BUSINESS/INDUSTRY/EDUCATION ALLIANCE
The purpose of the Business/Industry/Education (BIE) Alliance is to build bridges between educators, employers and the communities they serve. Participants in the BIE alliance in Delaware do more than just talk and listen. Since 1982, when 37 educational, business and professional organizations first met, the Alliance has grown to more than 500 organizations, each with a stake in ensuring its success. The participants from these organizations are volunteers who offer their time and expertise to building bridges between educators and employers for the communities they serve. The task of the Alliance is to help establish and generate support for cooperative programs which:

+ Advance the goals of the Department of Education's school-to-work initiatives.

+ Expand the knowledge of teachers, counselors and administrators about career opportunities for their students, and the skills required to take advantage of those opportunities.

+ Make human and financial resources available to Delaware schools with the following projects:

"HIRE" EDUCATION
Delaware high schools and businesses joined a partnership that encourages employers to request high school transcripts before hiring young job applicants. The program was designed to motivate students to earn and keep good grades, attend school regularly, and develop a resumé of basic skills, since their records will be reviewed by a future employer when making a decision to hire them, reinforcing the connection between school and work.

"WHAT'S MY LINE?" CAREER AWARENESS
A career discovery program taught in 5th and 6th grade fashioned after the old TV program. "Mystery Guests" from Delaware businesses help students learn about careers and academic standards needed to succeed.

CHOICES
Volunteer business professionals teach eighth-graders effective decision-making, planning, and time management. Choices stress self-discipline as a key to future success.

SCHOOL-TO-CAREER CONNECTION
Assists teachers and counselors in arranging individual student visits to business/industry sites for the purpose of learning about potential careers and the skills/preparation needed to enter these careers.

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
High school students volunteer at selected business sites throughout Delaware to learn about a wide range of professions. Every sixty-seven and a half hours of participation awards students 1/2 credit toward graduation.

JOB FAIR
BIE co-sponsors this event with the Department of Labor. Adults and students seeking full or part-time employment meet a variety of potential employers at this annual event and participate in free workshops designed to improve job interview skills.

For more information or membership, contact:

MORE