Partnerships should be chosen carefully.

• Top management of both organizations is committed
• Partnership fits with goals, philosophy and image of both groups
• Resources needed to make the partnership a success are available
• Stakeholders will be interested/supportive
• Both groups will benefit

Partnerships must have clear guidelines for participation.

• Both sides know what to expect
• The role faith will play is agreed upon
• Time frames goals and objectives are agreed upon
• Tasks and responsibilities are clearly written
• Contact people are assigned for both groups
• Procedures for requesting and giving support are outlined
• Partners are sure that required resources are available

Partnerships are mutually beneficial.

• Both sides have a stake in the outcome
• Discuss in advance how each partner will be recognized or how the partnership will be publicized
• Set short term wins with long-term benefits for both the school and the company
• Evaluate your partnership annually

Celebrate the successes.

• Let everyone know what was accomplished
• Thank everyone that was involved
• Appeal to emotion.  Make everyone feel good about your partnership

Ideal partners stay committed.

• Get everyone involved
• Have a partnership development team
• Share opportunities and accomplishments with employees, parents, faculty and students
• Under promise and over deliver