Why should businesses partner with school districts?
Guest post from Greater Rochester Chamber member Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES on behalf of A Community Together (ACT) for Education
As Bob Duffy mentioned in his recent Rochester Business Journal article, community support and partnerships are essential to the success of our schools. A Community Together (ACT) for Education is an initiative by public schools in the Monroe One and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES districts, the Rochester City School District, area businesses, and community members. ACT shares positive messaging about our local school districts and encourages community support of public education. Collectively, our public school districts are the second largest employer in the Rochester area. There are over 15,000 professional staff in our districts. There are many ways Chamber of Commerce business partners can collaborate with school districts.
What could a Chamber business and school district partnership look like?
Essential partnerships exist between school districts and Chamber of Commerce member businesses. An example of one such collaboration is between Chamber member Bob Johnson Auto Group and the Greece Central School District (CSD). Through the Greece CSD High School Collaborative Internship Program, Bob Johnson Auto Group has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the success of Greece CSD students. The program offers students mentorship, employability skills training, and career exploration opportunities within the automotive industry. Students participating in the program meet with their mentors once a month at Bob Johnson facilities, where they receive guidance and support from industry professionals.
Bob Johnson Auto Group's commitment to students is evident in the many ways they support them. The program provides work-based learning hours, which can be applied towards a General Education Work Experience Program (GEWEP), New York State Department of Education pathways, or a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) credential. In addition, students have the potential to earn paid summer employment or further opportunities at Bob Johnson Auto Group.
The Bob Johnson team meets regularly to improve the program and they consistently listen to students to help them resolve challenges. This year they created a specialized break room that provides food that students can take home, paid for professional attire and regularly troubleshoot transportation issues when they arise. The business proactively plans for any potential obstacles for student participation and puts in place processes to tackle them.
Our local public schools are where every young person has their first workforce preparation. Many Chamber businesses like Bob Johnson Auto Group are investing in their future workforce by creating a partnership with their local school district. In May, ACT for Education honored such a partner that each district nominated at a “Community Champions” event.
What can you do?
School districts are eager to build these partnerships with local businesses. By reaching out to the superintendent’s office and district staff to create a partnership, Chamber businesses can start a relationship that can have a long-lasting impact on your business and your community.
You can also learn more about ACT for Education at https://actforeducation.org/ and feel free to contact us for more information at info@causewave.org.