Chapter 9: Strategies for Chapter 9: Strategies for Creating Successful Creating Successful Corporate Partnerships - Corporate Partnerships - John RichardsJohn Richards

found inTechnology in its Place: Successful Technology Infusion in Schools edited by John F. LeBaron and Catherine Collier

Wayne KneppITEC 545

University of Mary Washington

Goals of Schools and Goals of Schools and BusinessesBusinessesThe main goal of school is to

prepare students for their life (give them job skills, the ability to use their minds, and make them into model citizens.

The main goal of business is to make money.

While these two goals are highly different, they are not mutually exclusive.

Reason for school/business Reason for school/business partnershipspartnershipsBusinesses may make

partnerships to build brand, become good corporate citizens, or sell product.◦The first two reasons are considered

acceptable according to guidelines from the National Education Association and Consumers Union while the third reason is not.

What is business?What is business?Business is not a single entity

with only one motivation◦Businesses with products marketed

for education◦Businesses which conduct research◦Businesses with financial interest in

education market◦Businesses with pro-social

motivation◦Businesses which market products

toward students

Foundation for PartnershipFoundation for PartnershipSchools prepare students for the

workplace.Businesses need workers who are

proficient in basic skills, critical thinking, and problem solving.

While this makes it seem that a partnership between the two entities would be perfect, a number of problems can arise.

Possible difficultiesPossible difficultiesStudents may be exploited by

businesses (products allowed in school receive implied endorsement) and negatively impacted by commercialism and marketing

Differing concepts of time (schools generally plan on long-term implementation while businesses try for quick implementation

Possible difficulties cont.Possible difficulties cont.Lack of school buy-in. Any type of

business partnership needs complete endorsement from all levels of school administration.

Mutual need. Any program started needs to meet the needs of the school.

Businesses may not have a good understanding of the education profession.

Educational institutions may not understand the goals and needs of businesses.

Build on strengthsBuild on strengthsIn order to make a partnership

work, it must work toward the strengths of educational institutions and the businesses.◦Example: Students seeking “real-

world” applications in school. By their nature, businesses produce a number of materials or situations that can be used in project based learning and show the relevance of educational experiences.

Partnerships should…Partnerships should…Have real educational valueReinforce school curriculaAdvance educational goalsAllow participation decisions to

be at the school levelBe open to students who choose

to participate

Partnerships should not…Partnerships should not…Offer trips, gifts, or prizes for

promoting products in the classroom

Discriminate against groups of students

Impede instruction timeRequire the purchase of a productRequire promotion of a

commercial product

VideosVideosDiploma – This video highlights

one program that helps link business and education

The Spotlight: Hy-Vee Wright Business Partnership – This segment from Channel 12 News demonstrates a successful business partnership in a Des Moines elementary school