All About Partnerships
Strategies for Success
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Characteristics of School Based Partnerships
Partners are as diverse as the schools they support.
However, they all share the following characteristics:
- The goal of supporting student achievement
- Commitment to providing schools with vital resources
- Realistic goals that align with the resources of the private sector and the needs of the school
- Mutual passion for helping schools achieve their goals
- Commitment to engage with a school for a minimum of 1 school year
- A desire to champion the good work being done in the school
What partners can provide to schools
Private sector partners have a wealth of resources to offer our schools.
These resources may include but are not limited to:
Expertise
- Staff development opportunities (training in technology, classroom management, subject matter expertise, marketing/advertising strategies, leadership development)
- Alternative models for structure and organizational management
- Assistance in trouble-shooting and problem-solving
Access
- To colleagues or employees to serve as mentors, tutors, school volunteers, or career shadowing role models
- To work based opportunities for students (internships, jobs, career day speakers, etc.)
- To new prospects for partnerships that will support school improvement goals
- To space for periodic events and trainings (staff development or parent meetings)
Miscellaneous Resources
- In-kind donations, such as books, supplies, technology
- Incentives for teachers, parents, and students to reach district goals. Some examples of incentives are: complimentary tickets, products and gift certificates, discounts cards, etc.
- Human capital (painting, landscaping, playground installation, facilities improvements)
- Financial contributions (grants for special school/district programs, merit-based scholarships, school fundraisers
Schools MAY Also Provide Resources To Their Partners:
Many partners receive as much in return as they provide to the schools in which they work. Here are some of the benefits our partners have gained:
- Lend space for business meetings (for small business partners)
- Use of fitness facilities
- Provide artwork for display in company facilities and/or holiday cards
- Performing Arts – school band/chorus to provide entertainment at company functions – during special events and holiday functions
- Public Tributes – partnership recognition ceremonies/awards, articles highlighting the partners in local school and APS newsletters and morning announcements, and city-wide displays (banners/signage) - as a show of appreciation and recognition
- Support/collaboration in community service activities – food drives and charity walks.
- Opportunity to directly impact future employees and customers
- Students to participate in Co-op programs or internships
Collaboration opportunities are endless...challenge yourselves to be creative!
Good Partnerships are a "Win ~ Win" and Benefit Everyone Involved
. . . To the Students
- Higher self-esteem
- Identification with successful role models
- Increased motivation to achieve success
- Enriched curriculum
- Awareness of career opportunities
. . . To the Teachers
- Instructional support
- Improved morale
- "Helping hands" in special areas
- Recognition for achievement
. . . To the Business/Organization
- Rewarding experiences for employees and members
- Opportunity to enhance public image
- Sense of teamwork and mutual achievement
- Greater understanding of the quality and needs of our public schools
- Chance to make a difference in the lives of future employees and customers
- Improved employee morale
- Leadership and growth potential for employees
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