Educators in southern Aroostook County are inviting business leaders into schools in an effort to give students career options and help regional businesses build relationships with future workers. “We launched our second cohort this spring with students from Houlton, Hodgdon, Southern Aroostook Community School and one homeschooled student,” Johnston said. Mentors come from a variety of industries, including banking, manufacturing, construction, retail, healthcare, education, public service, and other local businesses. Throughout the program, students participate in mentorship, workplace visits, career exploration, networking opportunities, and professional development activities that help prepare them for the workforce, she said. “We need a strong pipeline of skilled young people who see opportunities to build their futures right here in Southern Aroostook,” Johnston said.