The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has launched an exciting new partnership with Conley Elementary School designed to spark curiosity and build early career awareness in young students. The program, called Selective Elective, brings professionals from a wide range of industries directly into 5th- and 6th-grade classrooms each week to lead hands-on, real-world career exploration activities.
From STEM and healthcare to trades and culinary arts, students get to engage in interactive learning experiences that tie their classroom education to future career possibilities. By doing so, Selective Elective helps students begin to understand how their interests and talents connect to real professions, empowering them to envision what their future could look like. It’s not about deciding their career path today — it’s about expanding their awareness and confidence early on.
“When students get early exposure to different career pathways, it helps them start to see what’s possible for the future,” says Lisa Shore, principal of Conley Elementary School. “It builds confidence, sparks curiosity and gives them a reason to connect what they’re learning in school to their own interests and goals.”
This initiative is part of the Chamber’s broader commitment to strengthening workforce readiness in Chandler by engaging students at every stage of the pipeline — starting in elementary school. The program also provides local businesses and professionals a unique opportunity to give back, support youth development and shape the future talent of our region.
“Thanks to the Chandler Chamber, Republic Services was able to engage students in hands-on learning through Selective Elective. The program gave us an opportunity to spark interest and cultivate curiosity in our next generation of leaders. We were able to make learning about sustainability fun,” says Emma Reyes, municipal manager at Republic Services. “Innovative programs like Selective Elective show the power of collaboration in preparing young people for the workforce.”
The program runs weekly on Wednesdays from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Conley Elementary and follows the Chandler Unified School District’s quarterly calendar. The Chamber is actively recruiting volunteers from all industries to participate, with no teaching experience required — just a passion for your profession and a desire to make a difference.
To get involved, contact the Chandler Chamber . One hour of your time could change the course of a young student’s future.
