Building Bridges: How Businesses Can Benefit from Partnering with Education
After more than 20 years in business and economic development, one thing has become clear: talent is the driving force behind growth. Yet nearly every company I work with struggles to find the right people at the right time.
One of the most overlooked solutions is sitting right in front of us: engaging with students through profession-based learning.
Profession-based learning (ProBL) gives students real-world, client-connected projects in partnership with local businesses. Instead of waiting until graduation to meet potential employees, companies can collaborate with high school students today—giving them the chance to solve authentic challenges while giving you a preview of future talent.
- Talent Pipeline – Students who see your industry up close are far more likely to pursue careers in it.
- Fresh Perspectives – Students aren’t bound by “how it’s always been done.” They bring creativity and curiosity that often uncover new insights.
- Community Impact – Partnering with schools signals that your company is invested in the future of your community, not just the bottom line.
- Mutual Benefit – These aren’t charity projects. Students gain skills, teachers see learning come alive, and businesses receive real value—sometimes even real solutions.
Of course, for this to happen, companies need to overcome a common hurdle: stereotypes about the abilities of high school students. Too often, we underestimate what young people can do, or we create barriers—whether real or perceived—that prevent students from engaging with employees on-site. Removing those barriers is essential if we truly want to unlock the full potential of the mutual impact these partnerships can deliver.
And getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as:
- Sharing your career story with a class
- Hosting a student team to work on a short-term project
- Mentoring students through a design challenge
As a certified economic developer, I’ve seen firsthand that workforce development doesn’t happen in isolation. Schools can’t do it alone. Businesses can’t do it alone. But when we open doors for students to engage in authentic experiences, everybody wins—students, employers, and entire communities.
If your company is ready to take a step toward building its future workforce, let’s talk. Start small, but start. You may be surprised by how much value students can bring when they’re given the chance.
