Driven by tremendous advances in technology, the 21st century workplace and 21st century society will be vastly different than the century we leave behind. The demands and the skills expected of young adults entering the workforce change constantly, and only a strong partnership between business and education can ensure our students will be prepared for success.

Early efforts to develop an effective partnership in the Greater Hazleton Area, PA started in 1992. The Hazleton Area School District, Dr. Edward Lyba Director of Vocational Education partnered with PPL Utilities Martha Herron, Community Development Director and solicited community volunteers in an effort to identify, and bring together, necessary resources to have a positive impact on the educational process within the area.

The recent finding indicated by the Northeast Industrial Resource Center/CAN DO, Penn State University and local teacher surveys prompted an area educational and business leaders to formalize the partnership process. As a result, the Greater Hazleton Area Partners in Education was established on July 1, 2000. This exciting alliance has brought together students, parents, teachers, community leaders, business leaders and educators (secondary and post secondary) to assist in providing the best possible education for area students.

The Northeast Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center and CAN DO, Inc., surveyed local labor markets in February of 1999 which indicated that the most significant need of industry was employees with competency in workplace skills such as communications, critical thinking, problem solving and interpersonal skills.

In an analysis conducted by Penn State University of 1998 area high schools, it was recommended that all students need the necessary math and science courses to pursue high level technical careers or for college entry.

Nearly 78% of the teachers who responded on the most recent High School That Work teacher survey indicated that they were not aware of business industry academic, technical and employability skills needed by industries. Teachers stressed a need to visit the workplace, work together and develop a world class curriculum that prepares high school students to move to college or the workplace with ease.

* Partners in Education is a registered 501 (c)(3) non profit organization.