This year’s Alliance will focus on two specific programs:  establishing new career pathways for high school students and providing teens opportunities to be contributing entrepreneurs in their own community.  New Alliance members, particularly those with strong interests in the above mentioned areas, are encouraged to attend; meetings begin at 7:30am and typically end at 8:45.

While the Amador County Unified School District does offer classes and programs in health careers, automotive repair and service, construction, agriculture, culinary arts, technology, etc., students have indicated a strong interest in fire science and law enforcement as well as others.  Three years ago the health careers program opened ‘off campus’, with a strong collaboration with Sutter-Amador Hospital.  Similar  ‘academies’ could be offered with local business/organization partnerships.  According to a recent national study (by Schneider and Houston) only 30 percent of the future workforce will require a college degree. 

Students whose strengths lie in non-academic areas need to be armed with what is needed to succeed and contribute in a changing world.  Providing training –and keeping talented students in these areas in Amador County as adults –are benefits to the community as well as the students. The entrepreneurial program would encourage students to step up, find a need and take action within their community.  While students are recognized in a number of ways for community service (the Amador County Office of Education awards block letters for service, similar to letters earned in athletics and academics), this program emphasizes leadership.  Funds would be sought to support students for their ‘beyond the classroom’ efforts to bring ‘good ideas’ to reality.

The Business-Schools Alliance was formed over three years ago and was instrumental in bringing about the health careers academy, increased culinary arts offerings and internships in print media, television and radio, agriculture, technology, automotive services and local government and justice systems.  The Alliance also worked on a national award-winning document, “Be Your BEST” – an acronym for Business-Schools Success Traits. Participants are asked to contribute $8 for the breakfast and should RSVP Teri Crain at 257-5353 by December 4.