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

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. Self assessment Areas that need improvement Strategies for success 1.2 3 1. 2 3.

9. 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”

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

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

15. 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

16. 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