RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
LINKS, TOOLS & TEMPLATES
The Academies of Lousiville Alliance is working to (make processes easier to collaborate, make more happen with business partners, what else?). Below you’ll find resources that’ll help in facilitating events with business partners and resources for all audiences. With any questions or ideas, contact our team!
If you took any photos, please feel free to share on your company's social media channels and tag us so we can celebrate with you!
#WeAreJCPS
#(add your school hashtag here!)
Featuring this engagement in your company newsletter? Please forward to tosha.ridenour@kentuckianaworks.org!
Thank you!
TO SEND TO BUSINESS PARTNERS
STUDENT EXPERIENCE GUIDE LINKS (to copy & paste)
Student experience guide pages
Sample itineraries and planning resources
Business partner-led examples
Applicable/necessary steps for facilitating
ABOUT THE ACADEMIES OF LOUISVILLE
GUIDES TO STUDENT EXPERIENCES
EVENT PLANNING RESOURCES
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Featuring guest speakers in the classroom provides an opportunity for high school students to learn about a business, its industry sector, its role in the economy, and careers in the industry. Plus, it’s an opportunity to encourage people on your team to represent your company and engage with the next generation!
Preparation: 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on presentation materials)
Speaking Time: 30 minutes – 1.5 hours
Q&A/Follow-up: 30 minutes
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All Academy Business Partners are invited to participate in the Academy Advisory Boards! We are each other's best resources and we would greatly welcome your input and ideas.
The Academy Advisory Board meets 2-3 times per school year and consists of teachers, business partners, and other school staff who review industry standards of practice and needs and discuss how to improve the instruction provided to students. The goal is to keep teachers informed on industry trends and to see how the school can support partner workforce needs.
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Connect with students exploring career pathways by showcasing your industry, sharing career insights, and answering questions about job opportunities and skills needed.
Preparation: 1–3 hours (setting up materials, coordinating with event organizers)
Event Participation: 2–4 hours
Follow-up (if needed): 30 minutes – 1 hour
See our events calendar here for upcoming career fairs and school events!
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Partnering with high school teachers allows businesses to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring students receive a relevant, future-ready curriculum. By sharing your expertise, you help teachers stay informed about industry trends, technologies, and skills in demand.
Initial Meeting(s): 2–4 hours
Reviewing Materials/Providing Feedback: 2–5 hours
Follow-up Discussions: 1–3 hours
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Give students a behind-the-scenes look at a typical workday, helping them understand career expectations and workplace culture.
Planning & Coordination: 1–2 hours
Hosting the Student(s): 2–5 hours
Follow-up Discussion: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Click here for planning tips, sample itineraries, and more info.
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Collaborate with teachers to create real-world projects that allow students to apply industry knowledge, develop critical skills, and solve practical challenges.
Initial Planning with Teachers: 5–10 hours
Ongoing Student Support & Check-Ins: 5–15 hours
Final Evaluations/Feedback: 2–5 hours
Click here for planning tips, sample projects, and more info.
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Assist students in preparing for industry-recognized certifications by providing resources, training, or mentorship to help them gain essential credentials.
Planning & Curriculum Alignment: 2–5 hours
Training, Mentorship, or Resources: 3–15 hours (spread over multiple sessions)
Follow-up & Student Support: 1–2 hours
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Build meaningful connections with students by offering ongoing guidance, career advice, and professional insights to help them navigate their future pathways.
Initial Meetings & Goal Setting: 2–5 hours
Regular Mentorship Sessions: 1–2 hours per month (for 6+ months)
Check-ins & Follow-Up Support: 5–10 hours
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Support student-run businesses by providing mentorship, industry insights, and real-world business challenges to help them develop entrepreneurial and workplace skills.
Initial Planning & Business Consultation: 5–10 hours
Ongoing Mentorship & Check-Ins: 5–15 hours
Final Feedback & Business Evaluation: 2–5 hours
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Help students build confidence and interview skills by conducting practice interviews, offering feedback, and sharing real-world expectations.
Preparation: 1–2 hours (developing questions, structuring feedback process)
Interview Sessions: 1–3 hours
Feedback/Follow-up: 30 minutes – 1 hour
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Meet with students in small groups to discuss your career journey, industry trends, and workplace expectations, helping them make informed career choices.
