Step 1: Connecting Education and Industry

Today's businesses are in need of a qualified workforce, while today's students need to be prepared for a changing economy in order to have a bright future. Designed to make learning meaningful for students by helping their teachers understand the needs of today's workplace, Links for Learning is a unique business education-partnership sponsored by the West Chamber Serving Jefferson County Foundation. This innovative program offers teachers an accurate picture of the industries that drive our region's economy and the skills students need for success.

Creating a critical opportunity for educators to connect with a diversity of workplace settings, K through 12 instructors learn leadership skills through people and institutions in our community, allowing them to become familiar with the necessary workplace skills students will need to be successful in a variety of post-secondary settings. Educators spend five days visiting area businesses and meeting with community leaders to better understand their needs and come away understanding how to make learning meaningful for students by connecting the classroom to their futures.

Made possible by donations from Jefferson County Public Schools, The Jefferson Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank, First Bank of Lakewood, Colorado Mills and Denver West Kiwanis Club, Links for Learning is hosted by a variety of organizations including Jefferson County Workforce Center, Red Rocks Community College, Exempla Healthcare, Gambro BCT, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and others.

The next Links for Learning opportunity will take place between November 2007 and April 2008. Teachers can earn Master's-level credits from Colorado State University as a result of their participation. Upon program completion, the educators will work together to create lesson plans which incorporate a variety of academic disciplines and bring workplace challenges to the classroom.

To learn more about this innovative program, click here, or call Links for Learning Executive Director Alice Potter at 303-233-5555 extension 7.