Mentoring opportunities for high schoolers

At a recent Chamber meeting, a new program was introduced. Basically, Alamogordo Public Schools is looking to team up with businesses in the Alamogordo area to offer “for credit” mentoring programs for students so they can be “work ready” or ready to follow their passions (whatever those might be). The program sounds a lot like college internship programs where students can gain work skills in a real work environment and also gain credits for their effort.

I think this is a great idea! My only hope is that the program does not merely focus on the pre-apprenticeship side of things, but also helps students seek higher education opportunities. I think it’s important to help all students learn the value of education in itself, whether they are college-bound or not. After all, time that we have before entering the work force can be brief…..and there are some amazing things to learn out there!