The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative 2008 Annual Report
February 5, 2009 Dear Community Partner, On behalf of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to present this report on a very exciting and busy year for the Franklin Initiative (FI). It is our way of updating Chamber members, partners, and the community at large on the major activities and events of 2008. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we believe that better business leads to a better community. As a program of the Chamber, FI lies at the heart of this principle by improving career opportunities for youths and offering unique, meaningful volunteer activities for community members. 2008 brought tremendous growth and many positive changes. With the help of several major new sources of financial support, we were able to add talent to the FI team and offer expanded in‐school programming. At the same time, core FI programs have continued and, in many cases, have been improved upon. Thank you to all the volunteers, financial supporters, education professionals, Chamber staff, and community partners who make these accomplishments possible. Without your commitment, Franklin Initiative could not have the positive impact described on the pages to follow. If you would like to find out more about the Franklin Initiative, about FI volunteer opportunities, or other ways to support our efforts, please contact us at the Chamber at (812) 336‐6381. We would be pleased to speak with you about these important and highly effective educational initiatives. Sincerely, Jim Whitlatch, Chair Matt Wysocki, Franklin Initiative Advisory Council Director of Workforce Initiatives
Initiative are fully tax deductible and are directed solely toward the meeting the mission of the Franklin Initiative. Please contact us if you would like more information about how to support the mission of the Franklin Initiative.
Franklin Initiative Volunteers
The Franklin Initiative depends on the commitment of more than 300 volunteers. These dedicated individuals perform a variety of tasks, such as staffing tables at the Reality Store, delivering
2008 Annual Report
About the Franklin Initiative
The Franklin Initiative is a program of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber believes that Better Business Means Better Community, and the Franklin Initiative resides at the heart of this principle. The mission of the Chamber’s Franklin Initiative is to facilitate partnerships and programs between the education and business communities that increase student engagement and, therefore, student achievement by providing real world connections linked with information about future careers. The Franklin Initiative promotes workforce development by helping youths consider how their decisions today will affect them tomorrow, and by connecting them with educational and employment opportunities that will position them for success. The Franklin Initiative also provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for businesses that are committed to improving the local workforce by helping youth succeed. The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative is incorporated in the State of Indiana as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Therefore, financial contributions to the Chamber’s Franklin
career presentations as part of the Speaker’s Bureau, serving as academic and career mentors, serving as members of the Franklin Initiative Advisory Council, providing internship/ job shadowing opportunities, helping out at events, and in various other capacities. THANK YOU to all our dedicated volunteers!
Education Partners
Support from schools and school staff is critical to Franklin Initiative’s success. Thank you to all the teachers who have enthusiastically embraced Franklin Initiative’s in-school offerings, such as the Speakers Bureau, Reality Stores, internship placements, and other resources for schools. Thank you also to principals, counselors, and administrators who collaborate in so many ways with the Stay In School Counselors to reduce the high school dropout rate. Your continued support is critical to our future success.
Franklin Initiative Staff
It takes a talented and qualified team to coordinate all the different people, programs, and initiatives that are connected to the Franklin Initiative. The Franklin Initiative also benefits immeasurably from the dedication of these individuals to the mission of improving future prospects for area youth. Franklin Initiative Office Staff Matt Wysocki, Director of Workforce Initiatives mwysocki@ChamberBloomington.org
Page 1
Carol Kelly, Program Coordinator ckelly@ChamberBloomington.org Olivia Smith, SPEA Service Corps Fellow osmith@ChamberBloomington.org Franklin Initiative Stay In School Counselors Patty Goldman, Edgewood Stay In School Counselor pgoldman@ChamberBloomington.org Rebecca Rose, BHS South Stay In School Counselor rrose@ChamberBloomington.org Shaina Smith, BHS North Stay In School Counselor ssmith@ChamberBloomington.org
Franklin Initiative Advisory Council Members: BACK ROW(L‐R): Dennis Morrison, Ron Walker, Ray Stoddard, Brenda Mclane, Cindy Kinnarney; FRONT ROW(L‐R): John West, Joyce Poling, Kimberly Ripley, Carol Gardiner. NOT PICTURED: Jim Whitlatch, Leslie Green, Claire King, Mike Shipman, Danise Alano, Chris Gaal, Richard Rampley, Susan Stein
The Franklin Initiative Advisory Council
The Franklin Initiative Advisory Council is a true coalition of public, private, and education sector representatives who provide invaluable support and guidance. Private Sector Jim Whitlatch, Bunger & Robertson (chair) Leslie Green, Stone Belt Cindy Kinnarney, Regions Bank Kimberly Ripley, Bloomington Hospital Ray Stoddard, Cook, Inc. Ron Walker, BEDC John West, F.C. Tucker/Bloomington, Realtors Alisa Wright, BioConvergence Education Sector Carol Gardiner, RBBCSC Claire King, Indiana University Brenda McLane, Ivy Tech Community College Mike Shipman, MCCSC Public Sector Danise Alano, City of Bloomington Mayor's Office Chris Gaal, Monroe County Prosecutor Joyce Poling, Monroe County Commissioners Richard Rampley, Indiana DWD Susan Stein, Indiana Workforce Development Thank you to all our volunteers on the Advisory Council. Without your involvement, the Franklin Initiative would not be a success. You are truly making a difference!
