In today’s educational landscape, there is an ever-increasing need for every business to partner with local schools.
Matters such as society ills, federal and state budget deficits and lack of real-world relevance create endless opportunities for businesses to support local schools’ efforts to educate the future workforce.
Improved community image, presence
One of the growing corporate buzz phrases is: Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR. CSR is a company’s sense of responsibility toward the community and environment, both ecological and social.
Harvard Business School research found that companies with more corporate social responsibility practices outperform their counterparts over the long-term in terms of stock market and accounting performance.
When companies decide to use their CSR platforms to partner with schools, an increased presence of their company is created among students, parents, school staff and the community. This creates a lasting positive image that, in turn, increases a company’s profits and competitive advantage.
Create a prepared workforce
All students should graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life.
Students tend to be highly receptive to receiving career education from people working in their fields. This can be done through businesses’ participation in school career days, field trips to business sites, shadowing and serving on school advisory boards.
When students are afforded the opportunity to work in the fields of their choice, they are better prepared for their post-secondary experience. Businesses can assist by providing internships for students and hire students as assistants and apprentices.
Community growth
When students achieve their goals in education, everyone benefits. There is evidence that links business involvement with fewer dropout rates. And when students see the relevance for pursuing a career in a specific industry, they are motivated not only to stay in school but to do their best.
Businesses should be vested in education because of their need for a strong pool of local workers and consumers who can afford their products. There is a wealth of opportunities available for businesses to partner with their local schools. School and business partnerships create a win-win situation for schools, businesses and more importantly students.
For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit prescott.org or call us at 928-445-2000 or 1-800-266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 117 W. Goodwin St.
