Managing Corporate Relationships

Aurora University’s Partnerships

Welcome

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Introductions

What we will cover

• Project – AU STEM Initiatives• STEM Partnership School• Partner Relationships

– Approaching– Building– Maintaining

• Q&A / Participant Discussion of Best Practices

Aurora University STEM Initiatives: Example of Partner Relationships

In 2006, AU received its first Illinois Mathematics and Science Partnership (IMSP) grant.

In 2008, AU received $100,000 award from Dunham Fund’s Challenge for Change competition.

Components:• Informal STEM Learning: After School and Summer

Programs for K-16 students • STEM Teacher Training and Professional Development

Programs• STEM Partnership School

Taking it to the Next Level: City of Aurora STEM Initiative

STEM Partnership School• New $12.4 M building on AU campus to open Fall 2014• Serves 150 third-eighth graders from three districts (Aurora

East, Aurora West, and Indian Prairie).• Eight workshops/classrooms, six labs, multi-purpose area• Each lab will facilitate integration of STEM disciplines

aligned to national standards and be used by multi-generational learners

• Staffed through a unique professional development strategy where teachers continue content-based education and rotate back to their districts as STEM leaders.

Partners: Who To Approach

Common Interests

Location(s)

Assets and Resources

Company Performance

Mutual Benefit

Partners: How To Approach

Government Officials

People with connections

Corporate Giving, Foundations Community Relations

Cold Calls

Partners: How to Build the Relationship

• Know your Project• Share the story—the compelling need• Bring them to campus• Discuss resources available• Engage them in project• Show the Return on Investment• Demonstrate sustainability• Invite them to other campus functions• Encourage interaction between partners

AU STEM Partners

How AU STEM Partners are Involved

• Give financial support• Connect to other partners and resources• Contribute to the development of hands-on STEM curriculum• Infuse projects and applications for currency of practice• Construct displays, experiments, and research• Presentations in class/workshops• Host day trips and corporate tour experiences• Participate in brown bag lunches with students• Provide internships• Host booth at Career Days• Collaborate in grant projects and research • Invoke global thinking• Contribute toward finding solutions to national problems

Maintaining Partners

• Give appreciation and recognition• Provide project updates• Share relevant materials• Host luncheons• Show hospitality• Invite them to other campus functions• Expand their opportunities

Q&A

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Roundtable Discussion on Best Practices for

Maintaining Corporate Partners