|
|
|
|
|
IU and Ivy Tech continue their support of effort which helps students prepare for successful careers
April 20, 2000
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University and Ivy Tech State College today (April 20) announced their continued joint support of the Franklin Initiative, a public-private partnership designed to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in employment or in continuing education.
Myles Brand, IU president, and Willie J. Kimmons, chancellor of Ivy Tech State College's Bloomington campus, each presented a $1,000 check on behalf of their institutions to Tim and Cathy Lybrook of Teletron Inc., Franklin Initiative's co-chairs this year.
The Franklin Initiative is a school-and-business partnership designed to promote career awareness and help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in employment or in continuing education. Monroe County educators and businesses have joined together in this partnership to increase academic achievement for all students and better prepare those students entering the world of work after high school.
The initiative works with schools to offer both school-based and work-based learning about careers and work skills. The emphasis is on business people and other professionals from the community going into the schools for a number of different activities including mentoring, making presentations, presenting the Junior Achievement curriculum in the middle schools, and team teaching and curriculum development with educators.
Work-based learning opportunities include job shadowing, tours of local business and government establishments, youth apprenticeships, internships, and summer internships for educators in the business community.
The Franklin Initiative has a database of over 400 local businesses and professional people who have offered to volunteer their services in a number of ways. In addition, the local community is providing financial support for the initiative to continue its work in the community.
The Lybrooks have contributed their support this year and provided leadership for the teams of volunteers implementing the programs in the initiative. In addition, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and the Bloomington Economic Development Corp. have provided significant support for the initiative.
For specific information about the current program needs of the Franklin Initiative, contact Diane Gregory through the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce at 812-336-6381.
(George Vlahakis (IU), 812-855-0846, gvlahaki@indiana.edugvlahaki@indiana.edu or Ann Viel (Ivy Tech), 812-332-1559 ex. 4485, aviel@ivy.tec.in.us)