BGCA’s Kevina Fullwood aka “Your Workforce Bestie” aka the GOAT is here today with tips on building one of the most crucial components of Life & Workforce Readiness programs.
Creating successful Life & Workforce Readiness programs starts with a clear understanding of what your teens, partners, and community need. While there are countless organizations, businesses, and institutions in your community, the ideal partner will be invested in the workforce ecosystem, contribute meaningfully to the process, and help achieve your program’s goals. It’s important to identify organizations that not only provide services for your program but also benefit from a strong relationship with your Club or Youth Center.
Here are a few creative ways partners can contribute to your Life & Workforce Readiness program:
- Fund Transportation Solutions: Some partners may step up by providing transportation options for work-based learning (WBL) participants. Whether it’s metro cards, gas cards, bikes, ensuring teens can get to and from their WBL site.
- Sponsor Stipends for Internships or Work-Based Learning (WBL): Not every company has the capacity or safety setup to host teens directly in a WBL opportunity (think power companies or construction sites). But that doesn’t mean they can’t contribute! These partners can still support your program by offering funding or incentives for teens participating in other WBL opportunities.
- Skill Development Programs/Fund Certification: Companies that offer specific skill development programs can be fantastic partners. Whether they’re teaching technical skills, soft skills, or industry-specific knowledge, these programs help prep teens for the real world. They can also cover the cost of professional certifications for teens, such as CPR, forklift operation, coding bootcamps, or other industry-specific certifications. This gives teens an extra edge in their job search.
- Industry Mentors: A solid workforce program thrives when teens relate to industry professionals. Partners can provide mentors who offer career guidance, share real-world insights, and help teens build those all-important professional networks.
- Sponsor Professional Development for Staff: To strengthen the program itself, companies can sponsor professional development for staff who oversee workforce readiness. This could include training in coaching, career counseling, or workforce trends, allowing staff to provide even greater value to teens.
Conducting a Community Assessment: Your First Step
Before diving into partnerships, start by conducting a community assessment to map out the resources, opportunities, and services local organizations can offer. This assessment will also reveal gaps in your community’s offerings, helping you target specific partners to address these needs. Armed with this information, you’ll be in a strong position to approach potential partners and craft win-win relationships.
When considering workforce partners, look at sectors like:
| Colleges and universities (two- and four year institutions) | Franchise-based businesses |
| Trade and technical schools | Hospitals and healthcare systems |
| High schools (including those offering career and technical education) | Chambers of commers/American Job Centers |
| Military recruiting offices | Government agencies |
| Trade/union associations | Major corporations |
| Service organizations | Tribal councils |
Developing Partnerships: A Continuum of Growth
Remember, partnerships don’t start fully formed—they evolve. They can fall into one of three stages: emerging, developing, or established. By understanding where each partnership sits on this continuum, you can tailor your approach to meet both your needs and your partners.
- Emerging Partnerships: These partnerships are just beginning, often with informal discussions and the reliance on a single sponsor. The roles may be unclear, and communication is often one-way, with benefits sometimes unevenly distributed. Assigning a point person to be a partner liaison and agenda and goals during regular meetings.
- Developing Partnerships: At this stage, there’s a clearer vision, and stakeholders become more involved. Roles and responsibilities start to solidify, and the partnership becomes more reciprocal, with sustainability planning beginning.
- Established Partnerships: These partnerships have a formalized vision, defined roles, and active stakeholder engagement. Communication is structured, assessment is regular, and there’s a focus on continuous improvement and sustainability.
Some key elements to consider when evaluating your partnerships:
- Shared vision
- Stakeholder involvement
- Roles and responsibilities
- Reciprocity
- Communication
- Assessments and metrics
- Sustainability
By evaluating your partnerships along this continuum, you’ll be able to enhance collaboration, foster clear communication, and build toward long-term success.
Highlighting Partnership Activities: Celebrate Your Wins!
Sharing the successes of your partnerships is a great way to showcase their impact on your program, while also making your partners feel valued. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little appreciation? Plus, celebrating these wins can attract future partners who see the positive influence you’re having in your community.
Consider these ways to communicate your partnership successes:
- Recognition on your Club or Youth Center’s website
- Blog posts about program success stories and special events
- Videos highlighting success stories
- Social media shout-outs on both your Club’s and your partner’s channels
- Newsletter features
- Bulletin boards at the Club or in community spaces
As Your Workforce Bestie…
I challenge you to take a step back and think about where your current and emerging partnerships fall on the continuum. While we can’t do everything at once, which 1 or 2 collaborative practices can you focus on developing today? Check out the Program Partnership Planning Guide. It was developed by BGCA’s Partnerships & Growth team to establish an intentional approach for designing and securing impactful partnerships. And be sure to join our monthly Workforce Wednesdays Webinars to connect with Clubs across the Movement and learn what partnerships, programs, and experiences they run for youth!
What are your favorite local or national partnerships? How do support teens as they prepare for their future? We want to know! Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
