ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 discusses the importance of building community partnerships with businesses, both local and afar. The chapter provides examples that highlight the variety of ways these partnerships can take shape, while also providing valuable experiences for students. Since rural communities tend to have fewer potential business partners, information on where and how to find partners is provided. Larger corporations, which are typically based in urban areas, can also offer value to students in rural communities. The chapter highlights several successful partnerships, including Ernst & Young, Southwest Airlines, and DentaQuest. Career fairs have also been instrumental in bringing businesses and students together. The chapter ends with an activity that students can do to learn about new professions and strategies that can be used to start, maintain, sustain, and strengthen partnerships.
