Vital Link - Orange County

Vital Link is a concept initiated by the American Business Conference with the goal of matching high school students' education with the needs of their future employers.

The mission of Vital Link is to create the link between business and education to prepare students for the successful transition to meaningful employment. As a catalyst for systemic change, Vital Link is committed to making high school count in the career development process for students.

To provide students and teachers with standards and expectations of business
To provide schools with curriculum and training that focuses on real-world applications addressing entry-level skill requirements
To assist schools in accurately assessing and documenting students' skills
To assist schools with the opportunity to develop a system to allow students the ability to give their Employability Transcript to potential employers
To create opportunities for students to interact with businesses and business professionals.
To use technology as a delivery system to increase the organizations ability to replicate the program
To serve the common interests of business and education by building alliances and creating opportunities for the groups to focus on the common goal.

Input into education curriculum
Documentation of career skills by applicants
Low cost job postings to fill entry level positions

Opportunities to build community credibility through support of Business and Education partnerships

A better understanding of skills that are expected in the workplace
A method to document achievements both inside and outside of the classroom

Opportunities to make connections with mentors and future employers
Increased awareness of relationship between school and the workplace

Increased interaction with business
Opportunities to share resources and training with business
Feedback on students' preparation
Creation of a curriculum for students to prepare them for their future career path