SRYP - Leaders in the Making: Young Professionals Mentoring Future Professionals

Leaders in the Making: Young Professionals Mentoring Future Professionals
Today's Young Professionals. Tomorrow's Future Leaders.

The next generation of leaders is preparing to enter the workforce, and sometimes the most valuable lessons come from those who have already begun their professional journeys. By connecting students with young professionals who can share their experiences, insights, and encouragement, we can help turn career aspirations into real-world opportunities.

Join Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals (SRYP), Scottsdale Community College, and Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) for Leaders in the Making, an inspiring annual event bringing together more than 120 high school students and young professionals for a day of mentorship, career exploration, and hands-on learning.

Through meaningful conversations, interactive activities, and personal connections, students will discover career possibilities, gain valuable perspectives on today's workforce, and learn how education, experience, and professional relationships can help shape their futures.

For participating young professionals, it's an opportunity to share their journeys, offer practical guidance, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of Scottsdale's workforce.

About Leaders in the Making
Leaders in the Making bridges the gap between education and real-world experience by connecting high school students with professionals representing a variety of industries, including business, finance, law enforcement, hospitality, culinary arts, and more.

Through small-group discussions and collaborative activities, students will explore different career pathways, ask questions, and gain firsthand insight into the skills, challenges, and opportunities that define professional success.

Extending Mentorship Beyond the Event
Building on the program's commitment to meaningful, lasting connections, select Career and Technical Education (CTE) students will have the opportunity to participate in a special three-month mentoring project, partnering with a member of Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals working in their chosen field.

Together, students and mentors will collaborate on a project that provides hands-on experience, professional guidance, and a deeper understanding of their industry. The experience will culminate with students presenting their work and findings at the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce's upcoming State of Education event.

This extended mentorship experience reinforces the program's mission of connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities while helping students develop the confidence, relationships, and practical skills needed to succeed.

Key Takeaways

• Explore Career Possibilities: Introduce students to diverse industries, professional opportunities, and potential career pathways.

• Share Real-World Experience: Help students understand the skills, education, and experiences that contribute to professional success.

• Build Meaningful Connections: Create opportunities for students to engage directly with young professionals and community leaders.

• Develop Future-Ready Skills: Encourage communication, collaboration, confidence, and professional curiosity through interactive learning.

• Extend the Impact of Mentorship: Discover opportunities to support students through a three-month mentoring project that connects education with practical professional experience.

• Inspire the Next Generation: Demonstrate how mentorship and community involvement can help students prepare for their futures.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, November 20, 2026

• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

• Location: Scottsdale Community College, 9300 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

• Lunch: Provided by Chick-fil-A at 101 and Raintree

• Presented in Partnership With: Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals, Scottsdale Unified School District, and Scottsdale Community College

Why You'll Want to Be There
Every successful professional has benefited from guidance, encouragement, or a meaningful connection along the way. Leaders in the Making offers young professionals an opportunity to provide that same inspiration to students beginning to consider their own career journeys.

By sharing your experiences, answering questions, and offering a glimpse into the professional world, you can help students discover new possibilities, build confidence, and recognize their potential.

For those interested in taking their involvement further, the three-month mentoring project provides an opportunity to build a deeper relationship with a student, share industry-specific knowledge, and help transform classroom learning into practical experience.

It's more than a day of mentorship. It's an investment in the future of Scottsdale's workforce and the next generation of community leaders.

Make the Most of This Event

• Arrive early to connect with fellow young professionals, educators, and participating students.

• Be prepared to share your career journey, including the challenges, lessons, and opportunities that helped shape your path.

• Encourage questions and keep conversations positive, engaging, and focused on career exploration.

• Offer practical advice about education, professional skills, networking, and navigating the workplace.

• Consider participating in the extended three-month mentoring project to help students gain valuable experience in their chosen fields.

• Look for opportunities to continue supporting students beyond the event through appropriate school-coordinated mentoring channels.

Ideal Sponsor
Leaders in the Making is an excellent opportunity for organizations committed to education, workforce development, youth mentorship, and community engagement, including:

• Financial institutions and professional services firms

• Technology and innovation companies

• Healthcare organizations

• Hospitality and tourism businesses

• Educational institutions and workforce development partners

• Law enforcement and public safety organizations

• Large employers investing in future talent

• Businesses committed to youth development and community impact

Sponsoring Leaders in the Making demonstrates your organization's commitment to helping prepare the next generation of professionals while supporting meaningful collaboration between Scottsdale's business and education communities.

CLICK HERE to learn more about becoming a sponsor.