Schools learn to speak language of business

Through the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI), the schools are learning how to write strategic and marketing plans as well as how to interface with the business community.

The goal of the program, begun in 1992 in the Archdiocese of New York, is to attract business leaders to become partners with Catholic schools in order for the schools to become more self-sufficient.

Translation

Thomas Fitzgerald, assistant superintendent of the diocesan Catholic School Office, explained that prior to participating in LDI, a school administrator might not know the best way to speak with a potential benefactor.

"Now they know how to ask them to visit the school," he said. "They can get them in the building so that the [benefactor] can learn about the school."

Dr. Fitzgerald said if asked by a donor what the school needed, a principal might not have a clear idea of what to present. Hypothetically, he suggested the principal would suggest the school needs a $250 light fixture replaced. While the donor is willing to pay for this repair, he may actually have been prepared to replace all of the light fixtures.

Coordinated effort

The students play an important part in the success of the program. "They're essential," Mr. Krebbs said. "All the pieces are integral."

The youth, known as student ambassadors, are living examples of why the school is important to benefactors interested in becoming involved in the school.

Students' role

When a potential benefactor comes to the school and sees students flourishing, it becomes obvious that the school is doing its job effectively, he said. That makes the school an attractive place for a donor to give a gift or for a business leader to get involved.

Meanwhile, the students learn leadership, communication and public speaking, grant writing, and project planning skills.

"The student ambassadors become the spokespersons for the school," Dr. Fitzpatrick said. "This gives the student the opportunity to take a leadership role."

Assessments

Amina Mendoza, a seventh-grader at St. Casimir's Regional School in Albany, said, "It allows people to hear children's point of view as well as adults', and it gets children recognized."

The LDI training is already having an effect on eighth-grader Jasmine Viera from Christ the King School in Westmere. When asked about the grant project her school was working on, she demonstrated her communication skills by explaining, "We're trying to raise money to buy lockers for our school. The kids need space to put their belongings in. This will help give them responsibility and help the teachers keep the classrooms clean."

Nexus

Patricia Eldridge, principal of St. Brigid's Regional School in Watervliet, said LDI has helped her to look at school administration differently. Concerned in the past about how to solicit funds without looking like the school was asking for a hand-out, she now sees that there are people in her community who want to assist the school in its mission.

In the past three years, two scholarships have been established at the school that enable graduates to continue their education at Catholic Central High School in Troy. Another person came in one day and told the principal that she wanted to pay tuition for a child in need.

Mrs. Eldridge said if people are willing to do this without her asking for help, there will be others who will respond to the school's request for assistance.

The program has helped Mrs. Eldridge appreciate the role students play. "Children can be your best ambassadors," she said. "They want to bring people in to see what a great school they have."

(The schools involved in LDI include Christ the King School in Westmere, St. James Institute in Albany, St. Brigid's Regional Catholic School in Watervliet, St. Ambrose School in Latham, Saratoga Central Catholic School, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in Schenectady, and The Regional School at St. Casimir in Albany.)

(03-11-99) [[In-content Ad]]