Touchstone Foundation invites you to the Student Symposium, an engaging, peer-to-peer event designed to support students at every level on their path to becoming mental health professionals.
This interactive day brings together high school and college students, along with early career professionals.—for real-world insights, practical tools, and mentoring connections. Explore pathways to careers in therapy, counseling, advocacy, and more through workshops, networking, and panel discussions.
Discover career and licensure pathways (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.)
Learn how to find internships, supervision hours, and mentors
Get tips on scholarships, and job placement
Connect with professionals and peers who share your goals
Reflect on your “why” through real-life stories from the field
Enjoy lunch, giveaways, and a resource-packed career fair
This event is for you if you want to:
Explore mental health-related careers in social work, psychology, non-profits, advocacy, and more
Learn about licensure steps, clinical hours, and supervision
Meet mentors and apply for internships and jobs
Engage with local agencies and resource providers
Begin building a network rooted in Lancaster County’s mental health community
Join the Resource Fair to showcase your programs, internships, and job opportunities directly to students and emerging professionals. As a table partner, you’ll:
Promote services and recruit for open roles or internships
Connect with educators and students face-to-face
Be featured in our event program and communications
Touchstone Foundation is partnering with Lancaster County high schools to coordinate student registration and transportation, high school counselors and administrators can sign up interested students following our registration packet you received via email or you can use the links below.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your interests or already pursuing licensure, there’s a path for you. Our guided tracks help you Find Your Pathway, Build Your Network & Experience, and Know Your Why — with conversation topics and real questions designed to inspire your journey.
Session 1: Find Your Pathway
9:45 – 10:30 AM
During this track expect to discover:
What classes or extracurriculars prepare you for a career in mental health?
What should high school students know about this field?
Explore subjects or hobbies that sparked your interest, or entry-level volunteer opportunities that provide early insight.
Session 2: Build Your Network & Experience
10:40 – 11:25 AM
How can you find mentors if you don’t know anyone in the field?
What student clubs or organizations can help you connect?
Learn how to leverage relationships with teachers, coaches, and community leaders.
Lunch, Job Fair & Networking
11:35 AM – 12:45 PM
Connect with industry agency professionals and peers. Practice communication skills and explore job fair tables.
Takeaway: Make connections and apply for opportunities that support your career journey.
Session 3: Know Your Why
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Reflect on your purpose.
How did you know you wanted to pursue this field?
What qualities help someone succeed in mental health work?
Why is this work meaningful to you?
Session 1: Find Your Pathway
9:45 – 10:30 AM
During this track expect to discover:
How do you choose between psychology, social work, human services, and other majors?
Are there scholarships available?
Explore internship ideas and ways to get involved on campus.
Session 2: Build Your Network & Experience
10:40 – 11:25 AM
How can you choose internships that align with your long-term goals?
Which campus organizations help you build connections?
Discover how to find mentors and leverage university connections.
Lunch, Job Fair & Networking
11:35 AM – 12:45 PM
Connect with industry agency professionals and peers. Practice communication skills and explore job fair tables.
Takeaway: Make connections and apply for opportunities that support your career journey.
Session 3: Know Your Why
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Reflect on your purpose.
What excites you most about your studies?
How do you stay connected to your “why” while balancing responsibilities?
Advice for those feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed.
Session 1: Find Your Pathway
9:45 – 10:30 AM
During this track expect to discover:
How did you know grad school was the right next step?
Should you pursue clinical licensure (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)?
Learn how to navigate licensure requirements and choose the right internship.
Session 2: Build Your Network & Experience
10:40 – 11:25 AM
What’s the best way to network with organizations before graduation?
How can you find mentors in your field?
Learn when to start job searching and how to build on your graduate connections.
Lunch, Job Fair & Networking
11:35 AM – 12:45 PM
Connect with industry agency professionals and peers. Practice communication skills and explore job fair tables.
Takeaway: Make connections and apply for opportunities that support your career journey.
Session 3: Know Your Why
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Reflect on your purpose.
How has your sense of purpose evolved since starting grad school?
How do you handle uncertainty in your professional journey?
Why is this work important, and how do you stay motivated?
9:45 – 10:30 AM
During this track, expect to discover:
How do you evaluate job opportunities to align with long-term goals?
What helps with the transition from student to professional?
Explore how supervision can shape your career path.
Session 2: Build Your Network & Experience
10:40 – 11:25 AM
How do you balance networking with full-time work?
What strategies help you advance professionally?
Explore the benefits of building relationships across disciplines.
Lunch, Job Fair & Networking
11:35 AM – 12:45 PM
Connect with industry agency professionals and peers. Practice communication skills and explore job fair tables.
Takeaway: Make connections and apply for opportunities that support your career journey.
Session 3: Know Your Why
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Reflect on your purpose.
What motivated you to choose this path?
How do you practice self-care while helping others?
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
To confirm your school’s attendance and student headcount, please complete the Counselor Registration Form by October 24, 2025.
What’s Included in Your Counselor Packet:
📄 Event Flyer – for bulletin boards or classroom displays.
🖥️ Digital Graphic – ready to share on school websites or message boards.
🧭 Counselor Guide – with registration details, lunch info, transportation guidance, and contact information for support.
Important Details:
Event Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Location: IU13 1020 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601
Lunch: Provided for all attendees (dietary needs can be noted in the registration form)
Counselors: Responsible for transportation and permission forms (per district policy)
Need help with transportation costs? Contact Madeline Mitchell at mmitchell@touchstonefound.org
Touchstone Foundation invites mental health community organizations, local employers, college programs, and service providers to participate in our 2025 Student Symposium by hosting a resource table.
This dynamic, youth-centered event empowers high school students, college students, and recent graduates to explore mental wellness, career pathways, and community connections. By joining us, your organization can share vital resources, offer career opportunities, and inspire the next generation of mental health professionals.
As a Resource Table Partner, you will:
Connect directly with local youth exploring career options, internship opportunities, and community support
Promote your services and programs to students, educators, and emerging professionals
Network with other mission-aligned organizations and leaders
Be featured in our event program and digital communications
Receive a table, two chairs, and lunch for two team members
Have the option to attend panel discussions and workshops
Resource tables will receive focused student traffic during the lunch hour (11:30–1:00 PM), giving you meaningful face time with young people ready to engage.
Make your impact by donating at the link below on November 21st, and come celebrate with us at the Greatest Giving Gig at Tellus360 from 5–8 PM. Together, we can elevate mental health for Lancaster’s youth!
