Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP)
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce initiated the formation of a separate, non-profit, educational-based organization that better serves the needs of a dynamic 21st century economic environment. The Chamber received approval in September 2008 from the IRS to incorporate and launch a new, non-profit entity, called the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP).GBEOP's Mission is to "Build bridges between schools, businesses and leaders within the Greater Binghamton community to promote technical and professional career development for current and future workforce participants."
GBEOP recognizes that we need to continue to create a “talent pipeline” in our community through a business-education partnership. And we feel very strongly that GBEOP’s programs help to accomplish this goal.
GBEOP has achieved great success with our three programs over the last three years:
1 - We are celebrating 24 years of the Broome Leadership Institute Program (which began with the Chamber in 1988) in developing and educating our region’s future leadership.
2 - We initiated a Junior Achievement Program for our local schools in grades K-12. JA has allowed business volunteers the opportunity to enhance our students' education with a hands-on curriculum that integrates both real world and 21st century skills, and focuses on financial literacy entrepreneurship and work readiness. JA in Broome County has grown from 12 classrooms and 300 students in 2009 to 46 classrooms and nearly 1,000 students in 2010 and an additional 38 classrooms and over 800 students just alone in Spring 2011.
3 - We have organized three “Building Bridges” Programs. Through this seven week program, over 75 educators have increased their knowledge of 30 area employers, their needs, workplace trends and important skills needed for tomorrow's future employees (their students).
Educators continue to praise the program..."an eye opener"; "I always heard about the creativity and innovation in the Greater Binghamton area, but never realized what it really meant prior to visiting the business participants; "the importance of 21st century skills with an emphasis on math, science and technology at so many companies. We need to get our students to realize this!"
Our success would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors! We truly appreciate their financial and volunteer support of our organization, but most of all their belief in the mission of GBEOP.
A sincere appreciation to our current 2011 donors, including:
BLI is a very successful six month community leadership program for adult professionals that began in 1988. This county-wide program seeks to foster a network of leaders who are committed to understanding and improving the quality of living in our region. BLI graduates benefit from: enhanced leadership skills, a network of community contacts, an increased understanding and awareness of community issues and new friendships and working relationships. The program runs from September to March and accepts twenty members for each class.
• Junior Achievement (JA)
JA programs are dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA programs provide in-school and after school programs for students in grades K-12 that focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Students put these lessons into action and help strengthen our communities.
BB connects high school educators, administrators and guidance professionals with the world of work. This eight week program arranges for educators to visit various businesses in the Greater Binghamton area in order to increase their knowledge of area employers, their workforce needs and current workplace trends. At each site visit, the business representatives provide a formal presentation, a tour of the facility and a question and answer period. This is a facilitated program, in conjunction with Broome Community College, offering educators continuing education units for their participation.
