Sponsorships

Current Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities

Why your investment is critical

The tri-county region has an unacceptable high school graduation rate: 44 percent of 9^th graders do not graduate in four years; 59 percent of African American males do not graduate. Most students drop out in the ninth grade. Employers report that students do not arrive at the workplace prepared with the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful employees.

South Carolina had 29,869 drop outs in 2006; total additional lifetime income had they graduated: $7,766,050,000.

The Education Foundation has been successfully addressing these and other challenges. Local support from the business community is essential for the long-term success of our programs and can be used to leverage additional federal support. Your investment would pay dividends in the form of greater numbers of students who are earning higher wages and contributing to the regional economy. Join a growing list of business investors who recognize the direct connection between a sound education system and thriving business community.

Sample Accomplishments

• Schools in The Education Foundation's Smaller Learning Communities Coalition (Fort Dorchester, Stall, Stratford, Summerville, Wando and West Ashley high schools) show significant increases in ninth graders on track to graduate in four years
• Dramatic increase of parental involvement in student advisement (over 90 percent participation in 2010)
• Recognition by Ford Motor Company’s Next Generation Learning Community national network as one of just 15 communities nationally that are poised for leadership in the career preparation of students
• Inauguration of regional advisory committee in health sciences
• Over 350 executives have participated in Principal for a Day in all four of the region’s school districts since 2004
• Over 400 graduates of Workplace InStitute for Educators (WISE) to date; in 2009-10, 3100 students impacted by new teaching strategies for workforce preparation
• 2,900 business and education leaders have attended the Business Education Summit since 1995.
• Establishment of “P-20” Council to ensure alignment of math, science and English requirements across all educational levels (pre-school through graduate) with the requirements of the workforce
• Active engagement of business community volunteers has doubled since 2007

Testimonials

“The Education Foundation brings focus, collaboration and business expertise to the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester school districts. The Foundation acts as a catalyst for positive change and a force for unity in the region.”

“The Education Foundation is our connection to the region’s business leaders. As we implement career pathways in our high schools, we need real world experts to help us plan and implement models
that will prepare our students for tomorrow’s workforce.”

“I attended The Education Foundation Business Education Summit for the first time…and was impressed by the things I saw and heard. The Summit is a significant event that brings businesses and educators together for an opportunity to enhance our community.”

“Regional advisories are an important mechanism for connecting the needs of employers with what is being taught in the schools. It is a win-win situation when student learning is matched with the
requirements of the region’s businesses.”

“The career pathways program has really helped keep my studies on track. This program has prepared me for life after high school by teaching me the necessary skills for entering college
and the work force.”

CURRENT SPONSORS

Initiative Sponsors:

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Education Foundation
Business Education Summit
Business Site Visits
The Education Foundation Retreat
Principal for a Day
Workplace InStitute for Educators