The Partnership for Successful Schools is an independent, nonpartisan organization that works to provide realistic and practical programs and approaches that help communities, schools, and employers to focus their energy on efforts to improve schools. Based in Kentucky, the organization was the brainchild of the executives from the three largest employers in Kentucky namely, John R. Hall, former Chairman and CEO of Ashland Inc.; David A. Jones, Chairman and CEO of Humana Inc.; and Oz Nelson, former Chairman and CEO of UPS.

Established in 1991, the founders invited 50 other Kentucky leaders so they can altogether make a 10-year pledge to promote successful implementation of education reform and since then, the Partnership has continually worked to foster the improvement of schools, recognizing the vital link that should be maintained and sustained among businesses, schools, government and the economic development.

The mission of the partnership is to achieve increased student achievement, high academic standards, a more highly skilled workforce, local accountability, advanced technology, accurate student performance assessments, and support from parents and communities by increasing public awareness on educational reform and its importance, leading business initiatives that would attend to the challenges of reforming schools, and encouraging everybody in the community to get involved in education.

The Partnership for Successful Schools carries out a number of programs to realize their mission.

The Kentucky Scholars Initiative is a statewide collaboration between business and community representatives and the middle and high school students in conducting classroom conversations and orientations to prepare students for landing good jobs and for the challenges that they would face in the workplace.

Other programs include the Kentucky Scholars Course of Study which offers students an effective guide to prepare themselves for a better life after graduation; “One to One: Practice Reading with Students”, a comprehensive reading program; business initiatives such as Business Connections for Excellence in Education and Principal Peer Exchange Network; teacher support including professional development and linking teachers through information-mentoring; and community involvement such as school board work and welcoming schools.

Additional Projects of the Partnership for Successful Schools:

Verizon Foundation Awards $250,000 to Partnership for Successful Schools.

Partnership for Successful Schools resources for Professional Development.