Metrocrest Chamber Foundation

Workforce Development & Education

Our workforce programs connect employers, educators, and students to build a stronger, more prepared local talent pipeline. By aligning education with industry needs, we help ensure the Metrocrest region remains a thriving hub for opportunity.

Ignite Small Business Development Workshops

Through practical, high-impact training, the Foundation helps local entrepreneurs and small business owners strengthen their operations and growth potential.

Topics include:

• Business planning and finance
• Marketing and digital strategy
• HR compliance and operations

Workshops are offered in partnership with Dallas College, SBDC, and regional business experts.

By equipping entrepreneurs with tools for success, these sessions directly contribute to job creation and economic vitality across the Metrocrest region.

Principal for a Day

This popular program pairs local business executives with school principals for a full day of shadowing and collaboration.

Participants gain valuable insight into the challenges of running a modern campus and the link between classroom learning and workforce readiness.

The experience fosters mutual understanding and partnership between schools and businesses — ensuring that education and industry remain connected and aligned.

EPIC – Employer Provided Innovation Challenge

The Employer Provided Innovation Challenge (EPIC) gives students a hands-on opportunity to solve real-world business challenges presented by local employers.

How it works:

• Employers present an authentic challenge related to marketing, logistics, operations, or workforce development.
• Student teams research and develop innovative solutions.
• Finalists present their ideas to a panel of business leaders and educators.

Outcomes:
EPIC strengthens critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills while connecting students with local industries and potential career paths. It also provides businesses with fresh perspectives from emerging talent.

For more information see our page here.

National Civics Bee

The National Civics Bee is a nationwide competition that inspires middle school students to engage in civics and learn the value of active citizenship.

Hosted locally by the Metrocrest Chamber Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee encourages students to:

• Explore civic responsibility and the importance of community involvement
• Submit essays proposing ideas to strengthen their community
• Compete in a live local bee event, with winners advancing to the State Civics Bee

Why it matters:
The National Civics Bee builds leadership, public-speaking, and critical-thinking skills — empowering the next generation of informed, active citizens in the Metrocrest region.

For more information see our page here.

LaunchPad (coming soon!)

LaunchPad is a chamber-led workforce development initiative of the Metrocrest Area Chamber Foundation designed to connect students, employers, and the community to build a stronger local workforce pipeline.

Through LaunchPad, high school seniors and select college students receive workforce readiness training, professional skills development, financial literacy, AI awareness, and direct exposure to local employers. Students then have the opportunity to interview with participating businesses for paid internship placements that provide meaningful, real-world work experience.

LaunchPad helps students prepare for career success while reducing barriers for employers who want to invest in emerging talent. The Chamber Foundation provides program coordination, student preparation, internship framework support, payroll administration, and ongoing communication so employers can focus on mentoring, developing talent, and providing valuable workplace experiences.

Program components include:

• Workforce readiness bootcamp
• Professional skills and soft skills training
• Financial literacy
• AI awareness and productivity tools
• Employer interviews
• Paid internship placement
• Mentorship and workplace learning

LaunchPad is designed to strengthen the regional talent pipeline, support employer workforce development, and create a scalable model that connects emerging talent with career opportunities across the Metrocrest community.

Interested in becoming a LaunchPad employer partner?

LaunchPad founding partners help prepare students for the workforce while creating meaningful pathways into local careers. Employer partners may host paid interns, participate in interviews, provide mentorship, or support workforce readiness training.

Contact the Metrocrest Area Chamber Foundation to learn how your business can help build tomorrow’s workforce today.

Leadership Development

Leadership Metrocrest

The Leadership Metrocrest program is the region’s premier civic and professional leadership experience, designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged community leaders.

Over the course of nine months, participants:

• Explore key regional sectors — including education, government, health care, and public safety
• Strengthen leadership, communication, and strategic-thinking skills
• Work in teams to complete community-impact projects

Graduates join the Leadership Metrocrest Alumni Network, continuing their engagement and service throughout the community.

Scholarships provided by the Foundation ensure that the program is accessible to individuals from nonprofits, small businesses, and underrepresented groups.

For more information see our page here.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

The Metrocrest Chamber Foundation Scholarship Program supports local high school seniors pursuing degrees in business, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or related fields.

Eligibility:

• Graduating seniors from schools in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Coppell ISD, Lewisville ISD, and local private and charter schools
• Students demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement

Funded through donations from local businesses and Chamber members, these scholarships invest in the next generation of Metrocrest business and community leaders.

Our Impact

The Metrocrest Chamber Foundation measures success through results that make a difference:

• Students Trained & Prepared for the workforce
• Leadership Graduates contributing to civic and business growth
• Scholarships Awarded to future business professionals
• Businesses Empowered through education and innovation

Our annual Impact Report highlights the people, programs, and partnerships driving long-term success throughout the Metrocrest community.

Join Us

When you support the Metrocrest Chamber Foundation, you invest in education, leadership, and opportunity — the building blocks of a thriving, sustainable Metrocrest region.

Get Involved:
Volunteer | Mentor | Sponsor | Donate

Contact Us to learn more about partnership, sponsorship, or participation opportunities.