Over the last six years, the MPGT Academy has developed a mentor luncheon program that allows Academy students to work directly with business leaders in the community. Each month the junior Academy class takes a field trip to the Ceres Community Center for our mentor luncheon.
During each mentor luncheon, selected mentors deliver a presentation on important topics in relation to employment and career readiness. Some of these topics include best ways to prepare for an interview, professionalism in the workplace, and understanding how to communicate effectively when speaking in a business or professional setting. All of the presentations delivered to Academy students include an interactive activity and discussion that push students to interact with their mentors, which makes the presentations fun and engaging.
In short, the MPGT Academy mentor luncheons provide students with a great opportunity to learn and improve life skills that go beyond the classroom.
August 30 - Planning for the Year/Pod Selection & TB Clearance
September 27 – Mentor/ Meet & Greet with Students
October 25 – Topic TBA
November 15 – Topic TBA
January 24 – Topic TBA
February 28 – Topic TBA
March 27 – Topic TBA
April 17 – Mentor Celebration!
11:15 - Students depart to Community Center
11:30-11:55 (25 min) Presentation/Activity
11:55 - 12:25 (30 min) Debrief/Lunch
12:25 - Students depart to CHS
At the start of each academic school year, mentors select students they feel best fit their profession and experiences based on a brief student biography created by each student. Once mentors select 4-5 students to work with, the students and mentor work together for the entire year. Working together for the school year allows mentors and students to develop a professional relationship that helps students grow as young adults.
Each mentor luncheon starts with an interactive presentation delivered by mentors from various companies and industries. All of the presentations focus on universal skills that are applicable in any profession. While students and mentors eat lunch following the presentation, mentors and students discuss each topic while mentors help explain how these skills are utilized in their own respective field, business, or industry.