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Synopsis Two: The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative Program Summary

1. Program/Service name. The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative 2. The Core Chamber Strength(s) addressed. Economic opportunities and workforce development programs 3. Program/Project summary. The Chamber's Franklin Initiative (FI) is a 501(c)3 program that facilitates partnerships between the

business and school communities to increase student engagement/achievement by providing real-world

learning experiences. Under FI is the Graduation Coach Initiative which provides at-risk high school

students with an in-school adult mentor/advocate who works intensively to improve students’ academic

performance and stay on-track for graduation.

Our membership/community is engaged as volunteers at:

career fairs

company tours

job shadowing

career panels

mock interviews

Reality Stores These key outcomes advance economic opportunities as they improve the students’ ability to become a contributing community member by being better prepared for future career success:

Increased graduation rates

Decreased number of high-school dropouts

Improved educational results Word Count: 123

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Synopsis Two: The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative Needs Identification

4. Needs Identification a. Identify your target audience(s) and the needs your program/service meets. Needs should be clearly identified and ties to the organizational mission should be demonstrated.

In response to major job losses in the 1990s, FI began in 1999 with the objective to foster a new generation of lifelong learners prepared to meet changing workforce needs. These needs were identified as part of the community’s economic visioning following the losses. To ensure economic opportunities and stability within the community, FI programs reach thousands of students with career learning programs that help identify career options – and how to get there. Working with organization partners like Work One, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, and area businesses, workforce needs are continually identified and pathways are created through FI programming. b. Discuss your needs identification and data collection process for your project or program.

In 2005, The Chamber forced a community discussion to address unacceptable graduation rates. Data collected through social services and the local juvenile justice system underscored the negative impact that drop-outs have on the local economy. Through that discussion and data, the Graduation Coach Initiative was created to fill the gap. Today, The Chamber’s Dropout Prevention Coalition continuously tracks graduation indicators, while the FI Advisory Council charts a course to meet identified needs with effective programs. Word Count: 174

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c. Include as exhibits your anecdotal or formal evaluation results, such as research, key facts, figures or trends about your community or target audience, situational analysis and/or copies of any survey instruments if used.

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Synopsis Two: The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative Program Objectives

5. Program Objectives a. Discuss the goals and objectives for the program, relative to your identified needs and target audiences. The Franklin Initiative falls under The Chamber‘s Talent Leadership & Community Development Division. As defined in The Chamber’s Strategic Plan (attached document), the goal of that division is to increase the availability and engagement of a talented workforce to improve the community’s economic opportunities. To further the division’s objectives and target metrics, 300+ individuals from member businesses and the community volunteer in unique roles. FI leverages the diverse talents of these individuals who then share in the success of increased graduation/education completion rates. They engage 1,200 students in Reality Stores that increase career and educational aspirations; provide career guidance through job shadowing for ~100 students; and build their employment pool through participation in the Employment Fair. These efforts dramatically impact the students’ and community’s economic future. Word Count: 124

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b. Include a copy of the strategic or project plans as supporting material.

Goal #3: Talent, Leadership and Community Development - Increase the availability and engagement of a talented

workforce.

Objective 3.1: Provide real-world learning opportunities that get young people excited about education and future careers.

Strategies People in Charge Timeline Metric Target Mkt

Execute at least four Reality Stores. Matt, Carol Throughout year

# vols, surveys Junior high students

Hold the Life Sciences Career Encounter event.

Matt, SPEA Fellow

Feb.-Apr., '12

>15 exhibitors, >220 students, surveys

High school students

Hold the Technology Careers Encounters event.

Matt, SPEA Fellow

Feb.-Apr., '12

>15 exhibitors, >220 students, surveys

High school students

Hold mock interviews. Matt, SPEA Fellow

As demanded

# Vols, surveys High school students

Conduct National Career Readiness Certificate testing.

Matt, Grad Coaches

Throughout year

>120 certificates High school seniors

Secure and train volunteers for Career Speakers Bureau.

Matt, SPEA Fellow

Throughout year

#/Variety of vols, teacher evals

Grades 6-12

Host employment fair for graduating seniors.

Matt, Grad Coaches

Apr., '12 >100 students, >20 exhibitors

High school seniors

Provide job shadowing and internship placements for students.

