Brainerd Chamber program bridges gap between students and meaningful careers

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation Business Education Network (BEN) partners, led by local chambers of commerce across the state, are well positioned to lead local efforts. BEN partners are the intermediary between local employers, local schools and students and are active across Minnesota, providing statewide reach. This powerful partnership between the Minnesota Chamber Foundation and local chambers of commerce seeks to bridge the gap between public education and employment systems, ensuring that all Minnesota students have access to wealth-building and purpose-driven careers.  

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce provides a model for success

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce Bridges connection program provides career awareness and experiences for students in their region. Starting with 40 companies almost 20 years ago, the program has grown to include over 200 businesses and 12 schools. Community partners, like Central Lakes College, play a vital role in providing clear pathways and outreach to students. The variety of programs are consistent touchpoints with students throughout their academic career creating opportunities for exploration and discovery. 

Career Awareness

• Career Exploration Day: a one-day event showcasing more than 200 regional high-demand careers to over 2,500 students with hands-on demonstrations, simulators, and breakout sessions.
   
• Career Videos: a series of videos (with video resource guide) highlighting career fields in Central Minnesota.

Academic Enrichment

• Career Academies: career pathways focusing on the knowledge and skills needed within a specific career field. All Academies include academic and technical skills, paired with employability skill instruction and career experiences. This portion of the program is now coordinated by Sourcewell.
   
• Professional clubs: HOSA, BPA, FFA, Pro Start Culinary

Career Experiences

• Speakers in the Classroom: local professionals speaking on industry-specific topics to classrooms
   
• Career Depot: website portal supporting career exploration and finding first jobs. Includes only centralized database of entry-level style jobs for 14-18 year olds.

Advice?
Start small and grow. Some of the easier programs are creating a job portal, to match companies and students for vetted and appropriate job openings, and having business leaders as guest speakers in the classroom. From there, relationships and partnerships can foster connections and develop programming tailored to the needs of both employers and students. Students need to feel engaged, make it fun, interesting and accessible.