Businesses say that they are having a hard time finding qualified employees. Students are asking the question "Why do I have to learn this stuff?" Educators are looking for ways to make their curriculum more relevant to their students. The answer to all these concerns could be found through business/education partnerships.

As the classroom expands to include the community, students find more opportunities to see how their classroom lessons are applied in the world of work. Educators utilize community groups and businesses as educational resources and partners, bringing in fresh perspectives and knowledge. Businesses have a hand in teaching the importance of employability skills, such as good attendance and teamwork, along with stressing the need for strong academic knowledge.

How can businesses provide educational opportunities for the upcoming workforce? There are many options and they can be tailor-made to fit any business. The following list explains some of those options.

Be a guest speaker at school:

Business people can provide a wealth of information for students of all ages and grades. Some of the questions they could answer would be what kind of education does it take to prepare for your specific career? What is a typical day in your career like? What do you like most about your job? The least? What is the projected job market for your particular career? Businesses can give specific examples of how certain academic areas are used in that particular career (math, science, communication skills, technology, etc.) Business people can provide curriculum enhancement, as well, as they teach a concept, show an experiment, or explain a principle taught in the classroom.

Class visits to businesses gives students the opportunity to see firsthand applications to what they are learning in their classrooms. Students can get a better sense of the depth and breadth of jobs associated with individual businesses. It also gives them the chance to ask those "in the know" about a specific career.

Career Education days are an excellent way for students to gain information about a wide variety of careers. Typically, there are several "Career Fairs" held in the area throughout the year and many employers are represented. It is an information-sharing opportunity for businesses and some Career Fairs, especially at college levels, also function as a recruitment tool. Career education days at middle schools and high schools are often an excellent way for students to increase their awareness of the wide variety of careers available to them as well as gain a further understanding of the education it would take to achieve a particular career goal.

Job shadowing is a short-term career experience for students. It may be as brief as several hours. Its purpose is to expose students to a career and provide an overview of what that career entails. Job shadows are mainly observations. Internships are longer, often a semester in length, and provide in-depth experience into a particular career. Students involved in internships are a benefit to businesses, as they typically work for that particular business, learning important job skills. Internships may be paid or non-paid. Internships are utilized as an effective educational tool through the Moses Lake School District (CRT program), Columbia Basin Job Corps, and Big Bend Community College.

While student internships benefit a student one-on-one, teacher internships can impact whole classrooms. There is a need to connect what is taught in the classroom with real world applications. Teachers welcome the opportunity to explore other careers and then bring that knowledge and experience back to their students. For the teacher internships offered through the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, teachers spend three days at a business site during the summer months and their experience culminates with curriculum they produce for their classrooms. Business partners are then invited to co-teach the lesson, providing yet another link to a strong community partnership.

Monetary donations are always appreciated and all make an impact on career education. Perhaps a business could provide grant dollars for curriculum development or provide a scholarship for educators involved in teacher internships. A business could provide scholarships for students majoring in careers that would mesh with that individual business. Contact the administrative directors of the educational institution you may be interested in donating funds towards to see where the greatest need for career education dollars might be. Materials are also greatly appreciated for classroom use. One would be amazed to see how even the simplest of resources can be utilized in the classroom. Local businesses have also donated larger equipment to be used in classrooms. Most often, donations are tax deductible, as well.

Businesses provide a unique and important perspective in career education. Committee work can assure that career goals are relevant, applicable, and of high standards. Input from business is invaluable as they work together with schools to provide the best education possible for students. By providing a strong academic foundation, important employability skills and a clear direction for a future career, everyone comes out a winner!

So…what’s in it for me? By becoming involved in business/education partnerships, businesses have the opportunity to impact hundreds, if not thousands, of students’ lives. They are making a valuable contribution to our community. They are helping to shape the future workforce of America and helping give students the best possible preparation to be a productive employee. Employees in your business gain a greater appreciation for what they do and a satisfaction as they share their expertise with students. Businesses will benefit from a dynamic future quality workforce.

Who do I contact if I want to get involved in career education? (TOP)

Business leaders may contact either Karen Wagner, manager of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, at (509) 765-7888 or e-mail her at information@moses-lake.com or Bonnie Eagar, Moses Lake School District School-to-Work coordinator, at (509) 766-2666, ext. 2915. Her e-mail address is beagar@mlsd.wednet.edu.

As education expands to encompass the community, knowledge will expand as well. Be a part of a dynamic educational process!