Partners in Education pairs schools, companies

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Initiated in the mid-1980s the Partners in Education program has grown to include 150 local businesses interacting with the 55 schools of the Springfield R-XII District. Today, more than 270 partnerships exist between the schools and businesses, according to information from the Springfield Public Schools' community development office.

The director of the program, Nancy Graff, retired in June of this year after heading the program for the past 10 years. Marie Hunt, of the community development office, said while the program continues, and the cooperation and teamwork between businesses and school officials is intact, the department is looking for a new director to spearhead the program.

In the meantime, work has already begun to organize "Students Go to Work," which takes place in February. This segment of the partnership program matches third-grade classes with mentor companies who invite the kids to get an up-close look at what goes on daily in the workplace.

The chance to get out of the classroom and experience the work environment has many advantages for the students, according to Sonja Chasteen, business assistance manager at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

"It's an opportunity for students to have a participatory glimpse of how they may fit into the work force when they are older," she said.

Through Students Go To Work, students learn about the businesses they visit what they produce or what services they offer, and how individual positions in the company affect the whole.

"The students are eager to learn, and they participate in hands-on activities," according to Tom Langston, vice president of warehouse operations at Springfield Underground.

Langston and John Griesemer, vice president of operations, go to classrooms prior to the students' visit, show the children a video and describe the company's operations.

It was about 15 years ago that the chamber and Springfield Public Schools formed the Partners in Education alliance. The coordinators identified goals and formed partnerships with local companies and institutions. Many of the charter member companies in the alliance continue to be active in the program.

Businesses are asked for a $100 voluntary donation to the program each year, but participation does not stop there. Most of the partner businesses help with various projects on several levels.

McDonald's, for example, treats students at York Elementary to a free Happy Meal for perfect attendance. Mercantile Bank sends representatives to Sequiota Elementary to discuss topics related to money. The Lion's Club periodically rewards selected students for special achievements with lunch and certificates of accomplishment.

The program is a two-way street to bring businesses and the school system together for a common goal, according to Jack Stack, president and chief executive officer of Springfield Remanufacturing Corp.

"The kids get something first hand about business out of it," he said, "And it gives the employee involved satisfaction and a feeling that his or her job is important."

Hunt said although the programs are different in every school and with each business involved, the overall goals are the same.

"Kids are learning about life and responsibility," she said.

The information programs help prepare them to be responsible citizens of the community. The incentive programs encourage them to strive to do their best, she added.

Southwest Missouri State University gives youngsters a half day on campus for perfect attendance. NationsBank (now Bank of America) has awarded NationsBucks to students at Campbell Elementary for good attendance, good grades and good citizenship. Twice a year a "store" is set up on campus, where kids can spend their bucks.

At the high-school level, City Utilities of Springfield has linked with Central High to form Central Advantage. CU provides a program for all freshmen and hosts graduation ceremonies featuring nationally recognized speakers.

First USA has teamed up with Springfield Remanufacturing and Bass Pro Shops to help Glendale students prepare for the future. One enhanced-level high school activity is for students to go through the application in interview process to see what it is like to apply for a job.

Another program that allows high school students to stretch their imaginations is the Smart program, initiated to stress goal setting. This program, sponsored by the city of Springfield and Associated Electric Cooperative Inc., started at Parkview High two years ago.

The city of Springfield's Solid Waste Management Division works with Sunshine Elementary students to raise environmental awareness.

"What the kids get out of the program is real-world experience," said George Freeman, public information officer for the schools.

The students get a wake-up call that spurs them into something positive, Freeman added. The exposure to the possibilities stimulates and challenges them, providing them a variety of ways to learn that are not confined to the classroom.