bridging the cultural gap 2009

2009 Institute for Staff Development

Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow

Bridging the Cultural Gap

Between Education and Business

Stephen T. CasaSenior DirectorNetwork Advocacy

What will we cover today?

• Why Should We Bridge The Gap• Comparing Two Worlds• The Key Player In The Game• Fitting Into “Their World”• Helping “Them” Understand• From “Us & Them” To “We”

2009 Academy Leadership Summit


Why Should We Bridge The Gap• $$$$• Experiential Learning Opportunities• Industry Validation of Programs, Curriculum ,

Etc.• Program Development and Support • Excellent Public Relations• $$$$



Comparing Two Worlds• What’s Wrong With These Pictures?

Culture• Scenario 1: The Snow Day

The Calendar• Scenario 2: Soliciting Internships?

The Decision Making Process• Scenario 3: The ATM

Meetings• Scenario 4: Whose Chair Is It Anyway?



The Key Player In The Game• Your Role in the Equation

– The Punching Bag

• Selling the Importance– Sales: Get Used To It

• Soaring with the Eagles – Better Learn to Fly

• Benefits: WIFM (What’s In It For Me)– Altruistic vs. Bottom Line



Fitting Into “Their World”• Satiating Needs• Put Yourself in Their Shoes• Incredible Art of Schmooze• Positioning Yourself for Success• Ask, Ask, Ask• Recognition to the Top Level



Helping “Them” Understand• Bringing Them Into Your World• Do What We Do Best: Educate • Working Within the Bureaucracy• Capitalizing On Their Culture• Sell the Benefits • Creative Friendly Competition• Always Highlight the Students



From “Us & Them” to “We”• Simple Synergy• Live in Each Other’s Shoes and Compromise• Inclusion• Capitalize on the Positive• Remember the Focus• Enjoy the Ride



Putting This To Work• Spend ten minutes

• Creating a strategy to increase you Partnership opportunities

• Show how you will create a WE vs. Us and Them• Show the positive outcomes for the school, the

business/community partner and the student

• Questions

