The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber Of Commerce has had a solid growth spurt in the last two-plus years. This has solidified our membership, given us more opportunity to work in the Lakes Region community and brought to us more help at events and other Chamber efforts. This strengthening of the Chamber is not a cause to relax but to push on to more challenging work.

I would like to share a bit today about one of our important new initiatives. This is our interest in creating a connection between local business and the schools of the Lakes Region.

It is hard to argue against the fact that higher education is an indicator of future success. In researching this topic I learned that in 1980, workers with an advanced degree earned 50 percent more than individuals with only a high school degree. A recent study conducted by Merrill Lynch shows that now the gap is 111 percent. In my own life I have seen many examples where you need a college or graduate degree to succeed in your field. Education is a key to being able to manage your career and life. This understanding alone is enough to support the discussion of business, schools and yes, communities becoming more collaborative in preparing our students for their adult career.

In 1995, The National Education Goals Panel announced eight goals that would serve to guide education practices into the next century. The goals included important concepts such as the need for children to be ready to learn when they begin school; the need to expect a 90 percent High School graduation rate; the need to expect American students to be first in the world in both math and science; and the need to value the impact of collaboration in the teaching and preparing of our youth. The importance of collaboration between business and schools was sited often in the report. In fact, the goal concerning all Americans being literate, possessing the skills to compete in a global economy and being able to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship specifically challenged all United States corporations to be involved in local education.

Why would business/community members want to be involved in the education of students? Consider these thoughts: increased cooperation among business-community-schools; improved business image in the community (visibility & recognition); a stronger public school system; increased civic awareness and cooperation; more efficient use of community resources; rewarding and satisfying experiences; better prepared work force; providing business staff development opportunities (mock interviews with students) where the employee also grows; networking; creating linkages to potential future customers and employees; and greater understanding/appreciation of the school system.

Okay, why then would the schools want business/community involvement? Perhaps increased cooperation among business-community-schools; enriched curriculum; opportunity to mentor with successful role models; increased career awareness; demonstration that the school is valued in the community thus enhancing and promoting in students the concept of life-long learners; broadening the learning community for students and teachers; increased student motivation to attend school and graduate; and greater understanding/appreciation of the business/community.

If we can agree on the value of business, community and schools collaborating, then it leads us to next steps. How do we create a process to move forward? Business/Community/School partnerships exist throughout the country and world. In some cases, they evolved from the business sector, and, in others, it appears that the educators reached out. A common plan from these entities appears to include four steps. They are: 1) Conduct an audit of school needs; 2) collect and evaluate information on local business needs; 3) Develop clear guidelines for the collaboration; and 4) Develop a plan to implement and evaluate the chosen work.

Who could become involved in the partnership? The Lakes Region has multiple school systems, private schools, special schools and non-profit organizations that offer educational services. We might see teachers, students, classes or entire schools involved. Local businesses of all sizes, local government, service and non-profit organizations, local churches and even individuals might choose to interact.

What might we do once together? Create a speaker’s bureau to visit classrooms, host tours of the workplace, and create job shadow/internship/career day events. We also might bring business leaders into the classroom, provide tutors, mentors and program sponsors. Facilities in both worlds could be shared for meetings and other usage. Excess materials might be donated, collaboration on community projects could result or the individuals involved could simply talk. Through this process, each world would get to know the other.

I believe in life-long learning. This concept was not always important to me. Likely, this core value stems from being married to an educator, Raymond School Board membership and many opportunities to volunteer in the classroom and sports fields. I have seen the value these collaborative learning experiences have added to both my children’s education and now to their potential as they look to the day college ends. These experiences have positively affected my life’s path. The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber Of Commerce also has recognized the value of bringing our community (business, education and others) to the table to begin formalizing this important work. If you would like to know more about this project or to get involved, contact us at 647-3472.