Multiple options for all students
Business leaders throughout America have worked to energize and mobilize business-education
partnerships. These partnerships provide the opportunity for students to be prepared for
post-secondary education and for thriving in a competitive changing economy.
Motivation - Why do people get involved in partnerships? Most do because they want to
make a difference, to improve student achievement, and to enhance students' understanding of the
business world.
Achieving a Common Goal - The term 'partnership' implies that two individuals or organizations
work together to achieve a result that neither one could accomplish individually. Partnerships can
benefit both the students and the business partner.
Finding a Partner - Businesses of all sizes and types are potential partners for schools and
schools at all levels want to connect with businesses in their community. Search within the geographical
proximity of the school or business site for possibilities.
Ensuring a Match - Support and involvement of the school principal and key personnel from the
business/organization will help create a firm foundation for a successful partnership. These
individuals, along with their supporting teams, can cooperate by drafting mutually acceptable
guidelines and course of action.
Planning - Planning is critical to the success of any endeavor. Therefore, practical,
step-by-step strategies can help ensure success when programs are implemented. Diligent and
innovative planning throughout the year is essential.
Personal Commitment - Both partners must be committed to the partnership. This
commitment should be ongoing, regularly clarified, and reevaluated.
Resource Commitment - Schools and businesses need many types of resources. These
resources include people, materials, in-kind services, and monetary contributions.
Joint Effort - Partnerships are most successful when the interests and capabilities of all
partners move in the same direction and at the same pace. Partners need to be kept updated on all
areas of participation.
Enjoyable and Fulfilling - The final key ingredient is enjoyment. The partnership should be a
rewarding experience for everyone. A partnership is an exciting way for a business to impact the
preparation of the future workforce and the educational experience of our youth.
Objectives and Directions - All partners will have mutually agreed upon objectives providing
direction to the program. These objectives ensure that no partner will become over committed,
leading to promises or expectations in excess of what can be delivered.
Focus - One way to keep from over committing resources is to 'focus' the program. One of the
first functions in the planning stage is to develop a prioritized list of needs for the school, emphasizing
human resources.
Flexibility - Any joint effort requires flexibility. Beyond that, there is also the opportunity to be
creative. The partnership team does not have to replicate an exemplary program in order to be
successful. The bottom line in any partnership is to enrich the children's educational experience.
Matching - The initial work done by the partners and the school district will have indicated whether
the partners make a good match. If the match is not strong, it may be necessary to work with a new
partner. There may be other businesses and schools that would make a better match.
Formalizing a Partnership - Some partnerships are 'sealed with a handshake.' A letter from one
partner to the other could be used to get the agreement 'on paper.' For ambitious partnerships, a
kickoff ceremony involving community and school district officials or a school rally involving the
students could be held to formally announce the partnership.
If you are interested in starting a Business and Education Partnership or if you
would like additional information please click here.
