Area business-education partnership changes name
By KERRY McAVOY, The Leader-Herald
POSTED: February 26, 2008
FONDA — The Fulton Montgomery Education Initiative has changed its name to reflect the areas it serves. The new program will be called the Hamilton Fulton Montgomery Business and Education Alliance.
Fonda-Fultonville Central School District Superintendent James Hoffman announced the partnership’s new name at the school district’s Board of Education meeting Monday.
Through the alliance, students are able to get internships and gain work experience with local businesses.
Businesses also provide resources and supplies to schools involved in the program.
The schools work with the local chambers of commerce to find out what skills students aren’t being taught that are necessary in the workplace. Students also get a firsthand look at what career opportunities are available in the Mohawk Valley.
Wally Hart, president of the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said the goal of the HFMBEA is to bring business and education communities together to look at the needs of the workforce and the needs of students.
Hart said a survey was sent to businesses and educators. Business were asked what skills they saw applicants coming in with and what skills they would like to see employees possess.
Educators were asked what job opportunities they thought were available and what they thought they could teach students to prepare them for the work force.
Hart said the alliance tries to address the needs of both employers and schools.
The Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services and Fulton-Montgomery Community College are partners in the effort.
Hoffman said the program is designed both for students who will go to work soon after graduating from high school and students who plan to go to college.
“We’re able to find out what kids need to learn in order to make it in the business world,” Hoffman said. “We find out what are they not able to do when they get into the workplace.”
The program also is a way to keep young people local, he said, informing them about employment opportunities in their communities.
“If kids see employment opportunities here, they will want to work here,” Hoffman said. “This is a great place to live and work. If we don’t show them opportunities available in their own backyard they’ll keep leaving.” Hoffman said.
Hart said the business community wants to keep talented young people in the area. With new companies coming into the area, the community needs to be made aware of opportunities opening up, he said.
Kerry McAvoy covers Montgomery County. She can be reached at montco@leaderherald.com.
