| Follow-up We all want to know how and what our students do when they complete the training. Where are they working? Who has gone to college? What can they tell us about the value of what they learned? To keep students communicating, it's got to be creative, simple and beneficial. In these communities, addresses change, telephone numbers are disconnected and people disappear. Once they leave training, communicating back is voluntary. After discussions with students, here are some techniques used by Networking Academies. Networking Academies within some organizations are required to follow the student for 30 days, 90 days or up to one year. They have structured follow-up procedures. Cisco has launched an Alumni  site that will provide employment information and benefits to graduates of the Networking Academy program
"We track the students quarterly by phone, in person, or with the employer for one year."
Greg Murray Communities in Schools Detroit, MI
Instructors The student is most likely to contact the instructor after the training. Any formal follow-up strategy must include instructor input and participation. However, keep in mind that the instructor's focus is still in the classroom.
E-GroupsIn their new careers, former students will most likely communicate through email and have access to computers and the Internet. A mail group or listserv is most effective when communication starts during the program and continues after training. Someone in the organization has to be responsible for maintenance."I set up an e-group. Whenever I find something that might be of interest to them, I put it up on the e-group."
Adam Toback, Instructor Phoenix Job Corps Phoenix, AZ "We set up a listserv. The students, faculty and administrators communicate during and after training. The former students network for jobs and discuss current job issues. They also act as mentors to the current class. The teacher moderates and maintains the listserv. There is an unspoken code of how and what to say. And the students have been good at enforcing it with each other. We plan to eventually work industry networkers on to the listserv to help mentor and coach." Acte Maldonado, Dean Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY
Professional Development DiscountsTechnical careers require constant skills updates, and this is important for graduates. Working out discounts at your organization or at local organizations is a good way to keep former students in the loop."We arranged for prior graduates to come back and train for free. The community college holds 25% of the seats in adult training for our prior graduates."
Carlos Colom Alameda County Office of Education Hayward, CA "We've offered available seats to graduates in our Learning for a Lifetime Program. These seats are provided at a discount for technology classes that are equipment dependant or they can be free in classes like Business Writing, Financial Planning, or college prep classes." Acte Maldonado, Dean Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY
Students Giving BackGraduates of the program may want to give back to the community. They often feel more comfortable working in the community. Working with former students to train and recruit new students both increases follow up and maximizes resources."Two of our graduates have come back and said they'd like to teach in the community part-time. We're planning to train them and have them assist the instructor until we feel they are ready for their own class. We might have them share a class so that they don't have to worry about their current jobs. In the meantime, they live in the community and do a much better job of locating people who won't answer our calls or have moved." Acte Maldonado, Dean Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY |
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