Franklin Initiative Programs
Reality Stores
The Reality Store is a fun simulation that helps local 7th and 8th graders connect academic achievement with the kind of lifestyle they envision for themselves after graduation. Students are assigned salaries based on their actual GPA. Then, they proceed from table to table (staffed by Franklin Initiative volunteers) to buy housing, transportation, food, insurance, child care, etc. Leftover money can be used at the pets, electronics, and vacations tables. During the 2007-2008 school year, Reality Stores were organized at all four local middle schools: Batchelor, Edgewood, Jackson Creek, and Tri-North, reaching a total of 1,000 seventh and eighth graders. In follow-up surveys, students consistently report having a greater appreciation of the importance of grades and education, as well as of the many challenges, complexities, and opportunities they will face as adults.
Page 2
In 2008, a total of over 50 volunteers participated in classroom presentations and career day events in area schools, for a total of 60 presentations to about 500 students. 16 volunteers participated in ‘mock interviews’ at North High School, allowing students to practice their interviewing skills and review their resume with an actual professional.
“What if I just eat macaroni and cheese every day?” Tri‐North 8 graders decide how much they can afford for food this month at the groceries table at the Reality Store.
th
250 students at Edgewood Junior High heard multiple career presentations by professionals including such diverse fields as law enforcement, aviation, respiratory therapy, law, human resources, property management, and many others.
The Franklin Initiative would like to thank all of the more than 150 volunteers who donate their time and enthusiasm to make Reality Stores so successful. Special thanks also to the many local businesses who encourage their employees to participate during the work day.
12 volunteers representing various careers in the life sciences each made a presentation to science classes at Bloomington High School North to help students connect their education with the many career possibilities in science after high school.
Speakers Bureau
A wide variety of local professionals volunteer their time to speak to junior high and high school students during career days in the local schools as part of the Franklin Initiative Speakers Bureau. By doing so, they give students a glimpse of what it’s like to be a working adult, and help students connect their education to possible future careers.
During the Fall 2008 semester, four volunteers made career presentations to classes at Bloomington High School South.
High School Employment Fair
On May 6 the Franklin Initiative held the area’s first employment fair exclusively for graduating high school seniors who are not planning to attend college. 20 local employers from a range of industries were present to provide information about full-time job opportunities to more than 70 students looking for full-time work after graduation. Students came prepared with copies of their resume and a universal application form to give to employers. In the months leading up to the event, students were prepared by Franklin Initiative’s Stay In School Counselors on such skills as filling out job applications, preparing for an interview, and getting the
Edgewood middle school students listen to a panel presentation about career opportunities in the life sciences.
Page 3
most out of a job fair. Many students achieved WorkKeys Gold or Silver certification during the school year, giving them an extra edge in their job search.
Early College students are first-generation, low income, or minority ninth graders who have a desire to go to college and may be eligible for Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program. They are challenged with rigorous courses with additional support and will take some college classes while completing their high school requirements. Students participate in special tutoring and study groups and will regularly attend activities at Ivy Tech and IU. Early College students meet with their adult mentors the first Friday of the month over lunch to talk about their career and college plans.
The Stay In School Partnership
Numerous students reported finding jobs as a result of the event. Thanks to all the local employers who took a chance on this first-ever event and provided this valuable experience for area graduates. Special thanks to the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County for their generous financial support for the 2008 Employment Fair. The purpose of the Franklin Initiative Stay In School Partnership (SISP) between the schools and the business community is to increase the graduation rate among students who are identified as being at risk of not graduating. Franklin Initiative Stay In School Counselors (SISCs) are trained professionals who meet one-on-one with referred students to identify barriers to graduation, and then help them overcome those barriers. Such assistance takes many forms, including regular meetings, academic advice, alternative programs, home visits, in-school In Summer 2008, Franklin Initiative partnered with MCCSC schools to recruit and train 50 mentors as part of the MCCSC Early College Program at BHS North and South. advocacy, and referrals to other service providers when necessary. Each SISC has a caseload of 40-50 students, all of whom are referred due to low GPA or credit attainment, serious attendance problems, and/or recurrent behavioral issues. In July, the US Department of Education awarded a grant of over $1 million to the Monroe County Community School Corporation to address youth alcohol use. One facet of this project is the introduction of the Reconnecting YouthTM curriculum in the high schools. Reconnecting Youth is an evidencebased curriculum, a unique one
Deb Meader from Big Brothers & Big sisters of South Central Indiana assists in an orientation for Early College Mentors.
Early College Mentors
Page 4
semester class that teaches troubled youths how to manage emotions, control or eliminate substance abuse, develop selfesteem, and improve interpersonal skills. The DOE grant provides funding for the Franklin Initiative’s SISCs to continue working with at-risk high school students and to provide follow-up support both during and after the Reconnecting Youth semester.
The Chamber would also like to recognize a grant from the US Department of Labor in the amount of $75,000 over 2 years, which expired in June, as well as a 2 year grant of $85,380 from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs which supported the Edgewood Stay In School Counselor through 2007, 2008 and into spring 2009.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Students reflect on their experience with the Franklin Initiative Stay In School Partnership: “[The Stay In School Counselor] helped me see that I had lots of alternatives to dropping out, and that if I can just get through the next couple of years I have a very bright future. By visiting with her regularly I got the encouragement and information I needed to see my potential and get back on track.” ‐D.A., BHS South junior “Thanks to the Stay In School Counselor, I received my diploma . . . . for anyone who thinks they can’t graduate, I’m proof that you can, and there are lots of people who are there to help.” ‐ S.P., 2008 Edgewood HS graduate
WorkKeys® Training and Testing
Stay In School Counselors also offer WorkKeys® testing, as well as preparation for the test using
AT&T Indiana President George Fleetwood (center) delivers a check for $200,000 to Franklin Initiative Advisory Council Chair Jim Whitlatch and Chamber Board Chair Doug Bruce.
KeyTrain®. Developed by the ACT Corporation, WorkKeys® is a standardized assessment of proficiency in three areas: reading for information, locating information, and applied mathematics. Students who do not plan to pursue a college degree after graduation are encouraged to prepare for and take the test. Achieving WorkKeys® silver or gold certification gives students an edge when they begin looking for a full time job, and helps them stand out at the Franklin Initiative Employment Fair at the end of their senior year.
2008 was a momentous year for the Stay In School Partnership. On November 7, AT&T announced a four-year, $200,000 award to the Franklin Initiative to support the SISP. Through this generous support, the Franklin Initiative was able to expand the SISP to include a dedicated SISC at each large high school in Monroe County (BHS North, BHS South, and Edgewood). Additional major funding for the Stay In School Partnership in 2008 came from the following sources: City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor: $15,000 Monroe County Community School Corporation: $13,000 Richland Bean Blossom Community School Corporation: $5,000
Page 5
A number of local employers actually require WorkKeys® certification. WorkKeys® and KeyTrain® are made available to the Franklin Initiative at no cost through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Bloomington WorkOne office.
