2R5 Building Collaborations and Partnerships Results

• Summary results of measures (include tables and figures when possible)
• Comparison of results with internal targets and external benchmarks
• Interpretation of results and insights gained

Summary Results of Measures AND Comparison of Results with Internal Targets and External Benchmarks

Southeast Tech’s results for aligning and building collaborations and partnerships are provided below:

Employer Survey “Relationship” Results:  Key to its success is the Institute’s relationship to employers of its graduates. Employer relationships help the Institute build stronger programs through program Advisory Committees, service on the Institute’s Council, input through events such as the sector breakfasts, and ohter Institute support. Southeast Tech’s Employer Survey asks employers of our graduates to rate Southeast Tech on their relationship with the Institute.  As shown in Table 2R5.1, based on a five point Likert scale, Southeast Tech receives siginifcantly high marks ranging from an average of 4.05 up to a high of 4.18 and a current 4.16.  Considering that the Institute has had over a 33% to 44% return rate over the years, the results are impressive and indicate the strong partnerships Southeast Tech has developed.

Career Connections Membership:  While Southeast Tech is pleased with the overall results of its Relationships measure, the survey instrument does not challenge the Institute to increase its partnerships and collaborations.  In December of 2015, Southeast Tech launched its Career Connections, a software package the Institute is using to better communicate and partner with its external stakeholders.  Career Connections not only allows members to connect on workforce issues (such as post jobs 24/7, sign-up for Career Fairs, and recruit students directly through public resumes), Connections also allows members to sponsor a student or develop a scholarship, rent Institue facilities, register a complaint or a suggestion for improvement, request training from the Institute, request tours or speakers to attend their work site or their school, and receive communication updates from the Institute regarding Institute happenings and upcoming events.  By increasing membership, Southeast Tech is increasing its partnerships and developing stronger community relationships.  From the initial start in December 2015 to May 2017 (Table 2R5.2), Southeast Tech has increased its direct company connections by 970 (95% increase), individual memberships from 1522 to 2219 (46% increase), student membership to 1,271 (11 times the December 2015 count), and increased current job postings from 194 to 548 (182% increase).

While the results are impressive, building collaborations and partnerships is a main focus of the Institute’s current Strategic Plan (4P2); therefore, the Institute has set high Career Connections targets to be met by the end of the Strategic Plan.  In Summer 2017 the Institute will be developing actions to meet that target, including more sector breakfasts, company and industry mailings, outreach to high schools, etc.

High School Student Dual Credit Enrollments:  A key focus through our partnerships with regional high schools has been our dual credit enrollment opportunities. This initiative has grown significantly since the state began providing funding to offset the cost to high school students, who now pay only a fraction of the per credit charges.  Table 2R5.3 shows the impact the reduced charges has provided, with high school student enrollment in the fall semesters rising from 24 students in 2012 to 162 students in 2016. Southeast Tech has now met its target of 140 students and will continue with that target for one more year before determining if a new target should be set. 

High School Dual Credit Graduates Attending Southeast Tech:  While providing higher education opportunities to high schools is a great partnership opportunity, Southeast Tech would also like to see dual credit high school seniors continue on at Southeast Tech upon graduation.  Table 2R5.3 provides the percentage of these seniors enrolling in Southeast Tech the following fall semester.  In 2014 this number dipped to less than 90% of the target; therefore, Southeast Tech increased its efforts to recruit these students.  Results in 2015 were once again above target, but the Institute is leaving the target at 25% until enrollment results from the fall 2016 students is available.

Interpretation of Results and Insights Gained

Southeast Tech believes the Institute has only scratched the surface of what can be accomplished with its Career Connections memberships and high school partnerships.  The significant growth in companies and individuals wanting to join the Institute as Connections members and partners has been overwhelming, showing the community need for the services and graduates the Institute provides. Through its new Strategic Plan (4P1, 4R1), which has as a major theme building relationships and partnerships, the Institute is now striving to meet those needs.