Connecting Activities is a statewide network organized through the sixteen MassHire Workforce Boards connecting employers and schools to support work-based learning and other career development education activities for students.
Connecting Activities is a state budget line item, formally called “School to Career Connecting Activities.” The term “Connecting Activities” comes from the National School to Work Opportunity Act, which described a career development system as a blend of “School-Based Activities” that happen in schools and classrooms; “Work-Based Activities” that happen in workplaces, and “Connecting Activities” that connect classrooms and workplaces.
Reading
· View PowerPoint: Introduction to Connecting Activities Webinar
· From the website: History of Connecting Activities (and 20th Anniversary PowerPoint)
· From the website: “Who’s on the Map” showing partner and member schools in your region and statewide
· Print or website: Most recent Connecting Activities annual report
Practice / Application Exercises
· CHART: With a colleague, draw a chart showing the organizations and individuals involved with Connecting Activities in your region.
· DATABASE EXERCISE: Open the database and navigate to the Reports/Admin menu. View and print a copy of the most recent Connecting Activities Work and Learning Performance Report for your region.
· DATABASE EXERCISE: In the Massachusetts Career Ready Database, view and print a copy of the “Database Checklist” report.
To learn more:
· Read the Connecting Activities RFR issued by DESE for the current program year to learn about the goals and requirements of the Connecting Activities initiative.
· Read your region’s Connecting Activities proposal (response to the RFR) for the current program year.