Benefits of Getting Involved
People are the most valuable resource for businesses. Creating a talent pipeline allows companies to succeed, expand and compete in our ever-evolving business world. To remain innovative and competitive, businesses need to reach local talent early.
Through the Partners in Education program (PIE), businesses can shape the future of their company by building a sustainable talent pipeline. By engaging with PIE, businesses also earn social capital with their employees, clients and customers as a reputable business invested in our community’s future.
How to Engage
Tier 1 - Show Your Support
Tier 2 - Guide Our Youth
Tier 3 - Lead The Change
Growing the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Arlington ISD and is proud to offer the “What’s Your Big Idea?” Entrepreneurship Contest. The “What’s Your Big Idea?” Entrepreneurship Contest (WYBIEC) is a curriculum-based contest created by kids for kids. Sixteen years later, the WYBIEC is still fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in 3rd-12th graders.
This contest has and continues to challenge and empower tens of thousands of students to think big and dream even bigger by thinking critically to produce creative solutions to everyday challenges and problems. These skills are vital to our workforce and the future success of our community. Not only does this contest provide real-life skills, but it's FUN too.
AISD Student & Business Partner Testimonials
“Our AISD Practicum student exemplifies maturity and a passion for learning. In our division, the student has observed a spectrum of professional growth and career development by working-side-by-side with tenured staff. Investing in the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and difference makers has been a great privilege to our organization." - Aimeee Rockhill-Carpenter, City of Arlington, Health Services Division
"Being part of the Hospitality Practicum is one of the best things I've ever done. I'm grateful for an environment where I can be independent yet still have someone teaching me workplace skills. I want to thank Aimee Rockhill-Carpenter for giving me a chance to be part of the City Hall Team." - Leslie James, AISD Practicum Student 2018-2019
About the Practicum Program
The Practicum program offers high school seniors the ability to connect classroom theories and methods with real-world experience while preparing the future workforce. Students work as an intern for three hours a day, two days a week for a full school year.
Each year the district vets 400+ students and accepts roughly 200 students to enter into practicums in different pathways.
Student Vetting Process
The AISD conducts a rigorous vetting process for all of our incoming practicum students. All students are vetted to ensure they have transportation and go through an academic review to ensure they have met the prerequisite courses in their designated pathway. Student submit their resumes and go through a digital and in-person interview prior to selection. All business partners are welcome to interview the students as well, it is encouraged.
Resources
OPPORTUNITIES WITH STUDENTS
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS