By Elaine Kessler
Now Accepting Applications: Career Shadowing & Mentoring Program Empowers Gilbert’s Future Workforce
The Gilbert Chamber Foundation is excited to announce that applications are now open for our Career Shadowing & Mentoring Program, a transformative opportunity for high school and college students looking to explore careers, build confidence, and connect with leaders across Gilbert’s thriving business community.
Why It Matters
Navigating career choices can be overwhelming for students. That’s why this program pairs students with experienced professionals who guide, support, and mentor them through hands-on shadowing experiences. Whether a student is passionate about entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, tech, the arts—or still figuring it all out—this program meets them where they are and helps chart a course forward.
Over the past year alone:
- Nearly 900 shadowing hours were completed by 45 students
- 42 professionals served as mentors, many building long-lasting relationships with their mentees
- Students left the program with real-world insights, expanded networks, and clearer goals for their futures
One participant shared:
“Shadowing my mentor showed me possibilities I never considered. I didn’t just learn about the industry—I learned about myself.”
A parent shared this with us:
"My daughter participated in the Foundation’s Job Shadowing/Mentorship program as a senior... Because you had so many applicants, she was not initially placed with a mentor. Your staff worked diligently to find her something in her requested field and about a week later, she received placement with the Gilbert Fire Department. Her experience was incredible. She was paired with Chief Badgett. He was amazing and created a well-rounded experience for her that worked with her school schedule. She learned so much about a potential career as a firefighter, was given great advice on paths she could pursue, and was encouraged as a young female to consider this as a future career. Thank you to your entire staff that works to keep this program going. It is an incredible experience for a young adult to gain this knowledge and receive a small taste of what work actually looks like in their field of interest. Please let the mentors know how much their time and expertise impact these students and young adults in helping them make important decisions about their future."
What the Program Includes
- One-on-one mentorship with a local professional in a student’s area of interest
- A flexible schedule allowing students to complete approximately 20 hours of shadowing over several weeks
- A supportive, inclusive experience designed to strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and inspire forward momentum
- Ongoing opportunities to stay connected with the Foundation and business community
This program is entirely free for participating students, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and community partners who believe in building a strong, workforce-ready future for Gilbert.
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for:
- High school or college age students who live in or attend school in Gilbert
- Curious, motivated students interested in career exploration
- Students who may benefit from additional guidance and exposure to professional pathways
How to Apply
Applications are now open and can be submitted online HERE. The deadline to apply for the fall cycle is August 15, 2025, and space is limited—early applications are encouraged!
Important Dates
Orientation will happen between September 4 and September 9, depending on which mentor you are paired with. You will accrue your hours between September and November (or December). The closing ceremony will happen between November 5 and December 11, again this is dependent on who you are paired with.
Get Involved as a Mentor
Are you a business professional ready to make a meaningful impact? We’re also accepting mentors for the upcoming cohort. All it takes is your time, your perspective, and your willingness to help a student grow.
Mentors consistently report the experience is just as rewarding for them as it is for students.
As one mentor put it:
“Being able to guide and encourage a student as they step into their future—it’s an incredible way to give back and stay inspired.”
Whether you’re a student ready to explore what’s possible—or a mentor ready to give back—we hope you’ll join us in building Gilbert’s next generation of leaders.
Join us now and help us shape a stronger, more connected community.
For questions or more information, contact Elaine Kessler at elaine@gilbertchamber.com.