School District of Lodi - Community Connection Business Partnerships
Helping To Grow Future Community & Business Leaders
The School District of Lodi Community Connection Business Partnerships initiative aims to foster partnerships between schools and the local community, helping students explore potential career pathways and develop the skills needed for future employment. Here’s an overview of the program's key components:
Overview of Program Options
1. Community Classroom Connection (LCCC)
The Lodi Community Classroom Connection (LCCC), launched in the 2021/2022 school year, aligns with the district's strategic plan to strengthen community partnerships. Each LCCC partnership matches a Lodi classroom with a local business. General Requirements for LCCC Partners:
Two contacts per school year with the assigned classroom.
Visits can vary by grade level and include sharing career information/employability skills, reading to students, assisting with projects, or supporting class events.
Contact sessions typically last 20-40 minutes and are planned in coordination with the classroom educator.
2. Annual Jobs Fair
The Lodi High School Spring Jobs Fair, first held in spring 2022, connects high school students with local employers. With over 30 businesses participating and more than 450 students attending, the event proves to be an impactful annual networking opportunity. The event aims to:
Introduce students to local job opportunities and employers.
Offer a space for students to practice employability skills.
Provide businesses with a platform to share job details, requirements, contact information, and benefits, helping students connect with potential jobs.
3. Annual Career Fair
First held in the fall of 2022, the Fall Career Fair at Lodi High School exposes students to various career pathways by bringing in professionals from multiple industries. The goal of this annual event is to provide insights into:
Educational and training requirements for each career.
Potential advancement opportunities, typical salary, and benefits.
Day-to-day responsibilities and real-life experiences, both good and challenging, in each field.
In addition, Lodi Middle School also hosts an annual career fair that some regional business partners attend.
4. Youth Apprenticeship Program
The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a collaboration between Lodi High School and local businesses that allows high school juniors and seniors to gain hands-on experience in various industries while completing their education. This program supports career readiness by offering students paid, supervised work experiences in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and more. Key components include:
Work-Based Learning: Students gain practical skills through structured, hands-on experiences aligned with industry standards, working 10-15 hours per week alongside skilled professionals.
Mentorship and Supervision: Each apprentice is paired with a workplace mentor who provides guidance and feedback, helping students develop both technical and soft skills.
Academic and Industry Credit: Students can earn school credit while also working toward certifications and industry credentials, often with opportunities for continued employment post-graduation.
This Youth Apprenticeship option fosters a strong connection between students and the business community, bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness while contributing to the development of a skilled local workforce.
5. Lodi Teacher Appreciation Monthly Treat/Coffee Cart Sponsor
The Lodi Teacher Appreciation Monthly Treat/Coffee Cart Sponsor initiative is a collaborative effort between the Lodi School District PTO and local businesses to recognize and celebrate educators. Each month, a local business sponsors a “treat cart” that travels through each school building, offering educators a quick pick-me-up and a heartfelt “thank you.” Modeled after a flight attendant’s service cart, it visits classrooms and staff spaces to distribute coffee, snacks, and small treats. Key aspects include:
Monthly Sponsorship: Local businesses sign up to sponsor a month, supplying treats and beverages that reflect appreciation for teachers’ hard work.
Building Morale and Appreciation: By creating moments of gratitude, the cart serves as a small but meaningful gesture to boost morale and acknowledge the dedication of educators.
This program demonstrates Lodi’s commitment to building a supportive community culture, where businesses, parents, and educators come together to create a positive environment for both students and staff.
These programs demonstrate the School District of Lodi's commitment to preparing students as future community and business leaders by providing early exposure to career opportunities and fostering real-world skills.
Why might you want to become involved in one of these programs:
Increase your business’ visibility and highlight your community involvement
Promote careers you have available and help students realize opportunities in your business
Nurture your future workforce by connecting with them early in their career development
Bridge the skills gap of students coming out of high school by communicating what the real-world needs
Help build Wisconsin into a workforce-strong and economically vibrant state
Positively affect and directly address the region’s drop-out, graduation, and unemployment rates
Get an LCCC poster to hang at your business annually!!!
Looking to get involved? Complete the form at the top or call us at 608-592-3851 Ext. 5491
