Education & Business Partnership Symposium is Feb. 27

CLINTON, Iowa – The second Education & Business Partnership Symposium will be presented 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at The Eagle Point Lodge.

This symposium aims to celebrate, strengthen, and enhance local businesses and schools’ relationships and provide students with meaningful experiences in the workplace in the bi-state region. The Grow Clinton organization will host the event, according to a news release.

Admission is free. However, registration is required for food and drink. Register at https://qrco.de/GrowClintonSymposium.

There will be a dinner provided by Clinton Community College culinary students.

“This evening is free, and it allows us to invite students who have stories of growth to celebrate with their families and businesses on a successful work-based program. I oversee an amazing group of students every year who find time in their busy schedules to learn work skills,” Jen Pepper, Career Pathway and Transition Coordinator with River Bend Schools, said in the release.

The night’s agenda will consist of each school district giving an overview of their work-based learning programs. It also will feature LyondellBasell and Clinton Community College discussing a new program created to serve the workforce needs of multiple industries. There will be networking time for businesses, students, and educators to discuss three big questions on building a robust and meaningful experience.

Student opportunities vital

“I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your support regarding our Work-Based Internship (WBI) program,” Lisa Sullivan, Northeast Work Based Internship coordinator, said in a news release.

“These opportunities are vital for students as they navigate their future career goals and aspirations,” she added. “By participating in WBIs, students gain invaluable experiences that enable them to make educated decisions about their future plans. Additionally, these internships help them build lifelong connections that will benefit them well beyond their time in school” 

All businesses are invited to attend. Those hosting students, urged to come to provide feedback and celebrate their programs. For businesses who do not host students and want to, this is the perfect event to meet the educators who place students, learn from fellow businesses on best practices, and get your company involved with internships, the release said.

“This is a great team committed to furthering the job readiness and work skills of our future workforce,” said Grow Clinton Director of Workforce and Talent Attraction Stacy Borgeson.

“Seeing the list of participating businesses on both sides of the river is amazing. I look forward to hearing the testimonies of the students and what they learned from their experiences. Last year, great connections were made, and I look forward to new ones this year.” 

Contact [email protected] with any questions regarding the event or difficulties with registration.