In its fourth year, Eastbridge Business Connections (EBC) returned to Lester B. Pearson Public School (LBP) in May 2023 and continued to adapt its fun, creative and interactive approach to educating and inspiring students about the many career paths and opportunities that await them.

Between 2017-2018, EBC Speed Mentoring events benefited a total of 60 Grade 8 students. In 2019, LBP made this activity part of their mandatory curriculum for their entire Grade 7 and 8 student body to participate in and benefit from. Now that we've emerged from the pandemic lockdown, LBP was excited to welcome back EBC and its local industry professionals and economic leaders to engage all 207 of their Grade 7 and 8 cohort. 

Industry Professionals collaborated with one another from within the same industry to coordinate and lead 3x30-minute breakout sessions. Mentors included the following elements in their presentations but were also encouraged to use creativity in delivering and leading their classroom activities. Each industry-themed classroom was accompanied by an onsite teacher. 

• Introduced themselves, their role/title and their company name;
• Provided a brief explanation of what their company does/is known for;
• Provided insights on how/where their company fits within its industry (or supply chain);
• Listed any professional training, certifications and/or experiences that were required for their profession;
• Offered ideas of what students should be doing/thinking about today if they're interested in pursuing a career in a specific field;
• Listed any industry trends expected to shake up their industry in the next 5-10 years;
• Highlighted any required skillsets to be successful in their industry today and into the future;
• Provided insights into what students can expect if they pursue a career in a similar field; and
• Lead an interactive Q&A discussion.

Following the industry-themed classroom sessions and the two featured panel discussions in the gymnasium, students had an opportunity to meet and greet in the industry professionals in an informal networking setting in the gym. This provided students with an opportunity to:

• Follow up with any of the industrial professionals in a one-on-one setting;
• Strengthen their communication skills and increase their confidence in speaking with adults, while in a safe environment/setting; and
• Connect with other industry professionals whose classroom discussions feel outside of the student's top 3 picks.

Students heard from three of Waterloo Region's most influential leaders and obtained insights into why youth retention is so important to the long-term sustainability of Waterloo Region's local economy and business community.