The Chamber’s 

Franklin Initiative 

  

2008 Annual Report 

February 5, 2009   Dear Community Partner,  On behalf of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to present this report on a very exciting and busy year for the Franklin Initiative (FI).  It is our way of updating Chamber members, partners, and the community at large on the major activities and events of 2008.   At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we believe that better business leads to a better community.  As a program of the Chamber, FI lies at the heart of this principle by improving career opportunities for youths and offering unique, meaningful volunteer activities for community members.    2008 brought tremendous growth and many positive changes.  With the help of several major new sources of financial support, we were able to add talent to the FI team and offer expanded in‐school programming.  At the same time, core FI programs have continued and, in many cases, have been improved upon.   Thank you to all the volunteers, financial supporters, education professionals, Chamber staff, and community partners who make these accomplishments possible.  Without your commitment, Franklin Initiative could not have the positive impact described on the pages to follow.  If you would like to find out more about the Franklin Initiative, about FI volunteer opportunities, or other ways to support our efforts, please contact us at the Chamber at  (812) 336‐6381.  We would be pleased to speak with you about these important and highly effective educational initiatives.   Sincerely,    Jim Whitlatch, Chair          Matt Wysocki, Franklin Initiative Advisory Council      Director of Workforce Initiatives

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2008 Annual Report

The Franklin Initiative is a program of

the Greater Bloomington Chamber of

Commerce. The Chamber believes

that Better Business Means Better

Community, and the Franklin Initiative

resides at the heart of this principle.

The mission of the Chamber’s Franklin Initiative is to facilitate

partnerships and programs between the education and business

communities that increase student engagement and, therefore,

student achievement by providing real world connections linked

with information about future careers.

The Franklin Initiative promotes workforce development by

helping youths consider how their decisions today will affect

them tomorrow, and by connecting them with educational and

employment opportunities that will position them for success.

The Franklin Initiative also provides meaningful volunteer

opportunities for businesses that are committed to improving the

local workforce by helping youth succeed.

The Chamber’s Franklin Initiative is incorporated in the State of

Indiana as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.

Therefore, financial contributions to the Chamber’s Franklin

Initiative are fully tax deductible and are directed solely toward

the meeting the mission of the Franklin Initiative. Please contact

us if you would like more information about how to support the

mission of the Franklin Initiative.

Franklin Initiative Volunteers

The Franklin Initiative depends on the commitment of more than

300 volunteers. These dedicated individuals perform a variety

of tasks, such as staffing tables at the Reality Store, delivering

career presentations as part of the Speaker’s Bureau, serving

as academic and career mentors, serving as members of the

Franklin Initiative Advisory Council, providing internship/ job

shadowing opportunities, helping out at events, and in various

other capacities. THANK YOU to all our dedicated

volunteers!

Education Partners

Support from schools and school staff is critical to Franklin

Initiative’s success. Thank you to all the teachers who have

enthusiastically embraced Franklin Initiative’s in-school

offerings, such as the Speakers Bureau, Reality Stores,

internship placements, and other resources for schools. Thank

you also to principals, counselors, and administrators who

collaborate in so many ways with the Stay In School Counselors

to reduce the high school dropout rate. Your continued support

is critical to our future success.

Franklin Initiative Staff

It takes a talented and qualified team to coordinate all the

different people, programs, and initiatives that are connected to

the Franklin Initiative. The Franklin Initiative also benefits

immeasurably from the dedication of these individuals to the

mission of improving future prospects for area youth.

Franklin Initiative Office Staff Matt Wysocki, Director of Workforce Initiatives mwysocki@ChamberBloomington.org

About the Franklin Initiative

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Franklin Initiative Advisory Council Members: BACK ROW(L‐R): Dennis Morrison, Ron Walker, Ray Stoddard, Brenda Mclane, Cindy Kinnarney; FRONT ROW(L‐R): John West, Joyce Poling, Kimberly Ripley, Carol Gardiner.  NOT PICTURED: Jim Whitlatch, Leslie Green, Claire King, Mike Shipman, Danise Alano, Chris Gaal, Richard Rampley, Susan Stein 

Carol Kelly, Program Coordinator ckelly@ChamberBloomington.org Olivia Smith, SPEA Service Corps Fellow osmith@ChamberBloomington.org

Franklin Initiative Stay In School Counselors Patty Goldman, Edgewood Stay In School Counselor pgoldman@ChamberBloomington.org Rebecca Rose, BHS South Stay In School Counselor rrose@ChamberBloomington.org Shaina Smith, BHS North Stay In School Counselor ssmith@ChamberBloomington.org

The Franklin Initiative Advisory Council

The Franklin Initiative Advisory Council is a true coalition of

public, private, and education sector representatives who

provide invaluable support and guidance.

