Objectives Improve programs and services Explore the processes involved in identifying and creating successful partnerships Identify the steps to follow when partnering Learn more about three successful partnerships

A partnership is a voluntary collaborative agreement between two or more parties in which all participants agree to work together to achieve a common purpose or undertake a specific task and to share risks, responsibilities, resources, competencies and benefits. It is a shared journey to create a future for both parties that is better than either could have developed alone. Definition

Benefits Enhance services provided to customers/students Extend resources by tapping into the resources of others Remove barriers Create win, win, win situations Grow and expand quickly and efficiently Eliminate duplication A strategic partnership enables an organization to:

Cautions Quality—not quantity Some organizations may not be the right fit Unsuccessful partnerships may strain relationships Look Before You Leap--Choose Carefully Sharks!

Characteristics Successful Partnerships: Focus on a pre-defined goal or purpose Build upon mutual cooperation, trust and responsibility Find ways to cut through red tape and secure cooperation from all stakeholders Value each partner’s organizational needs, mission, and culture Create a suitable agreement (thank you for agreeing to...) Define roles and responsibilities Communicate Seek out and adopt best practices Determine measurables (outcomes, data collection, monitoring, reporting)

Exercise Your Brain With your program mission in mind, discuss partners/or potential partners and how the partnership with them may be mutually beneficial.

Three JCPS Partnerships Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.0 –Workforce Investment Board, Annie E. Casey, Louisville Metro Government, Foundations –out of school youth ages 16—21) English Language School –Catholic Charities –English as a Second Language (ESL) Ticket to Test –Workforce Investment Board, Local Unions and Louisville Metro Free Public Library) –2001 –GED Test-takers;

Set the Stage Develop a Strategic Network Identify organizations that have similar and/or complementary goals and missions Identify organizations in the community that may have access to resources that could benefit students and programs Form an advisory council and assign realistic, meaningful tasks

Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education Mission To provide adults, families, and businesses with quality educational services through collaborative partnerships. Vision Be a national model of excellence in the delivery of lifelong learning opportunities.

Assess Needs Do your homework What does our organization need? Would a partnership benefit our students and our program? Is the environment right for us to seek a partner? Which organizations are most likely to benefit our students/program? What do we know about the potential partners? How could those organizations benefit from working with us? What is the best way to approach potential partners?

Come Together Approach the potential partner at a convenient time and place for them Be prepared Emphasize the benefits of partnering (You Win + I Win = Students Win) –Discuss areas of collaboration –Outline areas of similar outcomes/goals –Showcase your successes in a way that parallels their needs –Explain the resources you bring to the proposed partnership –Share credentials –Exert a willingness to work together/not take over –Agree to ground rules including financial support Have a proposal

Develop a Plan Identify the stakeholders Put it in writing (eliminates misunderstandings) –Develop a common goal –Identify any barriers between the agencies (reporting, confidentiality, red tape) –Define the structure and management of the partnership –Decide upon roles and responsibilities, funding and accountability, priorities and logistics Determine financial resources and lead agency Communicate Share best practices

Implement Include stakeholders each step of the way Re-brand the partnership’s product to meet the needs and demands of customers Market products/services (give credit to partners) Set and commit to regularly scheduled meeting dates Closely monitor processes and outcomes Make valid changes as needed Overcome obstacles and stick to the goals of the partnership

Assessment and Follow-up Determine what worked and what did not work Maintain a willingness to adapt to meet changing needs and shifting student/customer populations Collect and monitor data and gather feedback –Use the data to facilitate continuous improvement –Celebrate student success to publicize the program –Tract and report student progress – Demographics –Assessment Scores –Retention –Course Completion –Certificate/Degree Completion Build on successes Plan for sustainability

Questions & Comments To find out more: Call: Julie Scoskie (502) Or Joyce Griffith (502)