By Elaine Kessler
Bridging the Gap Between the Classroom and Career: The Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s Interview Skills Challenge
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing workforce, technical knowledge isn’t enough. Communication, professionalism, and confidence are critical—but too often, students leave high school without ever learning how to sit across from someone and advocate for themselves in an interview.
That’s where the Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s Interview Skills Challenge comes in.
This powerful, hands-on program brings together students, educators, and business leaders to help prepare the next generation for one of the most essential moments in their early careers: the job interview.
What Is the Interview Skills Challenge?
Hosted on local high school campuses, the Interview Skills Challenge is a dynamic, real-world simulation where students participate in live mock interviews with professionals from Gilbert’s business community. These interviews are followed by personalized feedback and encouragement—giving students a rare chance to practice, learn, and grow in a safe, supportive setting.
In 2024 alone:
- 160+ students participated at a single high school
- 30 business professionals volunteered as judges and interviewers
- Students left more confident, informed, and empowered to take their next steps
And the results go beyond improved resumes.
As one business leader shared:
“These students were brave, thoughtful, and eager to learn. It was an honor to provide feedback—and a powerful reminder of how much potential our youth have when given the right support.”
Why It Matters
We know that career readiness isn’t just about skills—it’s about self-belief. It’s about learning how to make a first impression, how to tell your story, and how to show up with confidence.
And we also know that many students—especially those from under-resourced or underserved backgrounds—don’t have access to professional networks or early job experiences. The Interview Skills Challenge levels the playing field by offering free, high-impact, face-to-face preparation in partnership with real professionals.
A Blueprint for Schools
If you're an educator or administrator, the Gilbert Chamber Foundation is ready to help bring this model to your campus. It requires minimal disruption to the school day, and the payoff for your students is enormous. We provide the structure, the volunteer judges/interviewers, and the support—schools provide the students and space.
Together, we can equip more young people with tools they’ll use for a lifetime.
We Need You: Mentors, Judges, and Interviewers
We’re calling on local business leaders, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members to join us as mentors and interviewers.
No special training is needed—just your time, your insights, and your willingness to make a difference.
Serving as a judge/interviewer, you’ll help students grow in ways they’ll never forget. And we hear it again and again: our volunteers find the experience deeply rewarding.
“Being able to engage in learning opportunities with local students is such a pleasure. These are our future leaders, and I’m honored to support them.”
What’s Next?
We’re actively expanding the Interview Skills Challenge to more schools—and we need your help to do it.
If you’re a school interested in bringing this program to your students, or a business professional ready to get involved, please contact Elaine Kessler at elaine@gilbertchamber.com.
Let’s prepare Gilbert’s youth for success - starting today.