Education

Partners in Business and Education.

Establishing the connection between learning and earning is the key to developing Schenectady County‘s future workforce.

The Business & Education Partnership offers a unique approach to bridging the gap between business and education. Established in 1990, the Partnership includes all seven county school districts, Schenectady County Community College, Schenectady Christian School, Northeast Parent and Child, businesses and community organizations.

Through a cooperative relationship, the partnership strives to identify the needs of all partners and find solutions to their mutual benefit. The process if overseen by an Operational Council made up of representatives from each of the County’s school districts, business and community leaders.

The Operational Council focuses on the following goals:

• To create a better prepared workforce in Schenectady County thus contributing to the economic development of Schenectady County.
• To help all students succeed in their academic efforts and to prepare for a meaningful and challenging career.

Three main strategies for integrating career development and workforce preparation with academic curriculum have been designed. The comprehensive plan is made up of a continuum of programs.

1. Empower – Certificate of Employability

2. Explore – CareerEXPO

3. Experience – Experiential Day

Anticipated Outcomes

• Employers will identify improved workplace skills among both their full- and part-time employees
• The county will recognize a better-prepared workforce and thus economic growth.
• Students will exhibit a better understanding of career opportunities available to them.
• Students will exhibit a greater awareness of the preparation and training required for their career interest.

If you have any ideas for ways businesses and/or community organizations and schools can work together or if you would like to know more about business-education partnerships, e-mail Leesa Pagan or call her at 518.372.5656.