The Business Education Partnership Advisory Council (BEPAC) is an organization that serves as a sounding board to the Superintendent of Schools for Cecil County to identify strengths, needs and trends in the area of job readiness and student success upon graduation from high school.  It's mission is to promote quality education in the Cecil County Public Schools to prepare students to meet job market needs, select satisfying careers, and be good citizens in our community.  The collective talents of the organization (comprised of industrial, technology, financial, retail and manufacturing representatives in our region) provide an invaluable resource to the support of Cecil County students' preparation for the world of work in the twenty-first century.

How will my involvement with a committee really impact students?

BEPAC isn't designed for "students and schools," it's purpose is "with students and schools".  An organization or business can choose from a broad spectrum of participative activities that can take businesses directly into the classroom through Speaker's Bureaus and career exploration activities, or bring the classroom into the business through externships and job shadowing opportunities.

How do I join?

BEPAC has a  nominal annual membership fee.   With a membership, your organization representative may identify an  area of focus in which he or she may be interested.  These focus areas are represented by six committees:

• Partnership Development

- Annual Leadership Breakfast
- Regional Partnership Initiative

• Career Preparatory Education 

  
  - Junior Achievement Program
  - Job Shadowing for Students
  - Summer Externships for Teachers

• Recruitment, Retention and Development

- 25 & 30 Year Teacher Recognition Gala
- Blue Chip Teacher Recruitment Program
- New Teacher Recognition Reception

• Public Relations and Marketing

- Publications Development
- Community Awareness Campaign

Activities are planned in committee and implemented as an organization.

You don't just want a financial contribution; what's the catch?

Financial resources are great for short term projects and activities, but our vision is broader.  We're also looking for human resources.   Are you willing to allow students and teachers into your business to experience a working environment?  Meet with new teacher candidates to validate the quality of life Cecil County can offer its employees?  Collaborate with other businesses to define the job skills and future trends the marketplace will demand of today's students as tomorrow's job pool.  A small commitment of time can make a big difference with young people who are faced with critical decisions regarding career choices.

As a member, what kind of time commitment should I anticipate?

The BEPAC Executive Committee understands the many time commitments upon working professionals like yourself.  Therefore, BEPAC adheres to a one-hour monthly meeting of its membership, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, usually at the Board of Education Administrative Offices.  Committee meetings for activity planning are held at the discretion of the committee in coordination with the chairperson.  BEPAC members are often invited and always encouraged to attend recognition ceremonies, public information releases or other special events.