The Clermont Chamber of Commerce Foundation will honor United Way of Greater Cincinnati as its 2016 Career Prep Program of the Year at is Partnership Celebration Sept. 20.

“The award is for Sarah Ghee’s inspiration and invaluable work in establishing the Speed Mentoring program for our Work Readiness Initiative,” says Susan McHugh, program director of the initiative.

Speed mentoring supports United Way’s work in the Education and Income Bold Goals for Our Region – preparing children, youth and young adults to succeed in school and life, and ensuring individuals and families achieve financial stability.

“As a member of our Executive Committee, Sarah inspired and developed the program at seven Speed Mentoring events which involved 976 students and 203 volunteers,” says McHugh, who nominated United Way for the award. “Students, faculty and volunteers were highly positive in surveys after the events and we plan to expand the scope of the program this school year to involve more students, schools and volunteers. Without Sarah and United Way, none of this would have occurred.” Ghee is director of United Way of Greater Cincinnati – Eastern Area Center.

The award honors a program developed by a business, business person/s or organization in partnership with a Clermont County school district that effectively prepares students for, or introduces students to, meaningful careers.

Seven speed mentoring events took place in five high schools; 95 percent of the volunteer mentors reported they plan to take part during the next school year. Speed mentoring is designed to facilitate a series of short, focused conversations between volunteer mentors/professionals and high school students to discuss students’ career plans and how they will get there. Students rotate through tables of professionals in several fields to learn about their jobs, how to interview and other important life skills.

In the 2016-17 school year, the program will be offered to additional schools, thanks to a recent Community Connectors grant from the state governor’s office.