Business-Education Partnerships Caddo Career & Technology Center, the Career & Technical...

Business-Education Partnerships

Caddo Career & Technology Center, the Career & Technical Magnet

of Caddo Parish Schools,Shreveport, Louisiana

Partnership PhilosophyAsk for: time, input, expertise, access –

all focused on student career prep/advancement

Give: win-win investment, time commitment needed, agenda, results, quality employees – all focused on workforce preparation/development

Key to Success:Employer InvolvementServe on CTE curriculum advisory

committeesHelp design work-based learning program

with progressive continuum of involvementSet standards for student involvement with

employersShare concerns about workplace needsDeveloped Critical Employability Skills

Key to Success:Employer InvolvementProvide ideas/judges for rigorous,

project-based learningSponsor student recognition eventsCelebrate teacher accomplishmentsDonate training materials, equipment, etc.

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

Guest speakersStudent mentorsField trip hostsTeacher hosts: tours, job shadows, internships

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

Support CTSO student competitors to go to state and national compitions

Assist in planning Career PathwaysPresent at Education ConferencesJudge Senior Projects, campus & state

skill competitions, other student projects/work

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

Provide Job Shadow sites – 2 hours to 4 days

Serve as Clinical sites

for healthcare students

to acquire their hours

required for industry-

based certification

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

Critique students’ career portfolios and offer suggestions for improvement

Provide career counselingConduct mock interviews

and provide interview and resume’ feedback

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

Offer Summer Internships for qualifying students

Receive awards for partnership success: CCTC’s AYES Business & Education Council was recognized as one of Louisiana’s 2007 Distinguished Partner’s In Education

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

Support school/student service learning projects

Provide materials and leadershipShowcase students as leaders to

younger students

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

Participate in outreach efforts, such as: 8th-Grade Tours Job-College-Career Fairs Open Houses Back-to-School

Nights Summer Camps

Key to Success:Employer Involvement

• CCTC Foundation:•Sponsor $1,500 scholarships for PS ed •Sponsor ½ of IBC fees for students•Community advocates for the school•Lead partner in a home construction initiative across the street from the school

The Workforce Gap

15% require minimum skills for employment

24% graduated and entered directly into the labor market

35% dropped out of the system before completing high school or left the state

65% require 2-year associate’s degree or advanced training

9% entered 2-year colleges, proprietary schools or apprenticeship programs

20% require 4-year college degree

32% entered 4-year public or private colleges

Where U.S. jobs are based on Workforce 2020 projections

How Louisiana’s Class of 2001 (not just graduates) chose to prepare for the workforce

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

--Albert Einstein

Lesson Shared:

“Employers control the most significant incentive influencing the performance of students: ACCESS TO JOBS!!”

--Dr. Robert W. Glover

Presenter:Caddo Parish School Board: Gayle Flowers, Director

Career, Adult & Alternative Education1961 Midway AvenueShreveport, LA 71108O: (318) 603-6548e-mail: gflowers@caddo.k12.la.us

www.sreb.org for “Site Development Guide #7: Business & Education” plus many other guiding publications