Business and Education Partnerships

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The most important investment that business can make is in the local school district. The business education partnership is one that can shape the future of a community as well as the region. It drives the economic development of the community, and promotes healthy, stable communities and workforces. Partnerships of this type are crucial to the economic well being of communities.

To actively connect learning with the community, the Bloomington Public School District and the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce launched Prepare Bloomington in 1994. Our Business-School Partnership program is designed to provide a direct link between the work world and the classroom.

 

Mission

To enhance the quality of education in the Bloomington Public Schools and the quality of the workforce for businesses by establishing and maintaining high-caliber and creative partnerships between schools and businesses.


“In Partnership With Our Community”

The words come from the Mission statement of the Bloomington Public Schools. The phrase denotes the shared responsibility of education between Bloomington Public Schools and the Bloomington Community. From students, families, businesses, governments, organizations and clubs, we all need to work together
to help students thrive and dreams come alive.

To actively connect learning with the community, the Bloomington Public School District and the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce launched Prepare Bloomington in 1994. Our Business-School Partnership program is designed to provide a direct link between the work world and the classroom.


How Business-School Partnerships Work in Bloomington

A partnership is created when a business and a school (or grade/class within a school) mutually agree to work together on projects and activities that will enhance the quality of education for students while improving skills critical to success in the workplace. Partners work together to choose activities that meet mutual goals. Examples of activities might include working together on a service project, participating in
internships, mentoring and job shadow activities, providing volunteer tutors, sharing training sessions or making presentations at a partner’s facility.

Business-School Partnership Objectives

  • Promote cooperation, shared resources and the exchange of expertise and services between businesses and schools
  • Provide students with the opportunity to see the workplace firsthand and to relate their studies to experiences outside the school environment
  • Create awareness and understanding of the opportunities available to work
    together toward common goals
  • Encourage high self-esteem in students
  • Acknowledge and support teachers
  • Strengthen the business community’s commitment to education
  • Strengthen economic development by providing a source of talented, highly qualified employees

 

Contact Information

Debbie Belfry, Partnership Coordinator
1350 W. 106th St., Bloomington, MN 55431-4126
dbelfry@bloomington.k12.mn.us
Phone: 952-681-6437