Mentorship the key to success for Chamber's Rising Stars program

A new collection of Rising Stars will soon be taking to their duties, paired with mentors who will help guide then through the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce program. A now fourteen year project that has helped introduce many of the youth of the community to the world of entrepreneurship.

As September gets underway, the Rising Stars program is now accepting applications from local high school and college students looking to expand their opportunities through mentorship with the local business community.

The program which began in 2005 was first created as a project to connect marketing students at what was then Northwest Community College (now Coast Mountain College) with local corporate leaders.

The success of that launch gave organizers cause to expand it seven years later to include students from Charles Hays Secondary, who were offered the chance to take part in what was called a seven month immersion into Prince Rupert's entrepreneurial community.

And much like the college program, the high school initiative was one that was well received.

The ongoing success for the program is a source of some pride for the Chamber as noted by Michelle
Boomars-MacNeill, the current President of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce.

"Rising Stars is one of our signature programs. Its year-after-year record of high-achieving graduates has drawn the attention of economic development organizations around the province.”

This year, the program has called on the assistance of a member of last years class of Rising Stars to lend a hand in watching over this year's work, with Scott Langille, a recent CHSS graduate set to ensure that this years program provides maximum value to students.

“During my own experience as a Grade Twelve participant, I was inspired to see ways this program could build on its existing strengths. By supporting students’ goals and passions, this mentorship program could be life-changing for anyone planning their academic and professional future.”

Admissions for the program are underway, with the seven month program wrapping up in April.

As part of the Rising Stars program, participants will take part in workshops to increase confidence and public speaking ability, collaborate with mentors to solve business problems and build a professional network through Chamber events.

You can learn more about the program from the Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page and if interested in joining in on the opportunities, would be Rising Stars can apply for the program from the Rising Stars website.

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