| Networking Academy Advocates Networking Academies can draw on the community for support and success. As you begin planning, involve people and organizations that can support and sustain you. Getting their input now means support and good ideas later. You can make the Networking Academy's success their success. Consider: Internal SupportSuccessful implementation is easier when senior-level management support the initial stages. Even if the idea to become a Networking Academy didn't come from the top, try to get their involvement as soon as possible. Cisco's Press Kit has materials and success stories that illustrate the benefits of the Networking Academy program to share with your organization's leaders.The Networking Academy's success can benefit the whole organization. By sharing plans and ideas with other staff members, you build resources in the event that plans go astray. You offer them a credible, proven training program for their clients, and they provide you with staff and support to help those clients succeed.
Service ProvidersServing at-risk populations requires a network of service providers to improve success rates. Networking Academies can focus on education when they have other partners for referrals and support"Our expertise is education. We have neither resources nor expertise in housing, childcare, medical or legal issues. We identify organizations who do have that expertise and develop working relationships."
Acte Maldonado, Dean Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY "If a student has a need outside of the curriculum we have partners that we refer them to who will provide them services free of charge. For example, if they need legal services for driver's licenses, employment clearances or police clearances, we send them to Legal Aid and Defenders Association. They're part of Legal Aid which is funded by Legal Services Corporation. Greg Murray Communities in Schools Detroit, MI
Strategic PartnersStrategic partners with a shared purpose or a common goal for clients strengthen the community of the Networking Academy program. Partners with a good reputation offer credibility and advice for funding, recruiting, and other types of support. If your program or organization does not have funding for service providers, consider forming strategic partnerships with public and private organizations that can provide the service with their own funding. Strategic partnerships with employers and employer organizations can assist Networking Academies with workforce development and employment.See work-based learning and job placement activities. "The Corporate Partnership Council of 20 corporations that help support the program meets every two months and helps provide insight and resources that we need to sustain our local Networking Academies. These partners know that the training and certification the kids get is valid. They provide internships and get first crack at permanent job placement. They benefit by having access to a pool of qualified employees."
When selecting partners, look for organizations with a commitment to the success of the program. By setting a mission, goals, and objectives for the partnership, the organizations share an agenda and won't pursue activities that distract from the program's focus.Greg Murray Communities in Schools Detroit, MI Under the new Workforce Investment Act, Workforce Investment Boards have been established with representatives from education, human services and the employer community. The National Association of Workforce Boards can help identify a local WIB and their five-year plan. |
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