Private Sector Jim Whitlatch, Bunger & Robertson (chair) Leslie Green, Stone Belt Cindy Kinnarney, Regions Bank Kimberly Ripley, Bloomington Hospital Ray Stoddard, Cook, Inc. Ron Walker, BEDC John West, F.C. Tucker/Bloomington, Realtors Alisa Wright, BioConvergence Education Sector Carol Gardiner, RBBCSC Claire King, Indiana University Brenda McLane, Ivy Tech Community College Mike Shipman, MCCSC Public Sector Danise Alano, City of Bloomington Mayor's Office Chris Gaal, Monroe County Prosecutor Joyce Poling, Monroe County Commissioners Richard Rampley, Indiana DWD Susan Stein, Indiana Workforce Development Thank you to all our volunteers on the Advisory Council.

Without your involvement, the Franklin Initiative would not be a

success. You are truly making a difference!

Reality Stores

The Reality Store is a fun simulation that helps local 7th and 8th

graders connect academic achievement with the kind of lifestyle

they envision for themselves after graduation. Students are

assigned salaries based on their actual GPA. Then, they

proceed from table to table (staffed by Franklin Initiative

volunteers) to buy housing, transportation, food, insurance, child

care, etc. Leftover money can be used at the pets, electronics,

and vacations tables.

During the 2007-2008 school year, Reality Stores were

organized at all four local middle schools: Batchelor, Edgewood,

Jackson Creek, and Tri-North, reaching a total of 1,000 seventh

and eighth graders. In follow-up surveys, students consistently

report having a greater appreciation of the importance of grades

and education, as well as of the many challenges, complexities,

and opportunities they will face as adults.

Franklin Initiative Programs

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The Franklin Initiative would like to thank all of the more than

150 volunteers who donate their time and enthusiasm to make

Reality Stores so successful. Special thanks also to the many

local businesses who encourage their employees to participate

during the work day.

Speakers Bureau

A wide variety of local professionals volunteer their time to

speak to junior high and high school students during career

days in the local schools as part of the Franklin Initiative

Speakers Bureau. By doing so, they give students a glimpse of

what it’s like to be a working adult, and help students connect

their education to possible future careers.

In 2008, a total of over 50 volunteers participated in classroom

presentations and career day events in area schools, for a total

of 60 presentations to about 500 students.

16 volunteers participated in ‘mock interviews’ at North

High School, allowing students to practice their interviewing

skills and review their resume with an actual professional.

250 students at Edgewood Junior High heard multiple

career presentations by professionals including such

diverse fields as law enforcement, aviation, respiratory

therapy, law, human resources, property management, and

many others.

12 volunteers representing various careers in the life

sciences each made a presentation to science classes at

Bloomington High School North to help students connect

their education with the many career possibilities in science

after high school.

During the Fall 2008 semester, four volunteers made

career presentations to classes at Bloomington High

School South.

High School Employment Fair

On May 6 the Franklin Initiative held the area’s first employment

fair exclusively for graduating high school seniors who are not

planning to attend college. 20 local employers from a range of

industries were present to provide information about full-time job

opportunities to more than 70 students looking for full-time work

after graduation.

Students came prepared with copies of their resume and a

universal application form to give to employers. In the months

leading up to the event, students were prepared by Franklin

Initiative’s Stay In School Counselors on such skills as filling

out job applications, preparing for an interview, and getting the

“What if I just eat macaroni and cheese every day?”  Tri‐North 8th

graders decide how much they can afford for food this month at the groceries table at the Reality Store.  

Edgewood middle school students listen to a panel presentation about career opportunities in the life sciences. 

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The Stay In School Partnership

most out of a job fair. Many students achieved WorkKeys Gold

or Silver certification during the school year, giving them an

extra edge in their job search.

Numerous students reported finding jobs as a result of the

event. Thanks to all the local employers who took a chance on

this first-ever event and provided this valuable experience for

area graduates. Special thanks to the Community Foundation

of Bloomington and Monroe County for their generous financial

support for the 2008 Employment Fair.

Early College Mentors

In Summer 2008, Franklin Initiative partnered with MCCSC

schools to recruit and train 50 mentors as part of the MCCSC

Early College Program at BHS North and South.

Early College students are first-generation, low income, or

minority ninth graders who have a desire to go to college and

may be eligible for Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program.

