Two Hours That Could Change a Student’s Future

For most experienced professionals, a job interview is simply part of doing business. But for many high school students, it’s something they’ve never experienced before.

At the end of this month, Springfield Public Schools will bring students from its Youth Transition Program to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for their inspiring annual program: Mock Interviews – Springfield Public Schools Summer Jobs Program.

These students are preparing to enter the workforce while navigating developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment. Before they sit across the table from a real employer, they’ll first have the opportunity to practice with members of Springfield’s business community.

That’s where Springfield Chamber members come in.

The Chamber is currently seeking 15 volunteer interviewers to spend just two hours helping students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and gain experience in a supportive environment. No special training is required. Volunteers receive sample interview questions, a brief orientation, and everything they need before the interviews begin.

“This [program] is giving these students meaningful job skills so that they can know what they can do, even if they don’t know what they want to do. The reality is: they learn the skills, and they learn what they like, and they learn that they can adjust.”

– Hai Nguyen, Administrator, Springfield Public Schools Summer Jobs Program

The conversations themselves often become much more than practice interviews. During previous mock interview events, business leaders consistently remarked on the enthusiasm, determination, and potential they saw in the students.”There are a couple students here I would hire right away,” one volunteer shared after participating.

Another interviewer described the experience as valuable for employers as well. “This is good practice for us, too,” they said. “The kids did really well. I even gave a couple of them my business card.”

For many students, these interviews represent their first opportunity to shake hands with a business professional, answer common interview questions, receive constructive feedback, and discover that they are capable of succeeding in the workplace. For employers, it’s an opportunity to help shape Springfield’s future workforce before these young people ever submit their first job application.

Volunteer Details

Date: July 30, 2026
Time: 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Location: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 South A Street, Springfield

Programs like this don’t happen without community volunteers. Every additional interviewer means another student receives more practice, more feedback, and another chance to grow more comfortable with the interview process. If you’ve ever interviewed a job candidate, managed employees, or simply want to encourage a young person beginning their career journey, you’re already qualified to help.