Area 1: Goals:

The Academic Business Connections (ABC) Luncheon Lecture Series supports student achievement through its alignment with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in many ways. Because of this unique luncheon lecture series, diverse segments of the community are brought together to work toward common goals. The primary goal is to allow educators, business leaders, community groups, parents, and governmental agencies the opportunity to network, develop partnerships and to increase and enhance opportunities for student achievement and preparation for life after high school.

The principal core curriculum content standard to which the luncheon lecture series relates is Career Education, Consumer, Family and Life Skills. Standard 9.1 states, "All students will develop career awareness and planning, employability skills, and foundational knowledge necessary for success in the workplace." Through networking and attendance at the luncheon lectures, educators are better able to make the authentic connections necessary to provide these requisite workplace readiness skills. Standard 9.2, which states, "All students will demonstrate critical life skills in order to be functional members of society," is addressed by presenters who speak to issues related to community service, parenting, media analysis, family development, financial matters, and mental and physical health.

In addition to Standard 9, the ABC Luncheon Lecture Series can also be related to technological literacy standard 8.2 which states "all students will develop an understanding of the nature and impact of technology, engineering, technological design, and the designed world as they relate to the individual, society, and the environment." Lecturers and participants routinely discuss the use of technology in the work place and in their personal lives and its impact in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and life altering capacities. All luncheon lectures are multimedia presentations designed to be shared with students.

Area 2: Activities:

The ABC Luncheon Lecture Series is a series of luncheon lectures, held several time each year, during which participants network, form and solidify relationships, share information, and have an opportunity to reflect upon and utilize information provided by recognized experts representing various professions. Lecture topics are selected by the participants and are aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Throughout the years, speakers have shared their knowledge, experience and insight with luncheon lecture series participants. The following table highlights the some of the lectures:

A group of approximately 15 individuals representing parents, educators, administrators, business people, government, and community leaders participate in the luncheon lecture series planning. The event, planned for 125 participants, has a substantial waiting list. Approximately 40 planning hours are required for each luncheon lecture.

Area 3: Outside Resources:

This vital partnership activity allows participants to attend networking activities, lunch, and the luncheon lecture free of charge. The luncheon lecture series is totally sponsored by business and industry. Their sponsorship is indicative of value placed upon the ABC Luncheon Lecture Series by the business community.

Some of the companies and organizations that have provided sponsorship include Commerce Bank, Commerce National Insurance, Bowman & Company, L-3 Communications, The Gibson-Tarquini Group, Express Personnel Services, DuBell Lumber Company, PSE&G, Square One, Hewlett Packard, Bill Wahl Supply, Inc., BF Molz Business Products, Camden Riversharks, Erial Concrete, LaMartinique Lanes, Morton Paint Center, NJ Carpenter's Association, Kane Steel, Trump Hotel and Casino Resorts, Big Sky Farms, New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, Mall Chevrolet, and the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Human Resources and speakers have been provided by Express Personnel Services, the New Jersey Department of Labor, Commerce University, Rutgers University, the New Jersey Council for Gender Parity in Labor and Education, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Area 4: Evaluation:

The value of the ABC Luncheon Lecture Series is evidenced by the sponsorship provided by the business partners and attendance by educators, students, government and public sector officials. Strategies and concepts learned and implemented by high school and college participants have benefited thousands of students. Career information provided to school counselors, parents and students has improved educational and career decision making.

Business and community leaders have expressed how the luncheon lectures have provided an opportunity to meet educators and better understand how New Jersey high schools are preparing students for continuing education and careers. Increased student, parent, and employer awareness of employment laws, procedures, and goals has allowed participants and the organizations they represent to gain much from the luncheon lectures. Evaluation instruments, completed by program participants, provide information used to measure lecture alignment with participant needs and effectiveness.

Area 5: Stability:

All major organizational components of the ABC luncheon Lecture Series are in place. The first luncheon lecture took place on March 13, 2003. The ABC Luncheon Lecture Series was preceded by the ABC Conference, which had been held annually since 1995. Due to suggestions from participants who wanted to meet more frequently throughout the year, the luncheon lecture series was developed.

Siobhan Kelly, Ed.D. is the luncheon lecture series coordinator and has been employed by the Camden County Technical Schools for 16 years. She is employed on a full time basis and directs school to career and business and community partnership activities. Funding for the ABC Luncheon Lecture Series is through sponsorship from local businesses and the school district annual golf tournament. Recruiting of companies takes place through an annual outreach drive conducted by the coordinator. Recognition of program sponsors takes place at each luncheon lecture and each attendee is awarded a professional development certificate.

Area 6: Endorsements:

The ABC Luncheon Lecture Series is endorsed by some of New Jersey's most prominent professionals. A summary of their endorsement is offered: