Connecting Schools and Businesses in Clark County, KY
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Our community needs to increase the understanding of the value of education among our youth. One way is to show them how their academic work connects to the adult world and the world of work.
Partners In Education (PIE) seeks to increase the understanding of the value of education in our community of Clark County, KY. Our graduation rate hovers at 80 percent, while the state average is 84.5 percent (Clark County Schools District Report Card.) Twenty-five percent of our adults have not earned a high school diploma or GED compared to a 20 percent national average (US Census web site.) A mere 18.4 percent of our county holds a bachelor degree compared to 20 percent of Kentuckians and 27.4 percent national average.
Not coincidentally, Clark County’s poverty rate for children is nearly five percent above the national average. At the same time, school districts are facing budget shortfalls and the elimination of educational programs geared towards helping our most at-risk students. We believe that an educated workforce is a cornerstone of economic growth, and a pool of local, capable workers is essential for attracting new industries and technologies to the area. Local business leaders understand the need for a prepared workforce, and we have found that they are quite willing to assist with education in a myriad of creative ways. The challenge is to connect businesses to schools and experienced tutors to individual students; the challenge is to bridge the gap between available resources and educational needs.
Partners In Education was formed to bridge that gap. Since 2006, PIE has been facilitating partnerships between schools and local businesses and industries. Once matched, these companies provide schools with employees who serve as mentor-tutors and finances for educational programs that the school principals request to aid the education process in their school.
PIE also facilitates the BUG (BringUpGrades) program sponsored by the Kiwanas Club of Winchester, and PIE coordinates 105 community volunteers committed to tutoring and mentoring. A survey conducted in 2006 indicated that principals and teachers believe tutors and outside resources would be most valuable in increasing student achievement.
Our past successes uphold this understanding. In the last three years, graduation rates in Clark County have increased 12 percent. Anecdotal evidence from principals and teachers shows that student grades and behavior improve through the involvement of local professionals. We plan to replicate and build on these successes in the upcoming school year.
More About This Charity
Region
South
Category
Educational Advancement
Name
Partners in Education
Mission
The mission of Partners in Education is to enhance the quality of instructional services provided to Clark County students through the use of community volunteers and business partners.
Impact
- Tutored over 200 children in need of educational help and mentoring.
Works In
United States
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