(2/26/99)

The Project Pride program is part of the High Technology Industry Cluster/School To Work (HTIC/STW) Partnership. The following jumps describe Project Pride elements. Janell Youtsey, JY Consulting, Office: (602) 252-6292, and Dawn Schween, Culture Connections, Office: (602) 854-0511 run the program. Contact them directly for additional information.

The Project Pride curriculum focuses upon career awareness team diversity and basic business practices and tools including project management. 16 modularized units are provided for flexible use within the existing school curriculum. In addition to weekly program "capsules" of information, business and community leaders serve as guest speakers and role models providing students with insights into everyday business challenges and practices. Business sponsors, like TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, provide guest speakers to help students understand the some of the future career opportunities in their industry. Business sponsors also work with students as mentors and coaches on their student improvement project.

Project Pride, a Team Diversity Advantage program, is designed to give students real, hands on business experience. The student who completes this program will be able to:

1. Understand, appreciate and value cultural/workplace diversity;
2. Form, lead and participate in diverse teams;
3. Use systematic team problem solving methods and total quality management concepts to increase creativity, quality and output;
4. Communicate and present their ideas more effectively; and
5. Apply what they have learned in class to design and implement a community/campus improvement project.

Project Pride was initially developed and piloted with high school students in 1995. Today Project Pride is in over 40 schools statewide. Teachers, guidance counselors, parents and business partners are using Project Pride with middle and high school students in a variety of classes including business, family and consumer science, social studies and math. Entire school districts as well as individual schools have adopted it. Many different types of business sponsors support Project Pride because it teaches important workplace skills and it provides an important vehicle for business partners to showcase the exciting opportunities within their own industries.

Project Pride is being expanded into new schools in Maricopa as part of Arizona’s School To Work effort. We are currently in schools in Mesa, Tempe, Kyrene and Chandler and have plans to expand into Gilbert and Phoenix in the coming year. Business sponsors are needed for over 26 schools in the greater Phoenix area. All schools are looking for guest speakers and business representatives that would be willing to participate on a "steering committee" to coach students presenting their project proposals. This is just one of the many ways you can support Project Pride. (See the Project Pride Business Sponsorship Sign Up Sheet to get a better idea of the types of help we need to make Project Pride a success.) Finally, if your business and industry has a need for well educated, experienced, energized employees, come join us and make a difference. Project Pride kids need mentors and role models like you

For More Information Contact:

Business Sponsorship Options:

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