1. 2011 Program Year:
   

2. •Secure & leverage resources that support the growth and success of small schools and small learning communities.
   

3. •Build the capacity of small schools and small learning communities to be ready for and to be able to sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, community-based organizations and public agencies.
   

4. •Develop and implement events where business leaders, employers, and LAUSD school teams can discuss the nature of sustainable partnerships [establishing clear roles and responsibilities, defining wants and needs of the schools; how to inventory resources; setting mutual goals; defining criteria to measure progress, etc.]
   

5. •Build capacity at C&CS Schools to publicize and promote their accomplishments.
   

6. •Develop searchable database of business-school partnerships that allows for tracking, cultivation and evaluation
   

Principal for a Day:

Hundreds of businesses and schools across Los Angeles participate in this event that matches industry leaders with school principals, administrators and lead teachers for a job shadowing event.  Principal for a Day is a great first step in building partnerships between schools and businesses with the mutual goal of creating an educated and skilled workforce.  Business executives visit their selected school for an extended morning of shadowing their school partner.  The day culminates with a luncheon including influential guest speakers and an inspiring debrief of the day’s event.  more

Executive for a Day:

Following up on the Principal for a Day relationship, business leaders are encouraged to reciprocate their shadowing experience by hosting their school partner for a visit to their business facility.  This informs educators of the rigor and demands facing our youth as they transition from classrooms to careers.  Often this experience leads to continuing collaboration between business and school that enriches the student learning environment.

Career/Industry-Themed Symposia:

UNITE-LA and the L.A. Area Chamber collaborate on hosting regular events that bring together business and education professionals to discuss and collaborate on the latest academic and industrial information in various areas of career-themed study.  For example, Pillar - the L.A. Area Chamber’s business-education partnership venture with LAUSD - hosted a highly successful Arst, Media and Entertainment Symposium at the Grammy Museum.  Business and academic leaders were introduced to this stunning new venue while collaborating on strategic development of industry specific curriculum.

The day was perfect.”

-Ana Marie Lopez

Gardena High School