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 continues to achieve great success with our three programs:
1 - We just celebrated 25 years of theBroome Leadership Institute Program (which began with the Chamber in 1988) in developing and educating our region’s future leadership, growing to 500 graduates. In Summer 2012, GBEOP received a grant from The Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundationto prepare a new generation of leaders for nonprofit board service, which will be incorporated into the 2012-2013 BLI Program.
2 - We continue to grow our Junior Achievement Program for our local schools in grades K through 12. JA has allowed business volunteers the opportunity to enhance our students’ education with a hands-on curriculum that integrates both real world and 21stcentury skills, and focuses on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. Over the last four years, we have offered 111 JA programs to over 3,000 students in all grade levels at 21 schools and one after school program. In fact, GBEOP’s hard work was recognized on June 27, 2012 by being named “Business Partner of the Year” by the Junior Achievement Central New York office in Syracuse – an organization we work very closely with on JA programs in Broome County.
3 -
We have organized four “Building Bridges” Programs. Through this seven week program, educators increased their knowledge of area employers, their needs, workplace trends and important skills needed for tomorrow’s future employees (their students). Since Fall 2010, over 75 educators completed the program, visiting 30 local companies and representing ten school districts and one community college.
Educators continue to praise the Building Bridges 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 donors, including:
Foundations:
Community Foundation for South Central New York
George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation
Joseph K. & Mariana S. Maloy Foundation
Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation
United Way of Broome County Venture and Special Assistance Grant
Corporate/Individual:
The Raymond Corporation Foundation
National Pipe & Plastics
Tioga State Bank
NBT Bank
State Farm Insurance – Frances Traficante
Columbian Financial Group
Michelle Jeavons
Michael Fosbury
Rockwell Collins
Geetha Nehemia
Shanise Kent
Lisa Kerns
Willow Run Foods
Joseph Stoner
Steven Gardner
Security Mutual Life Insurance Co. of NY
Emerson Network Power
ICS Solutions Group
Delta Engineers
Sall Associates
Doug Lukasik
John Sassani
Debra Morello
Jenae Schmidt
Sharon Yaple
Sue McLeod
Molon Labe – MEHS
Gold N’ Blue – MEHS
Kathy Sheehan
Sharon Yaple
GBEOP Programs:
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.
