Education's MVP: Public-Private Partnerships

Lu Johns-De La Garza
Former Education Policy and Programs Intern, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Published

August 13, 2024

From Friday night lights to college lecture halls, my journey as a student from rural Texas to the education team at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has shown me the incredible potential of collaboration with business to improve our education system. The private sector can partner with school districts to improve student academic achievement, build essential social-emotional skills, and help students gain industry-specific skills and knowledge needed in the local community before they graduate. A properly prepared workforce starts with well-rounded students, and public-private partnerships have been an essential tool to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.

Communities from Chattanooga to Coachella Valley are already scoring big with innovative partnerships, but the majority have not bridged the public-private gap. These partnerships present an exciting opportunity for communities across the U.S. to join the game.

Education Systems 4th Quarter Comeback

School districts across the country need a Hail Mary. According to the 2022 PISA results, the U.S., which once boasted one of the best school systems in the world, now ranks 26th in math, sixth in reading, and tenth in science. Approximately half of students are on grade-level in reading and math. More than 50% of first-year college students need remediation in English, math, or both.

The looming fiscal challenges will only further constrain districts. During 2020 and 2021, the federal government provided an unprecedented investment of nearly $190 billion to elementary and secondary schools for pandemic recovery efforts. While research shows that this investment did contribute to academic recovery, these funds were unequal across the country and did not come with the tracking requirements necessary to determine which interventions led to the highest results. The deadline to spend or allocate this money by September 2024 combined with declining district enrollments and slowing state revenues points to looming widespread budget shortfalls. In short, districts need help.

The Game-Changing Solution: Public-Private Partnerships

These conditions make it crucial for communities to consider how all stakeholders can work together to ensure children are mastering the projected in-demand skills of tomorrow's workforce. These collaborations can be beneficial for all involved, fostering innovation and collaboration and creating win-win-win scenarios for schools, businesses, and the community, offering:

Benefits to Students:

Insights into Future Workforce Needs: Businesses can provide up-to-date industry knowledge and resources, giving students a clear picture of evolving career landscapes and in-demand skills. This real-world relevance increases student engagement and demonstrates a positive correlation with improved attendance rates and academic achievement as students see the direct connection between their education and their future.

Benefits to the Community:

Bridging the Skills and Opportunity Gap: Partnerships create a direct pipeline of skilled workers , aligning education with industry demands while opening new doors for learners. Through collaborative curriculum development, work-based learning opportunities, and access to cutting-edge technology and other resources, these partnerships help attract and nurture top talent.

Case Study: The Dallas Cowboys & Their Best Season Yet

Frisco Economic Development Corporation

In the last decade, the city of Frisco, Texas has grown exponentially; it was named the “most successful city in America” by Zippia, the “fastest-growing city” in 2016-2017 and the 8th largest numeric population increase between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021, per the U.S. Census. One of the key drivers for the city's growth is its exceptional school district, receiving consistent "A" ratings from Texas Education Agency (TEA). Frisco ISD is an education destination that families search for. From 2022 to 2023 STAAR results show Frisco ISD’s student achievement is ahead of its peers, with 76% of students performing at or above grade level in reading, math, science, and social studies, 24% higher than the state average.

However, like many school districts across America, Frisco ISD is grappling with budget constraints, leading to a deficit-based approach to spending that ultimately affects student resources and opportunities. Budget constraints means that Frisco ISD struggles to keep up with the rapid pace of growth in the city.

But like most places in Texas, Frisco lives and breathes football, and a partnership between Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys is breathing new life to the school district. In 2016 the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD, Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC), the Frisco Community Development Corporation (FCDC), and The Dallas Cowboys broke ground on one of the most successful public-private partnerships Texas has witnessed. Soon after, the Jones Family brought Ford Motors into the partnership by bringing The Star to Frisco, Texas. The Ford Center, also referred to as “The Star”, serves as the practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys and located adjacent to the world headquarters, serves as a versatile venue, hosting a wide array of events including Frisco ISD football and soccer games, band competitions, national research competitions, high school graduations, media and videography classes.

Access to the Ford Center at The Star offers students a unique opportunity to experience professional-grade facilities and equipment. Athletes can train using the same resources as NFL players, while those interested in media production gain hands-on experience through videography and media classes, providing work-based learning in a state-of-the-art environment. When students feel invested in by their community, they can envision and create a future that once seemed out of reach.

“Public-private partnerships are the secret sauce of success in our community… legacy projects are very challenging to bring to life if funded from just rooftops or property tax revenue; however, public-private partnerships allow our city to dream big and do even greater things together than alone.”

- Frisco Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tammy Meinershagen

It’s More than Friday Night Lights

When schools experience budget cuts, extracurriculars are often the first to go. However, student engagement is higher when students participate in extracurricular activities, as these experiences not only enhance classroom performance but also foster essential life skills including social development, character development, and community involvement.

Public-private partnerships produce well-rounded educated students prepared for success in the workforce and in life by creating hands-on opportunities and applicable skills. It is time for our civic and business leaders to team up with our schools to produce innovative solutions that properly equip our workforce of tomorrow. Successful public-private partnerships strengthen our communities and build a comprehensive and competitive workforce.

By providing students with the innovative resources and opportunities, we equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in tomorrow's economy.