School and Business Alliance
The School & Business Alliance is a partnership of educators, employers, parents, youth, labor unions, government and human service providers collaborating to prepare a 21st century workforce.
Partnership Update (.pdf) | Best Practices | Y2Kids New!
About Our Partnership
Originally funded under the now defunct School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994, our local alliance has necessarily contracted to leverage limited funds and continue where possible, to facilitate world of work awareness, career exploration pathways, labor market trends and requirements for our component districts and employer partners. We work in close collaboration with the Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) where a natural partnership and synergy already exists between CTE programming and local business and industry partners.
Currently the School & Business Alliance at Orange-Ulster BOCES is available as a cooperative service for school districts who would like to tap into our regional network of resources, promising practices and technical assistance aimed at improving, refining and/or expanding business partnerships for career development and exploration activities. The Alliance offers assistance in areas where no district staff time can be dedicated and increases career options and exposure for students. Research shows that even one meaningful career exploration experience can positively impact a student’s future success over their peers who haven’t had any such experiences. We have both local and regional experience in assisting school districts implement programs and strategies that expose both students and educators to exciting career paths, new technologies and workplace requirements. We work on the priorities and projects you identify—from high school internships to middle school career days to school-based businesses at the elementary level. The Alliance works to insure that the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) standards are integrated with traditional academics—it puts a fourth “R” in the mix for student learning—RELEVANCE! For further information, check the Orange-Ulster BOCES Cooperative Services Guide or contact Alanna Smith at 291-0318 or email asmith@ouboces.org
Links to Websites for Career Exploration and Employment Readiness Resources