Engaging Business Partners Kelly Fuller Business Partnership Coordinator/Eastland Fairfield CTS

Connecting Why we do it How we do it Who is involved? How do we evaluate effectiveness?

Why? Students benefit by: Connecting learning to earning Learning that community members care about their success Participating in opportunities such as service learning or work-based learning receiving job training, encouragement to graduate and to join the workforce or to continue their education Understanding various aspects of business and industry to make career decisions

Why? Teachers benefit through: Access to resources Classroom volunteers Providing opportunities for students to participate in business and industry tours Guest speakers Ability to showcase classroom and students

Why? Partners benefit from: Parental and student goodwill Publicity about relationship Well-trained workforce

How? Assemble Advisory Groups Invite a diverse group to participate Guide advisors with action plans and SMART goals Assign members specific and guided roles Connect long and short term goals to CTE Meet frequently Execute recommendations

…a few more ensure you are progressing toward a goal recognize the successes of your advisory group celebrate Guide group to maximum effectiveness

Self assessment Areas that need improvement Strategies for success 1. 2 3 1. 2 3.

Top 10 Characteristics of an Effective Partnership According to Potential Business Partners Give clear expectations of group/individuals Create attainable goals Provide partners feedback on accomplished tasks Communicate effectively Develop a plan of action Partner with diverse group Engage partners Deliver on action items Provide a clear sense of direction for the group Define clear “nest steps”

Who? Business partners who believe THEIR Investment produces results for their business or industry Business partners who are identified by career clusters business partners SHOULD BE THE MAJORITY of any advisory, business, or career cluster technical committee Business people invested in career and skills development ensure students are career and college ready Career and Technical Partnership groups should be headed by business persons

Where to find partners? Workforce development boards National business societies Economic development directors Business and industry owners Chambers of commerce Local community colleges Community organizations Veterans group Trade groups Community development groups

Evaluate effectiveness Research data to identify needs Develop an action plan Gather resources and create timeline Implement plan of action Assess the results

Is it s.m.a.r.t Specific Measurable Attainable Results focused Timely

Partnership action plan Identified needs Specific objectives Strategies Resources needed Person(s) responsible Timetable status Evaluation /results

Extra credit Host a shadowing student Be a guest speaker/presenter Proctor CTE exams Present at middle school events Judge cte competition Invite cte staff to serve on their board

Times to celebrate Issue press releases announcing member appointments Display their names on plaques in labs or lobbies Report publicly on committee recommendations and services performed Invite members to school to see the results of their recommendations Invite members to special events, banquets, competitions, and graduations Introduce advisory committee members at CTSO meetings and board meetings Send appreciation Letters to members’ supervisors and Award certificates or plaques when terms end Hold an annual recognition dinner