Matt As demanded

Placements match student interests

High school students

Assist with the Edgewood Career Fair. Matt, SPEA Fellow

Feb., '12 #/Variety of vols, teacher evals

Junior high students

Objective 3.2: Provide in-school support for students at risk of dropping out of high school.

Strategies People in Charge Timeline Metric Target Mkt

Continue implementing the Graduation Coach Initiative.

Matt, Grad Coaches

Throughout year

Student retention, grad rates

At-risk students

Utilize Check & Connect model for referred youths & focus efforts on incoming 9th graders.

Grad Coaches year round Student records Referred at-risk students

Increase the graduation rate and reduce the number of students who drop out.

Grad Coaches May, '12 DOE data High school students

Pursue additional funding to support and enhance Grad Coach Initiative.

Matt year round Stretch funding horizon to end of '11 - '12 SY

Potential funders

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Objective 3.3: Foster and engage in community partnerships aimed at increasing the number of young people who are prepared for future success.

Strategies People in Charge Timeline Metric Target Mkt

Lead the Monroe County Dropout Prevention Coalition.

Matt, steering team

Throughout year

>100 active participants

Community

Lead the Monroe County College Success Coalition.

Matt, steering team

Throughout year

>100 active participants

Community

Participate in and help lead the Monroe County Asset Building Coalition.

Matt (Chair in 2011-12)

Throughout year

Board membership Youth orgs

Participate in the Stay in School Partnership.

Matt 6 meetings/year

Attendance Service providers

Develop articles for the monthly section in BizNet devoted to FI.

Matt Ongoing - monthly

One article per month Community

Objective 3.4: Provide effective leadership recognition and development opportunities.

Strategies People in Charge Timeline Metric Target Mkt

Execute a successful Educators of the Year Awards event.

Matt Nov., '11 Attendance >250, revenue >$8k

Education community

Explore creation of WEB Steering Committee by benchmarking other Chamber's efforts and initiating best practices.

Kelley, interns Feb., '12 Best practices sent to staff; charter finalized. Marketing materials drafted

Existing members

Grow WEB awards event and turnout for three high profile WEB series.

Kelley Aug., '12 Awards attendance > 250, other events >100

Women

Continue building on our success with hYPe. Host at least 4 social and 4 professional development events.

Kelsie, hYPe Steering and Events com.

Aug., '12 Events held with positive feedback

YPs

Improve marketing and social media marketing of hYPe events.

Kelsie, Marketing Com., Kelley

Nov., '11 Attendance increase by 15%

YPs

Launch the philanthropy and college outreach committees for hYPe.

Kelsie, Philanthropy & College committees

Sept., 11 launch; June,'12

4 philanthropy initiatives; 2 college outreach

hYPe members, students

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Synopsis Two: The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative

Methodology 6. Methodology a. Discuss the methods used to reach the objectives. Please list specific actions taken. To improve economic opportunities: Partnerships FI’s success relies on partnerships with school and business leaders. We work extensively with administrators, principals, and teachers and include them on the FI Advisory Council, the Dropout Prevention Coalition steering team, and educational summits. Business leaders who also serve in these roles provide excellent feedback which is used to further objectives. Survey Targeted questions regarding education, workforce needs and areas of importance related to both are asked in the annual Legislative Survey. In addition, we strive to continually improve our programs through detailed participant surveys. All data is reviewed and incorporated into action plans. Best Practices The Reality Store is based on a national model developed by the Business and Professional Women's Clubs of Indiana, and Graduation Coaches use Check & Connect®, an acclaimed research-based mentorship model recognized by the U.S. Department of Education What Works Clearinghouse. Recognition Earnest recruitment, orientation, and recognition efforts ensure a consistent pool of qualified volunteers who are committed to FI’s mission, principles and best practices. Word Count: 163

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Post-Reality Store Student Survey

Check the box with the best answer following each of the following statements.

