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Career Connections Registration

Events Upcoming

New Members

Area students are looking for professionals to interview as they consider their future careers. If you love your job and want to share that experience with students, join Career Connections! The Chamber is looking for 3-4 professionals for each industry (see list below) who are open to a 30 minute phone/virtual interview and/or who are willing to host job shadowing opportunities for students. If you're interested in engaging with Sangamon County students who want to learn more about particular career paths, please complete the form below.

All submissions will be reviewed and subject to approval and a background check before acceptance. Email workforce@gscc.org with any questions or issues completing the form.
Contact Info
Select the industry(s) you represent: *
If your industry is not represented in the list above, please note
Your listing will not be complete and activated until a photo is received
Please include the city and state if outside Sangamon County or Illinois.
Select all high school topics that relate to your position to help students identify possible career paths based on subject interests. *
I am available for: *
Check all that apply
Volunteer Standards Agreement
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) has set the following standards to guide professionals volunteering for the Career Connections program (Professionals). The goal of this program is to provide students educational exposure to the workforce and as such, appropriate behavior is expected. These standards will be shared with volunteers at the start of each school year (August 1) and at the onboarding of new volunteers.
I understand that by registering to be a Career Connection professional, I agree to be reasonably available for a 30-minute phone call or virtual meeting with an area high school student interested in my career field. I understand that the purpose of this exercise is for high school students to gain insight to an industry and make a more informed decision about their future. *
By registering to host students to job shadow, I agree to be available for 3-4 hours during school hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 3 PM) and work to the best of my ability to schedule a visit in a timely manner. If there are particularly busy months/seasons that would make shadowing extremely challenging, I will note them below.
If my schedule at any point prevents me from regularly participating, I agree to notify Chamber staff and ask to be removed as a participant. I understand that if multiple schools/students report challenges in coordinating with my schedule, I may be removed from the program. Exceptions will be made if the Professional identifies at registration a regular “busy season” when they are typically unavailable. *
The Chamber may amend these standards from time to time. Amended standards will be shared with Professionals at the start of each school year and upon any material revision, and continued participation in the program following such notice constitutes acceptance of the amended standards. The Chamber may also require Professionals to re-sign this Agreement annually as a condition of continued participation. *
BACKGROUND SCREENING
1. I authorize The Chamber to conduct a criminal history background check and a search of the Illinois and national sex offender registries as a condition of my participation as a Professional. I understand and agree that this authorization will be renewed, and a new background check and registry search conducted, on an annual basis for as long as I continue to participate in the program. *
2. I understand that the schools where I volunteer may have their own, separate background check, fingerprinting, or visitor-clearance requirements as a condition of accessing school property or students. I agree to comply with any such school-specific requirements in addition to The Chamber's screening described above. *
PARTICIPANT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
1. Professionals must use appropriate language and model acceptable behaviors such as respect, integrity, honesty and professionalism. Profanity or sexualized language or jokes, or images, communications about adult topics, drugs or alcohol, and conduct (including speech) that discriminates against people on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, religion, or other legally protected classes are inappropriate, regardless of whether it occurs face-to-face, over the internet or by any other means. Any form of physical or emotional abuse, harassment or other degrading behavior is strictly prohibited. *
2. The Chamber strictly forbids participants from violating any state law regarding interactions with youth; including but not limited to providing alcohol or legal or illegal drugs or coaxing them into illicit relationships over the internet or otherwise. Any violations will be reported to appropriate law enforcement officials. *
3. It is expected that the Professional’s interactions with students are always appropriate and professional and are strictly related to the role of career mentor. Participants should not friend, follow, add, accept, connect or privately correspond with students online or through any digital channel including via text, e-mail, or any social media platforms. *
4. Professionals will not take photos, screenshots or make recordings of students without having explicit signed photo release on file. *
5. If a student discloses information suggesting abuse, neglect, or a safety concern, or if I otherwise become aware of such a concern, I will immediately report it to Chamber staff and/or appropriate school staff. I will not attempt to investigate or resolve the matter myself, and I will not promise the student confidentiality regarding any such disclosure. *
6. Career Connection calls, RPM Lab presentations, and job shadow visits will take place only during school hours, on school premises, or through school-arranged virtual channels, and only through a designated school staff contact of record. I will not initiate contact with a student outside of these school-arranged times, platforms, or locations. *
7. I will use any personal information about students that I learn through my participation in the program solely for purposes of the program, and I will not disclose or use such information for any other purpose. *
RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES; RELEASE
1. I understand and agree that I am a volunteer, and that neither I nor my participation in the Career Connections & RPM Lab program creates an employment, agency, or independent contractor relationship between me and The Chamber. I understand that I will not receive wages or other compensation and am not eligible for unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, or other employee benefits in connection with my volunteer service. *
2. I understand that participation in in-person program activities, including job shadow visits and school presentations, involves some risk of injury. I voluntarily assume all such risks and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, release and agree to hold harmless The Chamber and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claim arising out of my participation, except to the extent caused by The Chamber's gross negligence or willful misconduct. *
3. I agree that The Chamber may use my name, photograph, likeness, and any testimonial I provide about my participation in the program in The Chamber's own marketing and promotional materials. *
DISMISSAL FROM PROGRAM
1. I understand The Chamber has the right to remove me from this program at any point with or without cause. Any misconduct or conduct that falls below the standards expected by The Chamber can result in immediate and permanent dismissal as a volunteer. Because I am a volunteer and not an employee of The Chamber, I understand that removal from the program is not a termination of employment and does not create any claim for wrongful termination, due process, or other employment-related relief. *
By typing my name below, I hereby certify that I have never been charged with violence, or any type of charge involving a child or young person, or, if I have, that I have fully disclosed in writing the facts regarding such a charge to The Chamber. I authorize The Chamber to verify this certification through the criminal history and sex offender registry checks described above. I certify that the information in this certification is true and complete as of the date I sign this Agreement, and I agree to promptly notify Chamber staff in writing if I am charged with any such offense at any time while I continue to participate in the program. I have read, understand and will abide by The Chamber’s Career Connection Volunteer Standards Agreement.
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