Coaching Sessions by an external professional. This will benefit all and prepare for the upcoming mentoring sessions. 

• Students will have job shadowing opportunities during Fall or Spring Break with a professional in the student’s field of interest. These job shadowing opportunities will be coordinated by the Chamber based on the student's career interest.

• Resume’ writing and mock interviews will be a part of this process to give students a genuine experience of what to expect when interviewing for a job. 

For Students to Apply:   

Step 1:   

• Complete Application Form Online ensure you have valid and active email address (this cannot be your school email); and cell phone number so we can communicate directly.

• Download and complete the Program Permission Form  DO NOT SIGN ELECTRONICALLY. We must have physical signatures.  Once signed, you can mail it or drop off the Application to the Chamber office at 112 Professional Drive, West Monroe, LA  71291.   

Step 2:  An interview with the Program Liaison will be scheduled to provide an overview of the program and ensure this is the right fit. This meeting will be with the student and a parent. 

Step 3: Acceptance to participate in the Mentorship Program will be confirmed by the Chamber team both by phone and email from the Program Liaison.   

Step 4:  One Parent and the Student are required to attend the Opening and Closing Celebrations. 

Information For Parents:

The Commitment for Parents:   

• Ensure the student fills out the Online Application and provides a valid email/cell number for your student to connect directly with the Chamber staff and Mentor. Students cannot use their school email address. At that time, the student will also submit a photo. 

• Download and complete the Permission Form. Please make sure you physically sign the application. Electronic signatures are not permitted.  Applicants will not be considered unless we receive the original application with the student and parent’s physical signature. Once completed, drop the application off at the Chamber office or mail it as soon as possible to 112 Professional Drive, West Monroe, LA  71291. 

• Parental consent gives your student permission to participate in the program. 

• Ensure you schedule a meeting with the Program Liaison to be considered and accepted. This meeting will need to be with you and your student.   

• Acceptance into the program will be confirmed by the Program Liaison verbally and by email notification. 

• Transportation to and from the face-to-face sessions. (Chamber mentors are not permitted to transport students due to liability) 

• A Parental Questionnaire must be submitted upon acceptance and before the Opening Celebration.  Click here to complete that Parental Questionnaire. 

• Attendance is required for the student and one parent at the Opening & Closing celebrations. 

FAQs for Parents:

We want to ease your mind with any questions you may have.  Below are some of the most frequent questions we get. 

What if I can’t provide transportation to an in-person event?  

• The opening and closing celebrations are mandatory attendance, so please plan for another family member to attend in your place.  

What happens if my student’s schedule limits their availability to make the Zoom coaching sessions? 

• These sessions are so impactful with the quality of our guest professionals that they won’t want to miss.  Students will receive knowledge, inspiration, and wisdom from this time as they interact with these guest leaders, which will greatly impact their lives.  However, these sessions will be recorded and can be viewed later. 

What if I can’t take time off from work - can my student’s mentor pick him/her up? 

• Due to liability, Mentors are not permitted to transport students.  You or your student need to contact the Mentor as soon as possible so other arrangements can be made.  The in-person meetings enhance the mentoring relationship.  However, a virtual session could take place if no other arrangements can be made.     

What if my student misses a couple of sessions? 

• It's ideal for the student to attend every session. If attendance isn't possible, please coordinate with the Mentor to arrange an alternative, such as a virtual session. Failure to communicate may be interpreted as a lack of commitment to continue. Ensure you reach out to the Mentor in advance to reschedule. 

What if my student and their mentor have difficulty connecting? 

• We understand there may be personality clashes or difficulty in connecting.  Please address this with the Mentor first to see if there is a misunderstanding or if they got off on the wrong foot.  If there is a need to re-assign that can be done by the Mentorship Program Liaison.   

Can I be a part of the Mentoring Sessions? 

• The mentoring sessions are designed specifically for the student and their mentor. This setup allows the student to benefit from an external perspective and gain insights from the mentor's personal and professional experiences. 

Information For Mentors:

FOR MENTORS: What am I committing to? 

• Mentors will be matched with a student and work with that student throughout the 6 months. 

• Two mentoring sessions per month (one will be an in-person meeting, and the other a virtual one).  Each session will be one hour in length. 

• Mentoring sessions can be held at the mentor's office, provided it is not in their home, at the Chamber, a coffee shop, or a library.  

• Mentors are given a Resource Binder detailing the objectives and goals for each session. Students have their binder containing exercises, assignments, and guiding questions to support their learning, personal growth, and professional development. 

• The total number of hours this will require is 4-6 hours per month. 

• Monthly check-ins are scheduled with the Mentorship Program Liaison for assistance and to process how things are going with their student. 

• Mentors will provide Progress Notes for each session to ensure the students are progressing, and on task to achieve their overall goals. 

• Mentors and students will participate in a professional monthly Zoom call with an external leadership development coach. The topics will be thought-provoking and set up the upcoming mentoring sessions.