In a melding of academia and industry, the City of Phoenix invites local business and community leaders to step into the shoes of school principals as part of its annual Partner with a Principal program. Participants will collaborate with educational leaders from September 9 through October 18, gaining firsthand insight into the school’s operations. According to Phoenix.gov, the initiative aims to strengthen the connection between schools and the local business community.
Last year witnessed the development of 61 partnerships. Grand Canyon University staff joined forces with Bernard Black Entrepreneur Academy and Tomahawk Elementary School under the program. "At GCU we are always looking at ways to provide outreach to our community, so we jumped right on board when we heard about the 'Partner with a Principal' program," Dr. Carol Lippert from GCU, cited the enthusiasm shaped through collaborative efforts, told Phoenix’s Education News. The exercise is designed for local leaders to grasp the inner workings of K-12 education while exploring future collaborative opportunities.
Providing a financial backbone to educational progress, the W. P. Carey Foundation has made a $25 million commitment to enhance the W. P. Carey School of Business's real estate programs at Arizona State University. This generous move, detailed by ASU Newsroom, marks the Foundation's lifetime contributions to over $100 million. The investment supports the creation of a novel undergraduate program, the expansion of the W. P. Carey Center for Real Estate and Finance, and the introduction of a hands-on learning lab, all expected to commence in fall 2025.
"For decades, the real estate industry has been a central component to the economic development engine that drives Arizona," ASU President Michael M. Crow said in recalling the integral role of real estate in the state's growth. Meanwhile, dedicated roles are being established to unite the academic and commercial sectors. An innovative executive director role will bridge these communities, supported by the Foundation's new endowment which will be helmed by distinguished faculty, as per ASU's press release.
Business on the academic front intersects with philanthropy in a synergistic relationship, a trait echoed by Ohad Kadan of the business school. "A true partnership goes beyond just a monetary transaction, as it has to be rooted in a shared vision, goals, and values," Kadan expressed, acknowledging the depth of the collaboration bolstered by the W. P. Carey Foundation's commitment. The initiatives at ASU parallel the theme of partnership evident in Phoenix's community engagement through education, a testament to the dynamic interplay of business acumen and educational leadership.
