Dimension 1 – Program Support

1. Instructional Support
   1. Describe how partners will determine requirements, expectations and preferences of current and future students to ensure the continuing relevance of the program, to develop additional support services and opportunities, and to create an overall environment conductive to learning and development.
      • Partners will participate in program design and decision-making.
      • Partners will participate in the identification of program focus/competencies.
      • Partners will work closely with instructional staff to facilitate alternative forms of instruction.
      • Students will be exposed to career opportunities in the IT field via discussions with Partners including:
        • Job shadowing
        • Field trips
        • Mentoring
        • Guest speakers
        • Internships
        • Community projects
        • Hosting students on company events
      • Partners will use performance data to identify opportunities for program enhancement/improvement.
      • Partners will assume responsibility for an adequate number of high quality paid summer internship environments.
      • Partners will provide input regarding ways to incorporate technology into the instructional repertoire of Academy teachers.
      • Partners will assist in drafting articulation agreements with other post-secondary educational agencies.
2. Support for Staff Development
   1. Describe how partners will provide Academy faculty and staff education, development and training support to achieve overall program objectives including building faculty and staff knowledge, skills and capabilities, and contributing to the overall high performance of the Academy program.
      • Partners will identify the skills/competencies that will form the basis for entrance requirements into the program.
      • Partners will meet with teachers to discuss curriculum and instruction issues.
      • Partners will assist teachers in identifying relevant industry information, related technology integration and current industry developments.
      • Partners will develop a strong relationship with NAF and Academy teachers in support of professional development.
3. Financial Investment
   1. Describe how partners will establish strategic financial objectives, which address key student and program needs and enhance overall program performance. Also, describe how partners will convert strategic financial objectives into action plans.
      • Advisory Board will meet regularly to generate a written, comprehensive strategic plan and budget.
      • Advisory Board will communicate with the school board the budgetary needs to sustain an exemplary program.
      • Advisory Board will work with the Chamber of Commerce, business and industry, and other groups to develop a fundraising plan.
      • Advisory Board will establish a formal fundraising committee to ensure adequate funding for the program.
4. Human Resource Investment
   1. Describe the human resource investment required by the program, and committed to by the partners.
      • Partners will make clear to their employees the expectation that employees will provide assistance and support to the Academy and will provide the necessary corporate resources.
      • Advisory Board will develop a partner recognition program that will include, among other things, press coverage of companies and their employees who support the Academy.

Dimension 2 – Advocacy

1. Individual
   1. Describe how Partner employees will advocate for and promote their involvement in the program, within the local community.
      • Partners will champion the Academy’s mission, values, expectations and relationship to NAF to all employees.
      • Partners will encourage employees to support the Academy with personal involvement and advocacy.
2. Organization
   1. Describe how partners will advocate and promote their involvement with the Academy and to other organizations in private and public venues.
      • Partners will be involved in Academy activities, including Advisory Board meetings, recognition and promotional events, and career related activities.
      • Partners will encourage and promote the involvement of their employees with the Academy internally and corporate involvement externally in their business, industry, and professional contacts.
      • Partners will advocate for the Academy and promote their involvement with governmental leaders and officials in public forums.