Since its inception in 1996, the Partners for Learning program has exploded. The proof that the program is truly a community endeavor lies in the diversity of our partnerships: health care, higher education, retail, legal, hospitality, finance, manufacturing, government department and non-profit agencies. Unique to Santa Fe Public School's Partners program is the involvement of the Chamber of Commerce and a Business Advisory Council which have added resources and provided direction in the area of work force development and employability issues.

Our Goals 

The Board of Education of Santa Fe Public Schools established the Partners for Learning Program to:

Foster Better Understanding of the public Schools system within the Santa Fe community

Strengthen and enhance learning , achievement and career opportunities for all students 

Create a climate of involvement and interaction between organization and schools

Provide students with opportunities to develop attitudes and skills that enhance their well being and success in the working world 

When a business of individual community members invests time and resources in the Partners for Learning Program, they've invested in their community and our future What could be more rewarding?

Endless Benefits 

Volunteers who work one-on-one with a child through our new mentoring program or who volunteer to help in a classroom know that they're changing the future , one student at a time. Businesses that get involved find their image enhanced within the community, and their employees rejuvenated with the sense of accomplishment that comes form taking positive step to improve the education of our students. All around, the partners for Learning program is a win-win-situation.

Extraordinary Results 

Partner activities are magical. they are fun, exciting and most importantly, ignite interest and learning in each case and every student. Each business-school partnership is responsible for the direction their partnership takes. Partnership steering committees decide together whether to include job shadowing, filed trips, special reading and writing projects, and so on. The possibilities are endless. 

Worlds of opportunities 

Individuals or businesses may be involved in a variety of ways , or a new way can be created to meet a new need. Some of the existing opportunities are:

Volunteers meet one hour a week with a student in grades 6 - 12 to establish a caring friend relationship . Mentoring takes place during the school day at the school site. Training, screening and support for mentors is provided through the Santa Fe Education and Apprenticeship Network. Contact Mitch Buszek at 438-4899. 

Volunteers in public schools (VIPS) 

Helpers assist in the classroom, library and office to individualize instruction and/or assist with clerical duties . Bilingual volunteers are always needed. To find out about volunteering in a school near you, contact Leslie Carpenter at 982-2631

Business/Community Partners 

Businesses, agencies, clubs and departments within organizations can "adopt" a school, or class within a school. Activities are designed to benefit the business partner and the school partner. Contact Leslie Carpenter, at 982-2631 for more information.

Career Steps 

This program places talented, motivated high school students in challenging part-time employment. Interested students or employers should contact Holly Kinley-Lick at 480-4990

Success at work Program 

Business volunteers provide five one-hour classroom sessions to 8th and 10th grade students on career planning and employability. Training and materials are provided. Contact Fran Tenorio, 438-1274