Partners in Education

Community support in our schools is key to the success of our students. Columbia Public Schools’ Partners In Education joins a local business/community organization with an individual school, curriculum department, or grade level to build bridges between the world of business and the world of education. The program serves a five-fold purpose:

1.  To foster a better understanding of the public school system within the Columbia community;
2.  To strengthen and enhance the district's programs;
3.  To create a climate of involvement and interaction between organizations, businesses, and schools;
4.  To provide students opportunities to develop attitudes and skills that enhance their success in the world of work;
5.  To work with the Columbia School Improvement Plan (CSIP)

Partnerships are designed to be a long-term commitment. The program does not look for financial support for schools; rather, it enriches educational programs by tapping the human resources available in the community. A school day does not go by without meaningful Partners In Education activities enriching our district's curriculum. Each partnership identifies a PIE steering committee consisting of both school and business personnel. The steering committee meets monthly or quarterly and directs partnership activities. In addition, each partnership establishes a mission statement, objectives, and activities. 

Through a mutual sharing of resources, partnerships strengthen our schools' programs, improve student achievement, and enhance our community's economic growth.

A Partnership Friend is a person(s), community organization, or business that makes a yearly significant contribution through a dedication of resources or volunteer time to an individual school, department, or classroom through the Partners in Education program.