What is BEPAC ?
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
- 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.