In what is an annual example of a chamber connecting its members to the community in a way that both will benefit, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey’s foundation began its South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators this week.
The three-week program will see 15 teachers from Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties tour 18 top regional companies. The group will participate in three panel discussions, and engage in activities that explore key economic concepts and business issues related to workplace readiness.
CCSNJ CEO Christina Renna said the program provides teachers an opportunity to get a bird’s-eye view of South Jersey businesses and an inside look at issues affecting the region.
“The institute is a unique approach to addressing the readiness of the future workforce by exposing area teachers to the South Jersey economy, and the skills, traits and characteristics businesses look for when hiring employees,” she said.
The educators will spend time at Campbell Soup Co., Rowan University, Resorts Casino and Subaru of America.
Participants will earn 100 hours of professional development credits and receive a stipend of $2,000, along with all materials and transportation to and from tours.
And, to make it the ultimate next-gen project, Renna said educators are challenged to develop lesson plans to incorporate these issues into the classroom.
The program will conclude with a graduation celebration July 27 at Adelphia Restaurant & Events. Dana Redd, former mayor of Camden and CEO of Camden Community Partnership, will provide a keynote.
The following regional businesses are serving as sponsors:
- Atlantic City Electric;
- Bancroft;
- Campbell Soup Co.;
- Coperion K-Tron Pitman Inc.;
- Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC) 825;
- Five Below;
- IPAK;
- Jefferson Health;
- LAN Associates;
- Lockheed Martin;
- M&T Bank;
- Mannington Mills Inc.;
- NJM Insurance Group;
- Orbia/Vestolit;
- New Jersey American Water;
- Paulsboro Refining Co. LLC;
- PNC Bank;
- PSEG Nuclear;
- Radwell International Inc.;
- Ravitz Family Markets;
- Rizzieri Aveda School;
- Rowan University-Rohrer College of Business;
- South Jersey Gas;
- Stono Public Affairs;
- Subaru of America Inc;
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