Preparation: 30 minutes – 1 hour (reviewing potential questions, structuring session)
Conducting Interviews: 1–2 hours
Follow-up (if applicable): 30 minutes
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Provide students with hands-on exposure to your workplace, demonstrating real-world applications of their classroom learning and showcasing career opportunities.
Planning & Coordination: 2–4 hours (scheduling, logistics, safety considerations)
Hosting the Tour: 2–6 hours
Follow-up (if applicable): 30 minutes – 1 hour
Click here for planning tips, sample itineraries, and more info.
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Offer valuable industry perspective by evaluating student projects, providing constructive feedback, and inspiring the next generation of professionals.
Preparation: 1–3 hours (reviewing criteria, familiarizing with projects)
Event Participation: 2–4 hours
Feedback & Wrap-Up: 30 minutes – 1 hour
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Work directly with educators to share industry trends, skills, and best practices, ensuring they bring the most relevant knowledge into their classrooms.
Planning & Coordination: 2–5 hours
Hosting Sessions: 2–5 hours per session (often 1–3 sessions)
Follow-up (if needed): 1–2 hours
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Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) provide high school students in career and technical education (CTE) with hands-on learning, leadership development, and industry-relevant skills. Businesses play a vital role in their success by serving as a project judge, sharing industry expertise by speaking with students or facilitating project-based learning.
Preparation: 1–3 hours (reviewing judging criteria, preparing speaking points)
Event Participation: 2–6 hours (judging, facilitating, or speaking)
Follow-up (if applicable): 1 hour
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Offer students practical experience in your industry, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge, build professional skills, and gain exposure to workplace expectations.
Initial Setup: 5–10 hours (creating a program, onboarding)
Ongoing Supervision: 2–5 hours per week
Wrap-up & Evaluation: 2–5 hours
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Provide students with extended, structured work experience that integrates with their coursework, helping them develop technical and professional skills over a longer period.
Initial Setup: 10–15 hours (aligning work with school curriculum, setting expectations)
Ongoing Supervision: 5–10 hours per week
Final Evaluation: 3–5 hours
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Partner with schools to offer students hands-on training in a skilled trade or industry sector while they complete their education.
Initial Setup: 15–30 hours (structuring a long-term training plan, working with education partners)
Ongoing Supervision: 5–10 hours per week
Periodic Evaluations: 3–5 hours per quarter
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Host students in healthcare or technical fields, providing supervised, hands-on learning in professional environments to prepare them for certification and careers.
Initial Setup: 10–20 hours (meeting legal/regulatory requirements, structuring rotations)
Ongoing Supervision: 5–10 hours per student, per week
Final Evaluation: 5–10 hours
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Partner with schools to offer students hands-on training in a skilled trade or industry sector while they complete their education.
Initial Setup: 15–30 hours (structuring a long-term training plan, working with education partners)
Ongoing Supervision: 5–10 hours per week
Periodic Evaluations: 3–5 hours per quarter
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The SummerWorks Program offers your business a unique opportunity to invest in the next generation of Louisville's workforce.
Hire Talented Students: Access a pool of motivated and skilled youth eager to contribute to your team.
Develop Future Leaders: Mentor and train young professionals, shaping them into valuable assets for your organization.
Strengthen Your Community: Support local youth and contribute to the economic growth of Louisville.
Enhance Your Employer Brand: Attract top talent by demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility.
Join us in empowering Louisville's youth and building a brighter future for our city. Learn more and sign-up here!
PRE-EVENT PLANNING
EMAIL TEMPLATES
EMAIL TEMPLATES
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EVENT FOLLOW-UP EMAILS
We are so appreciative of your support and time investing in the future of our students! Please take this quick survey as we work to create better experiences for both our business partners, educators, and students.
If you took any photos, please feel free to share on your company's social media channels and tag us so we can celebrate with you!
#WeAreJCPS
#(add your school hashtag here!)
Featuring this engagement in your company newsletter? Please forward to our Communications Coordinator at ryan.cummings@kentuckianaworks.org!
Thank you!
FOR STUDENTS
Student Resume Guide (for resume workshops)
COLLABORATION GUIDE
Academy Coaches + Business Partnership Coordinators
This guide provides a flexible framework for Business Partner Coordinators (BPCs) and Academy Coaches (ACs) to work effectively together throughout the school year, outlining the ideal ways each role can support each other to strengthen relationships with business and community partners and enhance student experiences.
