What are Business Partners?

Businesses are invited to develop the workforce of tomorrow through an ASD partnership.  A primary way for partners to engage is through Work-Based Learning (WBL). WBL opportunities are student / partner interaction either at school, at a worksite, or virtually, providing real-life learning experiences for students.

Benefits for Employers

• Help create a pool of better-prepared and motivated potential employees.
• Strengthen employees’ supervisory and leadership skills.
• Improve employee retention and morale.
• Learn about the knowledge and skills of today’s students and tomorrow’s employees.
• Generate favorable visibility in the community.

Benefits for Students

• Set and pursue individual career goals based on workplace experiences.
• Become aware of career opportunities, explore those of interest, and start preparing for them.
• Build an understanding of the skills required to succeed in the workplace.
• Recognize the relevance of education to career success and increase motivation for academic success.

In the Academies model, businesses are strategically paired with an academy that aligns with its career opportunities. This partnership provides the students and community with a deeper, more meaningful engagement. 

Businesses can get involved in the following ways:

• Advise on curriculum and certifications
• Host field trips and industry tours
• Participate in the Career Expo
• Guest speaking
• Provide project-based learning examples
• Video chat classroom instruction
• Host teacher externships
• Provide student internships
• Being a career mentor
• Become an Academy Advisory Board