Make strategic matches between schools and businesses
that advance a school’s improvement goals.

Experts advise schools to look for companies that can help meet the needs of students, and companies should explore schools that are a good fit for their assistance and resources. District leaders overseeing partnership programs are encouraged to conduct research on local businesses and schools, and to use the information to make strategic matches. For example, a community college might offer mentors at a technical school that provides the college’s future student base. A high-tech business may have a keen interest in tutoring students in math and science because the students are its future work force.

“Once schools and businesses understand it can’t be a one-way relationship, they develop much deeper and more meaningful partnerships,” says Linda Glecker, former deputy superintendent of Greeley-Evans School District 6 in Colorado.

After an inventory is conducted of schools’ needs, partners can be recruited through civic organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis, parents and staff in the school, local businesses and non-profit organizations, and the faith community.

Once strategic matches are made, partners are eager to know how they can help. Strong support was voiced among business and district leaders for providing partners with a menu of options from which they could pick and choose. The more variety, the better. “Some businesses want hands-on involvement. Others want to give support that’s specific to programs or initiatives,” says Happy Haynes, assistant to Denver Public Schools superintendent for community partnerships.

A menu also keeps the focus on student achievement and may be grouped into topic areas such as mentoring at-risk students, one-on-one tutoring, job shadowing or apprenticeships, enrichment activities like guest lectures or field trips, and teacher and student recognition. Some programs have tiered levels of options, based on the school’s needs and the business’ needs and ability to participate. Large corporations may want to participate differently than small businesses. Options might include direct financial support; in-kind donations; support from employee volunteers for one-time events; and regular, ongoing business involvement with students and staff.

Tips for Selecting Partnerships

Choose companies that promote academics.
Assess the school’s needs to determine whether the partnership will fit.
Determine the corporation’s goals.
Seek input from staff, parents and community leaders.

  Source: National Association of Secondary School Principals

Granite, Utah: Kicking Off a Partnership Program

In Granite, Utah, an invitation from the governor was sent to 600 top business leaders to a program kickoff event. Each leader who attended received a brochure and a packet, and the governor spoke about the reasons for the partnership program. By the end of the event, more than 100 businesses signed up to form partnerships.

Types of Partnerships

The Annapolis, Maryland, Symphony Orchestra Adopt-a-School program puts professional musicians in string music classes monthly to develop students’ skills and encourage participation in the strings program. The program culminates in an annual Side by Side Concert, where the students perform with the professional musicians. The State of Virginia Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools (PASS) has academic and facility support programs. Academic support includes mentoring and tutoring while facility support includes providing landscaping, equipment, furniture and school supplies.