They are challenged with rigorous courses with additional

support and will take some college classes while completing

their high school requirements.

Students participate in special tutoring and study groups and will

regularly attend activities at Ivy Tech and IU. Early College

students meet with their adult mentors the first Friday of the

month over lunch to talk about their career and college plans.

The purpose of the Franklin Initiative Stay In School Partnership

(SISP) between the schools and the business community is to

increase the graduation rate among students who are identified

as being at risk of not graduating. Franklin Initiative Stay In

School Counselors (SISCs) are trained professionals who

meet one-on-one with referred students to identify barriers to

graduation, and then help them overcome those barriers. Such

assistance takes many forms, including regular meetings,

academic advice, alternative programs, home visits, in-school

advocacy, and referrals to other service providers when

necessary. Each SISC has a caseload of 40-50 students, all

of whom are referred due to low GPA or credit attainment,

serious attendance problems, and/or recurrent behavioral

issues.

In July, the US Department of Education awarded a grant of

over $1 million to the Monroe County Community School

Corporation to address youth alcohol use. One facet of this

project is the introduction of the Reconnecting YouthTM

curriculum in the high schools.

Reconnecting Youth is an evidence-

based curriculum, a unique one

Deb Meader from Big Brothers & Big sisters of South Central Indiana assists in an orientation for Early College Mentors. 

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semester class that teaches troubled youths how to manage

emotions, control or eliminate substance abuse, develop self-

esteem, and improve interpersonal skills. The DOE grant

provides funding for the Franklin Initiative’s SISCs to

continue working with at-risk high school students and to

provide follow-up support both during and after the

Reconnecting Youth semester.

2008 was a momentous year for the Stay In School Partnership.

On November 7, AT&T announced a four-year, $200,000

award to the Franklin Initiative to support the SISP. Through

this generous support, the Franklin Initiative was able to expand

the SISP to include a dedicated

SISC at each large high school

in Monroe County (BHS North,

BHS South, and Edgewood).

Additional major funding for the Stay In School Partnership in

2008 came from the following sources:

City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor: $15,000

Monroe County Community School Corporation:

$13,000

Richland Bean Blossom Community School

Corporation: $5,000

The Chamber would also like to

recognize a grant from the US

Department of Labor in the

amount of $75,000 over 2 years,

which expired in June, as well as

a 2 year grant of $85,380 from

Indiana Office of Community and

Rural Affairs which supported the

Edgewood Stay In School

Counselor through 2007, 2008

and into spring 2009.

WorkKeys® Training and

Testing

Stay In School Counselors also

offer WorkKeys® testing, as well

as preparation for the test using

KeyTrain®. Developed by the

ACT Corporation, WorkKeys® is

a standardized assessment of

proficiency in three areas: reading

for information, locating

information, and applied

mathematics.

Students who do not plan to

pursue a college degree after

graduation are encouraged to

prepare for and take the test.

Achieving WorkKeys® silver or

gold certification gives students

an edge when they begin looking

for a full time job, and helps them

stand out at the Franklin Initiative

Employment Fair at the end of

their senior year.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: 

  

Students reflect on their experience  with the Franklin Initiative 

Stay In School Partnership: 

   “[The Stay In School Counselor] helped me see that I had lots of alternatives to dropping out, and that if I can just get through the next couple of years I have a very bright future.  By visiting with her regularly I got the encouragement and information I needed to see my potential and get back on track.”  ‐D.A., BHS South junior     “Thanks to the Stay In School Counselor, I received my diploma . . . . for anyone who thinks they can’t graduate, I’m proof that you can, and there are lots of people who are there to help.”  ‐ S.P., 2008  Edgewood HS graduate 

AT&T Indiana President George Fleetwood (center) delivers a check for $200,000 to Franklin Initiative Advisory Council Chair Jim Whitlatch and Chamber Board Chair Doug Bruce. 

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A number of local employers actually require WorkKeys®

certification. WorkKeys® and KeyTrain® are made available to

the Franklin Initiative at no cost through the Indiana Department

of Workforce Development and

Bloomington WorkOne office.

Each year the Chamber’s Franklin Initiative recognizes

excellence in teaching and educational programs for

outstanding contributions to education. This event, held at the

Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center on November

12, was a shining success, with more than 240 attendees.

In addition to nine Outstanding Educator Awards, Franklin

Initiative awarded Leading Light Awards to four programs for

providing outstanding service and dedication with innovative or

exemplary programs that enhance our education community.

Lifetime Achievement Award Sue Talbot received this

distinction in recognition of her outstanding dedication and

commitment to the field of education throughout her career.

