Provided by the Bristol Township School District:
The Bristol Township School District (BTSD) recently invited local business and industry representative to familiarize themselves with the innovative and state-of-the-art initiatives and programs offered through the district.
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Late last month, the inaugural meeting of the BTSD Business and Industry Advisory Council, an idea that was inspired by the PDE Standards Aligned System (SAS) Institute Conference and Gov. Tom Wolf’s PAsmart Grant Initiative, convened. The initiative seeks to build connections between business, industry and schools and create opportunities for students to engage in real world work experiences to equip them with the knowledge to make more informed career decisions.
Coordinator Audrey Flojo Colletti said, “We are confident that by learning about the curriculum and programs offered in our schools and meeting with our immensely talented kids, Council members will be inspired and motivated to collaborate with us to enhance classroom education by offering experiences, networking, job shadowing and workshops so that students have a broader understanding of where the jobs of the future are and the skills required.”
More than 30 representatives from manufacturing, banking, communications, consulting, higher education, nonprofit, retail, government, and business attended the kick-off meeting. Visitation stations were set up in the library and manned by students who demonstrated and showcased engineering, television, marketing and business, and architecture initiatives. Council members were invited to stop by the stations and learn about the programs. One representative said, “It was inspiring to engage with students.”
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As for students, those who participated were excited about the possibility of partnering with business and industry. One student who was on board with the partnership concept said, “We need to start doing this as freshman. It will help us make better career decisions.”
Before adjourning, the group broke into small groups and brainstormed ideas for mall group discussions involving students and Council members were the final agenda item and concluded with a brainstorming session in which participants shared ideas for moving forward.
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“Those who attended the first Council meeting were enthusiastic about its future. The defining characteristic of our effort is that Council members are working directly with students, something that those in attendance said was important,” added Colletti.
Council seats are available
The District is open to expanding the Council and interested businesses should contact Audrey Flojo Colletti at Audrey.flojo@Bristoltwpsd.org. The District offers bright, talented, hardworking students. Members of the business community who are interested in being a vital, positive force in education and opening up a world of possibilities to students, should contact the District.
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The next Business and Industry Council meeting is planned for the fall of 2019 but Council members will be working on individual initiatives in the interim.
