Workforce development starts long before a first job, and this episode explores how communities can better connect students to real opportunities. Mesa Chamber President Sally Harrison shares how businesses, schools, and families can work together to expose young people to meaningful career paths. From internships and mentorships to simple job shadowing, she explains why early exposure is key to helping students discover their interests and strengths.
The conversation highlights the role of chambers as connectors, bridging the gap between education and industry. With real examples from local companies and programs, this episode offers practical insight for educators, parents, and business leaders who want to build a stronger, more prepared workforce.
Show Notes
Mesa Chamber of Commerce https://www.mesachamber.org/
What Color Is Your Parachute? Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success https://amzn.to/4bZFsTn
Your Parachute for Teens https://amzn.to/4btKFms
Your Parachute Workbook https://amzn.to/4rLyBl9
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) https://www.evit.edu/
If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/
To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/
Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com
Heather Thomas joins American Classroom to share an extraordinary story of perseverance, family, and the power of education to change a life. After a childhood marked by loss and instability, Heather became a mother at 16 and left high school while working long hours...
Host Jared Taylor welcomes Dr. Wayne Denton of Heritage Academy Mesa for a thoughtful America 250 conversation about the ideas, people, and writings that shaped 1776. Dr. Denton traces the intellectual road to the Declaration of Independence, beginning with Baruch...
What does meaningful student leadership look like in a school community? In this episode, Jared Taylor visits with the Scholar Council at Heritage Academy’s downtown Mesa campus to hear directly from students about service, teamwork, and civic formation. The scholars...