Elena Veach, English Teacher at South High School Greg Marchant, MCCSC Director of Social Work Jean Schick, Science Teacher at North High School Karen Nasstrom, RBBCSC Forest Hills Marcus Debro, North High School Melissa Pogue, Director, The Edge Alternative High School
8th Annual Educator of the Year Awards
Each year the Chamber’s Franklin Initiative recognizes excellence in teaching and educational programs for outstanding contributions to education. This event, held at the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center on November 12, was a shining success, with more than 240 attendees. In addition to nine Outstanding Educator Awards, Franklin Initiative awarded Leading Light Awards to four programs for providing outstanding service and dedication with innovative or exemplary programs that enhance our education community. Lifetime Achievement Award Sue Talbot received this distinction in recognition of her outstanding dedication and commitment to the field of education throughout her career. Leading Light Awards. For outstanding service and dedication with innovative or exemplary programs that enhance our education community: Monroe County CAPE Program Teacher's Warehouse Project Lead the Way Youth Outreach Outstanding Educator Awards. For outstanding service and dedication to the field of education, fellow educators, and Monroe County youth: Bevo Muehling, 1st Grade Teacher at Lakeview Elementary Brittany Klein, Special Education Teacher at North High School Catharine Rademacher, Theater Director at South High School Table Sponsors AT&T BEDC Bloomington Hospital Bunger & Robertson F.C. Tucker/OBR Realtors Garden Villa IU Credit Union IU School of Education Ivy Tech - Bloomington Monroe Bank Regions Bank Rogers Group SIHO Technology Service Corp Educator of the Year Awards Sponsors. We also thank the generous contributions from our sponsors, without whom the event could not be as grand or successful year after year. Event Sponsors
Page 6
Carol Maloney’s Legacy
Carol officially retired from the Franklin Initiative in Spring 2008, but her positive impact on Bloomington and Monroe County will continue for many years to come. Carol guided Franklin Initiative through times of uncertainty while capitalizing on opportunities. She will be remembered for fostering positive relationships between the education and business communities, cementing community support for Franklin Initiative’s core activities, and for securing the financial resources necessary for success. Carol’s greatest contributions, however, came by way of the Nurturing Each To Success (NETS) process, which she initiated in response to sharp increases in the MCCSC dropout rate. A community-wide process involving more than 60 participants on eight ‘solution teams,’ the purpose of NETS was to identify students at risk of failure and develop specific interventions to reduce the dropout rate.
The Stay In School Partnership grew from the NETS process, and Carol was able to secure funding to establish Stay In School Counselors at high schools in both districts. Today, because of her vision and dedication, the Stay In School Partnership is helping high school students throughout the county to obtain their degree and prepare for life after graduation. Carol’s impact will perhaps not be fully appreciated for decades, as the students she impacted grow up to realize their potential and achieve their personal aspirations.
Looking Ahead to 2009…
In 2009 the Franklin Initiative will benefit from continued strong partnerships with the education community and continue to build on the successful programs already well-established. Reality Stores in all four public middle schools are already underway. This year will bring increases to the number and variety of Speakers Bureau career presentations, including at least three career days in three different schools and expanded use of Franklin Initiative volunteers as guest speakers in classrooms. On the dropout prevention front, the coming year will bring full implementation of the Stay In School Partnership in all three large high schools in Monroe County. As the number of students enrolled in Reconnecting Youth continues to grow, Franklin Initiative will provide expanded career education offerings tailored to the at risk population. The Employment Fair for Graduating Seniors is planned for late Spring 2009. The Franklin Initiative will also begin to
Carol Maloney (left) accepts a special recognition from Monroe County Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Tim Hyland (right) and Richland‐Bean Blossom Community School Corporation Superintendant th Steve Kain (center) at the 8 Annual Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony on November 12, 2008.
seriously explore ways to provide mentorship opportunities for
Page 7
students, particularly for those on the Stay In School Partnership caseload. Other initiatives will include the following: Assisting existing efforts to increase access to continuing education, as well as financial aid, for lower income students about to graduate from high school, Convening a summit for agencies and individuals who work with high school students at risk of dropping out to promote collaboration and awareness Strengthened efforts to keep at-risk students engaged in their education and their future during the summer months. Continuing to provide high quality resources and support for teachers and schools that are striving to include community involvement in education. Finally, we look forward to again recognizing the best of the best educators and programs at the 9th Annual Educator of the Year Awards, to be held in November 2009. In conclusion, thank you again to all the staff, volunteers, sponsors, financial supporters, and community partners who come together through the Franklin Initiative to ensure a brighter future for the next generation.
For more information about the Chamber’s Franklin Initiative, please contact Matt Wysocki, the Chamber’s Director of Workforce Initiatives, at mwysocki@ChamberBloomington.org or by calling the Chamber at (812) 336-6381
Page 8