RE: Question 3: Partnerships with business

Students (and Educators) benefit through access to Work Based learning such as internships, job shadowing, field trips, workplaces mentors and school based learning through classroom speakers, project based learning mentors etc. Also, students benefit form having curriculum and its application current to the labor market.

The challenges both business and educational institutions face in these partnerships is that they are usually not staffed nor have the expertease to develop or maintain quality partnerships.  Further, the culture and nature of educational and private sector is dramatically different.  Therefore, it is crucial to establish or utilize intermediaries such as School-to-Career Partnerships, Employer based organizations interested in Education and Workforce Development, other CBO's, or dedicated and experienced staff to act as brokers and connecters for this bridge.