OUR GOALS

The goal of the Harnett County Business Education Partnership is to have every student making responsible career choices and managing the challenges of a rapidly changing workplace.

This web site is provided to help you understand the new state requirements, including the programs of study which affect the Graduating Class of 2004 and beyond. This web site lists the current graduation requirements, and describes and outlines the 10 career pathways currently offered in Harnett County Schools. As you read through, remember:

• Students are encouraged to personalize their plans to get the most from their high school years;
• Students with disabilities having an IEP should work closely with the Exceptional Children's staff to design their four year plan;
• Individual conferences with your counselor, career development coordinator or the admissions office at the college, university, or technical school you plan to attend can provide you with additional advice/suggestions for specific course selections;
• Handbooks for course registration list detailed descriptions of the course offerings at each high school.

THE PARTNERSHIP

What is the partnership?

The Harnett County Business/Education Partnership is on a mission to assist all Harnett County students to better prepare for their future. The partnership is made up of business leaders, educators and parents who care about the individual success of every student. We are investigating and implementing ways to expose students to the many career opportunities available to them and the means to reach their own personal goals.

What are we doing?

Some of the accomplishments and goals of the Partnership are:

• Presentation of the workforce development curriculum to high school Juniors by Harnett County business leaders.
• Shadow program to allow high school seniors the opportunity to spend a day or 1/2 day with a business or professional in an occupation the student is interested in for their future.
• Assisted with the career fair at Harnett County High Schools.
• Working with Guidance Counselors in automating career development plans.
• Co-sponsored Career Fair for High School Students to expose students to various careers so they can make a better-informed decision about their school courses.
• Allocated more than $50,000 worth of resources to be used in all levels of education. Example:
  • Accelerated Reading Books for Elementary School
  • Elementary School - Career Awareness
  • Middle School - Career Exploration
  • High school - Career Preparation
• Business Tours, Presentations and Internships for School Teachers/Staff.
• Facilitation of Training for Teachers to integrate Career Planning into the School Curriculum.
• Provide scholarships to deserving students.

Benefits of the partnership

• Generates a workforce that is literate, skilled and prepared for further education and training.
• Reduces costs for training, remediation, accidents and workplace errors.
• Improves productivity, work habits, attitudes and motivation.
• Reduces need for supervision and facility relocation
• Builds a better business climate in the community with and increased and more diverse supply of qualified workers, better labor market information, and improved community relationships for the company and its staff.

What can you do to help?

• Provide staff members to present the Workforce Development Curriculum to High School Juniors at 1 or more of Harnett County's four high schools.
• Provide shadow opportunities for high school seniors to spend 1/2 to 1 day learning about the career/job they are considering for the future.
• Open your workplace for special tours or summer internships for educators. This emphasis will give educators a better understanding of what students need to learn to be prepared for the workplace.
• Volunteer to serve as a future board member of the Harnett County Business/Education Partnership.
• Encourage employees to get involved in school activities and provide opportunities for employees to mentor/tutor students in elementary schools.
• Participate in middle and high school career fairs to share your career with the students.
• Be a Financial Contributor.