Your responses will help us improve this event for future students

9. What did you enjoy most about the Reality Store?

10. What suggestions do you have to improve the Reality Store?

11. What did you learn from the Reality Store?

1. What education level do you plan to attain during your lifetime?

I have no idea Associate or Technical Degree (2 years of school after high school)

I do not see myself graduating from High School

Undergraduate Degree (4 -5 years of school after high school)

High School Diploma or GED Graduate Degree (6+ years of school after high school)

Certificate/Apprenticeship Program (1 year of school after high school)

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2. I enjoyed participating in the Reality Store. □ □ □ □ □ 3. I was well-prepared for going in to the Reality Store. □ □ □ □ □ 4. I know what I want to be when I grow up. □ □ □ □ □ 5. Getting good grades is important. □ □ □ □ □ 6. You don't necessarily need a good job to have a good life. □ □ □ □ □ 7. My grades are good enough to get the lifestyle I want for myself as an adult. □ □ □ □ □ 8. When I'm an adult, as long as I have a job I will be fine money-wise. □ □ □ □ □

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b. A detailed budget should be included, indicating expenses, revenues, and in-kind contributions.

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Synopsis Two: The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative Communications

7. Communications a. Provide an outline of your chamber’s communications strategy for the program or service, including specific marketing, communications, advertising, and/or public relations vehicles (if used). b. For each description of the communications vehicle, include the communications points and/or call to action communicated as well as the target audience you intended to reach. c. Briefly describe how your chamber developed and then executed its communications strategy to inform your intended target audience(s) about your program/service. To effectively communicate FI information and to maintain top-of-mind awareness the following strategy is utilized: Print

FI section in Chamber’s monthly magazine, BizNet

Editorial columns in BizNet and/or in daily community newspaper, Herald-Times

The FI Annual Report - distributed to 1,000+ business, civic, and education leaders Electronic

Daily updates via social networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)

FI website

Submissions on Chamber blog

E-newsletters o Contact With Careers - targeted to FI volunteers/partners o Partners in Dropout Prevention - Chamber members and hundreds of school,

government, and nonprofit leaders Publicity

Press releases - sent out locally and state-wide on initiatives

Radio - Staff invited as a contributor for radio shows

Local education news articles – staff invited because of expertise and initiatives

Community presentations - local service organizations, nonprofit boards, and school boards

Press conferences - announce major funding awards/initiatives Events

Chamber’s Annual Meeting

Educators of the Year Awards Chamber staff executed the plan. Word Count: 175

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d. Appropriate supporting materials including the web page(s) describing the program, ads, brochures, guides, press releases, speeches, etc.

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Synopsis Two: The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative Evaluation

8. Evaluation a. Demonstrate the impact your program or service had on your community and/or membership. Outcomes of your program or service should be related to your stated program objectives. Partial or projected information is acceptable. In 2011, The Chamber made significant strides in reaching objectives to improve economic opportunities. Key impacts to increasing the availability and engagement of a talented workforce included:

Impacted 2,000+ students with experiences and educational support that helped prepare them for careers and workforce success

300+ Chamber members and organizations contributed 5,000+ volunteer hours of support

13 educators, organizations and programs were recognized for their contributions to further education in our community

194 out of the 219 youths served by a Graduation Coach either graduated or advanced to the next grade

Achieved a retention/completion rate of 89% - astonishing considering that students’ average GPA were below 1.500, and 25% of them were on court-ordered probation

60% of students improved their GPA

The program contributed to a 20% reduction in dropouts over the past two years

Graduation rates have increased to their highest levels ever, up more than 10% from 5 years ago to reach 86%, 90% and 91% at the three local high schools

25+ businesses participated in the Employment Fair

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b. Demonstrate the outcomes of your communications related to your program or service. Partial or projected information is acceptable. Results of our communication efforts in 2011:

25 press releases generated

160+ friends on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN

1,100+ receive the two e-newsletters

6,890+ emails opens

320 attend at Dropout Prevention events

7,100+ visitors to Franklin Initiative web pages in 2011 c. Identify appropriate supporting materials include data about increased sales, awareness, and membership; participation and satisfaction survey results; member or participant testimonials. Volunteer and participant surveys underscore members recognize the magnitude of FI’s impact and appreciate the chance to give back by lending their time and experiences as career professionals. Based on the goodwill and broad financial support FI generates, we can infer that the businesses community and community-at-large recognize the constructive contributions of The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative. Word Count: 283

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