FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

24 High School Seniors Receive $1,000 Scholarships Through South Valley Chamber Program

SANDY, Utah — Twenty-four seniors from high schools across Jordan and Canyons school districts footprint were awarded $1,000 scholarships after completing the South Valley Chamber’s Jr. Women in Business program. The scholarships were made possible through the support of America First Credit Union, with a total of $24,000 awarded.

The yearlong Jr. Women in Business program provides mentorship, education and networking opportunities to help young women prepare for future academic and career success.

“Jr. WIB is an inspiring program filled with such driven young women,” said Laura Klarman, Manager of Marketing and Communications at Intermountain Health – Riverton Hospital. “It has been so rewarding to watch my daughter learn and grow, and mentoring alongside her has been so fun. The connections and confidence built through this program are invaluable.”

This year, participants volunteered with The Road Home, assisting with a community carnival that raised funds to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and completed job shadow experiences to explore potential career paths.

“One of the most impactful experiences for me was my job shadow with Laura Klarman,” said Saylor Jensen, Jr. WIB participant and Mountain Heights Academy senior. “It gave me a better understanding of how fast-paced, meaningful, and people-centered these careers are. It also helped me realize I really do want to go into this profession.”

Commencement speaker Chelsea Fairbourn, Executive Director of the Tony Finau Foundation, encouraged students to define success by their values and lifestyle, be resourceful, and build strong relationships.

“I built my career off of relationships,” said Jay Francis, president and CEO of the South Valley Chamber, who encouraged students to stay connected with mentors and peers.

The Chamber has selected a new cohort for the 2026–2027 school year and the program will begin in late August.

For more information, visit www.southvalleychamber.com/jr-wib/

About the South Valley Chamber:

The South Valley Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for business growth and connection across seven of Utah’s fastest-growing cities: Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman and Bluffdale. Through strong partnerships with each city, the Chamber brings together entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporate leaders to strengthen the region’s economic fabric. Guided by its four pillars—Connect, Educate, Advocate, and Grow—the South Valley Chamber provides the tools, relationships, and visibility businesses need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

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