Program: Ready to Learn - Ready to Work

Contacts:
Sue Bloom
Salem Chamber of Commerce
(503) 581-1466 ext. 308
sue@salemchamber.org

Kathy Moore
Salem Chamber of Commerce
(503) 581-1466 ext. 316
kathy@salemchamber.org

Throughout the nation, many students are graduating from high school unprepared for the real-life demands of the workplace and college. Salem-Keizer's Ready to Learn - Ready to Work program is bringing the school district, Salem and Keizer Chambers of Commerce and local employers together to bridge the gap and prepare graduates for success in the future. Ready to Learn – Ready to Work has quickly become a school-to-career community engagement model.  Hundreds of local employers are helping students understand the connection between their education and success in careers and college through job shadows, mock interviews, internships, workplace tours and classroom presentations.  A website, www.workandlearnnow.com, serves as a tool for employers, educators and students to access the program services.  Ready to Learn – Ready to Work was awarded the Oregon Department of Education’s 2008 Outstanding Community/School Partnership award.  The program also earned the attention of the US Chamber of Commerce, which featured the program in its March 2008 national newsletter.  Most recently, Ready to Learn - Ready to Work was selected as a regional winner for the 2009 Oregon Governor's Volunteer Awards in the Outstanding Volunteer Program category, and by the Western Association of Chamber Executives as an Outstanding New Program. With strong support of the business community, last year the program served 17,912 students. Partners donated more than 1,100 volunteer hours, equating to an economic impact of $20,281.

Please visit www.workandlearnnow.com

Thank You E3 Community Partners
Advanced Economic Solutions
Keizer Chamber of Commerce
Nielsen Manufacturing
Oregon Employment Department
PGE
Puentes Brothers
Roth's Family Market
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
Salem Hospital
Salem-Keizer School Board
Salem-Keizer Public Schools
US Bank
Ventura Foods
Wachovia