La Puente Valley ROP provides career technical education to high school students enrolled at Bassett USD, Hacienda La Puente USD and Rowland USD.  The ROP involves business and industry to provide critical input into the career technical needs that are integral to teaching students real-world skills. Business partners can enhance ROP courses in a variety of ways including donations of time, expertise, equipment and monetary contributions. Business involvement brings real world knowledge and skills into the classroom and exposes students to experiences and insights they would not otherwise receive. In return, business partners help shape the future of their industry by contributing to the education and skill sets of students who one day will become members of the workforce.

1.     What types of business and/or characteristics are needed to be involved as a Business Partner?

La Puente Valley ROP provides career technical skills in all industry sectors.  Whatever business you are in, we can match a teacher and/or student.  Successful partners share the following characteristics:

Ø  The ability to provide curricula support to ROP teachers such as, assessing student work, assist with development of portfolios, critique resumes, etc.

Ø  The ability to provide expert advice for subject areas such as, speaking in classroom, donating equipment, participating at advisory meetings.

Ø  The ability to be a tutor/mentor to high school students.

Ø  The ability to assist with the transition from school to career by participating as an internships, business experiences, and job shadowing and assisting with mock interviews.

Ø  The ability to provide staff development opportunities.

However, all that is needed to be a Business Partner is the sincere desire to help students learn and succeed in the work-place.  A positive attitude and a willingness to work with today's youth will lead to a successful partnership.

2.     If I become a Business Partner what will be expected from me?

Business partners commit to a role that best meets their needs and those of the students.  Your involvement will begin after a brief orientation that identifies the mutual expectations.

3.     How much time commitment is needed to be a Business Partner?

We know your time is valuable, so you can let us know how much time you have available and we can help you identify the best type of partnership for you.

4.     Does it cost anything to be a Business Partner?

No, there is no cost to become a business partner.

5.     With type of teachers/students will I be working?

You can work directly with teachers and students involved in your specific industry or you can have the option to choose other areas where you can offer your expertise.  You will have the opportunity to work with high school students grades 9 - 12.

 
6.     How can I help you to prepare students to become future employees?

Ø  By participating as a advisory board member

Advisory Board Participation - Industry representatives have the opportunity to sit on specific industry advisory boards, allowing them to work directly with teachers in the development of new curriculum designed to meet current industry needs. In addition, advisory boards can provide critiques of existing courses, examining how well they fit with real world industry requirements. For additional information please click here.

Ø  By becoming a mentor to a class

Mentorships - Partner employees can also offer one-on-one time with students for a more in-depth look at a given industry or specific job focus.  This may be accomplished by email, class visits or whatever fits your needs.

Ø  By speaking in a classroom setting

Speaking Opportunities - Industry speakers are invited to talk with students about their own experiences in their field of choice, as well as the current and anticipated workforce needs within their specific industry.

Ø  By providing the opportunity for students and/or teachers to participate in a job shadow

Job Shadowing - Students can tour a company's facilities or shadow an employee to get a real flavor of the industry.

Ø  By becoming an ROP internship site

Internships - Learning by doing - The best way for students to understand how an industry works and what is actually required in a specific job is to have the opportunity to perform an internship. Business partners provide opportunities for students to spend time, paid or unpaid, in real world business environments, allowing students to get hands-on experience in their field of interest. For additional information please click here

Ø  By donating equipment to a specific class 

 Donating equipement- Must be in working condition and should benefits the students. All equipment must be approved by the La Puente Valley ROP Board of Trustees.  

7.     How long is the Business Partner commitment?

La Puente Valley ROP offers business leaders and industry experts the opportunity to give back to their community. As a business partner, you will provide a positive impact lasting a lifetime to the youth. You will help ensure job success and enhance the programs offered.  You may volunteer as long as you like and no binding commitment is required.  You may find yourself as a life-long partner. 

8.     How can I start an internship at my business?

9.     What is the easiest way to become involved as a business partner?

If you are unsure about how you can fit in as a business partner, you may contact Educational Services at 626.810.3300 x230 and they will help you determine where you will fit in.

10.  I would love to become a Business Partner but don't have the time. Can I support teachers and/or students with a donation to the ROP?

Yes, the ROP has an Educational Bridge Foundation that is a non-profit organization.  Donations are tax deductible and directly benefit the ROP programs. Please click here for further information.

For more information on how to get involved with ROP as a business partner, please contact us at 626.810.3300. We will be able to provide you with assistance in selecting a school site with which to partner, as well as provide assistance in the development of a partnership program specifically suited to fit the needs of your organization.