Leading Light Awards. For outstanding service and dedication

with innovative or exemplary programs that enhance our

education community:

Monroe County CAPE Program Teacher's Warehouse Project Lead the Way Youth Outreach

Outstanding Educator Awards. For outstanding service and

dedication to the field of education, fellow educators, and

Monroe County youth:

Bevo Muehling, 1st Grade Teacher at Lakeview Elementary Brittany Klein, Special Education Teacher at North High School Catharine Rademacher, Theater Director at South High School

Elena Veach, English Teacher at South High School Greg Marchant, MCCSC Director of Social Work Jean Schick, Science Teacher at North High School Karen Nasstrom, RBBCSC Forest Hills Marcus Debro, North High School Melissa Pogue, Director, The Edge Alternative High School

Educator of the Year Awards Sponsors. We also thank the

generous contributions from our sponsors, without whom the

event could not be as grand or successful year after year.

Event Sponsors

Table Sponsors

AT&T IU School of Education BEDC Ivy Tech - Bloomington Bloomington Hospital Monroe Bank Bunger & Robertson Regions Bank F.C. Tucker/OBR Realtors Rogers Group Garden Villa SIHO IU Credit Union Technology Service Corp

8th Annual Educator of the Year Awards

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Carol officially retired from the

Franklin Initiative in Spring 2008,

but her positive impact on

Bloomington and Monroe County

will continue for many years to

come.

Carol guided Franklin Initiative

through times of uncertainty while

capitalizing on opportunities. She will be remembered for

fostering positive relationships between the education and

business communities, cementing community support for

Franklin Initiative’s core activities, and for securing the financial

resources necessary for success.

Carol’s greatest contributions, however, came by way of the

Nurturing Each To Success (NETS) process, which she

initiated in response to sharp increases in the MCCSC dropout

rate. A community-wide process involving more than 60

participants on eight ‘solution teams,’ the purpose of NETS was

to identify students at risk of failure and develop specific

interventions to reduce the dropout rate.

The Stay In School Partnership grew from the NETS process,

and Carol was able to secure funding to establish Stay In

School Counselors at high schools in both districts. Today,

because of her vision and dedication, the Stay In School

Partnership is helping high school students throughout the

county to obtain their degree and prepare for life after

graduation.

Carol’s impact will perhaps not be fully appreciated for decades,

as the students she impacted grow up to realize their potential

and achieve their personal aspirations.

In 2009 the Franklin Initiative will benefit from continued strong

partnerships with the education community and continue to build

on the successful programs already well-established.

Reality Stores in all four public middle schools are already

underway. This year will bring increases to the number and

variety of Speakers Bureau career presentations, including at

least three career days in three different schools and expanded

use of Franklin Initiative volunteers as guest speakers in

classrooms.

On the dropout prevention front, the coming year will bring full

implementation of the Stay In School Partnership in all three

large high schools in Monroe County. As the number of

students enrolled in Reconnecting Youth continues to grow,

Franklin Initiative will provide expanded career education

offerings tailored to the at risk population.

The Employment Fair for Graduating Seniors is planned for

late Spring 2009. The Franklin Initiative will also begin to

seriously explore ways to provide mentorship opportunities for

Carol Maloney’s Legacy 

Looking Ahead to 2009… 

Carol Maloney (left) accepts a special recognition from Monroe County Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Tim Hyland (right) and Richland‐Bean Blossom Community School Corporation Superintendant Steve Kain (center) at the 8

th Annual Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony 

on November 12, 2008. 

  Page 8 

    

students, particularly for those on the Stay In School

Partnership caseload.

Other initiatives will include the following:

Assisting existing efforts to increase access to continuing

education, as well as financial aid, for lower income

students about to graduate from high school,

Convening a summit for agencies and individuals who work

with high school students at risk of dropping out to promote

collaboration and awareness

Strengthened efforts to keep at-risk students engaged in

their education and their future during the summer months.

Continuing to provide high quality resources and support

for teachers and schools that are striving to include

community involvement in education.

Finally, we look forward to again recognizing the best of the best

educators and programs at the 9th Annual Educator of the

Year Awards, to be held in November 2009.

In conclusion, thank you again to all the staff, volunteers,

sponsors, financial supporters, and community partners who

come together through the Franklin Initiative to ensure a brighter

future for the next generation.

For more information about the Chamber’s Franklin Initiative, please contact Matt Wysocki, the Chamber’s Director of

Workforce Initiatives, at mwysocki@ChamberBloomington.org or by calling the Chamber at (812) 336-6381