Businesses & Schools Transforming Education

Business Volunteers Unlimited Maryland (BVU) is seeking school and business partners to join our PENCIL Partnership Program, bringing resources and expertise into Baltimore public schools and transforming the learning experience for students. 

How do we define a PENCIL Partnership?

A partnership is a relationship between a school/principal and a business leader (or business team) that lasts a minimum of one school year. Successful partnerships set goals and strategically develop projects and initiatives to have a measurable impact in one of more of the following areas: developing strong leaders, building school capacity, or enhancing the learning experience for students.

What is the process for participating?

Business leaders are asked to apply for the BVU PENCIL Partnership Program by scheduling a conversation with a BVU staff member. School principals schedule site visits including a needs assessment conducted by BVU staff.  Matches are then suggested based on the resources of the business and the needs of local schools. Once matches are made, businesses leaders and schools receive preparation materials including relevant background and contact information.

What does a partnership entail?

Business leaders/teams and principals/school staff have the freedom to determine the structure of their collaboration: the time and resources they are willing to commit, and the method and frequency of communication and involvement that will be most effective.

How does a business leader/team benefit from a partnership?

A school-based partnership enables business leaders and teams to invest in the future of Baltimore; provide an opportunity for employees to share skills and expertise to make a difference in student success; to receive recognition of company efforts in the community; and to become part of a local network focused on improving our city’s public education system.

How does a school benefit from a partnership?

A principal has the opportunity to bring a wealth of resources into his/her school through involvement in a partnership including: access to new networks; access to a diverse set of skills and expertise; expanded opportunities for students; professional and leadership development for staff; and curriculum enhancement opportunities.

How does BVU support partnerships?

BVU assists partners in the development of an Annual Partnership Plan, provides project ideas and partnership models, functions as a liaison and coordinator between partners, and offers ongoing technical assistance to maximize partnership efforts.

How to get started?

Business partners and schools can begin the process of applying for a partnership by filling out our application. Once on the page, click the “Start a PENCIL Partnership” button, choose Baltimore as your location and click either the Business Partner Application or School Application button.  Then hit Continue and follow the instructions. Or, contact BVU today to learn more about the program and how you can get involved.

Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) is working in partnership with Pencil, NYC, to help develop the strongest partnerships.