Powerful Partnerships: The Cornerstone of Transformation in Louisville
"This is a 'we' thing... not a 'they' thing," said Michael Gritton, Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks, during a panel discussion at the recent Louisville in Action. This Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) Leadership Lab brought together educators and industry leaders from across the nation to witness firsthand how this collaborative spirit is revolutionizing secondary education in Jefferson County Public Schools.
The Leadership Lab was an immersive, two-day experience designed to showcase how strategic partnerships between schools, businesses, and the community can transform the way students learn and prepare for the future. The two days offered a deep dive into a model where the lines between education and industry blur, and where everyone is working together towards a common goal: student success.
The Blueprint for Powerful Partnerships: Insights from the Panel
Participants at the Leadership Lab delved into the "Blueprint for Powerful Partnerships," a framework outlining the core elements for building effective collaborations between schools and businesses. This Blueprint, refined through years of real-world implementation and invaluable feedback from communities like Louisville, has become a cornerstone of the Academies model.
A dynamic panel discussion, "Examining an Exemplar," offered insights from key stakeholders in Louisville's partnership ecosystem. Regina Phillips moderated a discussion with Kristin Wingfeld, Tony Georges, Michael Gritton, Fatima Thompson, and Mary Beth Smith. The panel explored the key ingredients that make the Academies model work, including clear expectations, champions at all levels, consistency in implementation, and an unwavering sense of curiosity. They noted that effective partnerships must be strategic, sustainable, and mutually beneficial, moving beyond transactional relationships to become truly transformative.
“We got involved for workforce, but stayed involved because it changes lives.”
The "Why" of Partnerships: Transforming Lives and Futures
Tony Georges, who helped foster the relationship with the Academies of Louisville while he was with UPS, captured the essence of this mission when he said, "We got involved for workforce, but stayed involved because it changes lives." His words highlight the transformative impact that partnerships can have, not only on students but also on the adults who support them. These partnerships help students see their potential and provide real-world experiences they might not otherwise have. The driving force is a shared commitment to seeing young people succeed and contribute to the community.
Long-term commitment is critical, and Louisville has benefited from the unwavering dedication of individuals like Kristin Wingfeld, who has been involved since day one. The relationships built over time, the shared understanding of challenges and successes, and the deep trust between partners are all essential ingredients for creating a sustainable and impactful program. Louisville realized the importance of partnership for their students.
The "How" of Partnerships: Strategies and Structures
The panel emphasized that effective partnerships must be strategic, sustainable, and mutually beneficial, moving beyond transactional relationships to become truly transformative. Success requires clear expectations, champions at all levels, and consistent implementation. The structure has to be bigger than any one person. This includes active engagement from community organizations, small business networks, and dedicated individuals who can champion the cause. Partnerships should be incorporated at the school level through advisory boards, commitment plans, planning sessions, Business Partnership Coordinator roles, and partner kickoffs. The key to the partnerships' success and longevity stems from strong buy-in from the participants.
By acknowledging these tensions and proactively addressing them, Louisville has created a more sustainable and effective partnership ecosystem. As Michael Gritton pointed out, there are often tensions in the work, since businesses often move fast, and education can move slow. Navigating those tensions requires open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to compromise.
Other Highlights from the Leadership Lab
Day two of the Leadership Lab offered a blend of learning and hands-on experience, hosted at Marion C. Moore School. Participants engaged in a "Learning Exchange," exploring strategies for connecting with Gen Z students and navigating the future of work. The session explored communication styles and preferences to help foster trust and rapport. A dynamic speed networking session connected CTE teachers, industry partners, and Academy Coaches, fostering new relationships and strengthening existing ones.
In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to visit Doss High School or Pleasure Ridge Park High School to examine building-level partnership processes and see the Academies model in action. This allowed guests to observe firsthand how partnerships are structured at the school level and to see the impact on students and teachers.
Louisville: A Model for Transformation
As the event concluded, it was evident that the power of partnerships extends far beyond individual programs or initiatives. The Academies of Louisville have fostered an ecosystem of collaboration that is not only transforming education but also preparing students for future success and strengthening the entire community. As Jennifer Edge, Director, Innovation & Product Management, at Ford NGL observed, "The Academies of Louisville are the experts at building partnerships." This Leadership Lab served as a roadmap for other communities seeking to build their own powerful partnerships in education. The success is not only what to do to partner, but it's the buy-in and longevity.