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their own families, but also to the opportunities that will be available to their employees' families. Furthermore, businesses that anticipate drawing employees from the local population will be concerned with the skills and capabilities of employees who have been educated in local schools. Finally, as reflected in the EDAC vision for San Leandro, the ability to support a quality local school system is an important goal in and of itself for the community. Action 4.1: Encourage Three -Way Interaction Between City, Schools, and Businesses to Enhance the Quality of Local Education The priman objectives of this action are to provide local schools with access to private sector resources and expertise, and to identify appropriate opportunities for the local educational process to be made more responsive to the needs of businesses. City Economic Development staff have already undertaken a very positive step towards linking local businesses and schools by establishing a Schools to Work pilot program. through which a group of local high school students will be emploved in local companies during the summer in conjunction with specialized work preparedness curriculum developed b\ the San Leandro School District. In addition to seeking to expand this pilot program. there are ample opportunities for the City of San Leandro to encourage additional partnerships between local businesses and schools. These include activities such as providing volunteers from the business community to mentor students. providing technical assistance and/or business tours and demonstrations as a means of enhancing classroom learning experiences, providing business representatives opportunities to provide input to school curriculum decisions. and encouraging professional exchanges between educators and business people. Roles and Responsibilities. Economic Development staff should continue and expand efforts in this area, including initiating similar programs with the San Lorenzo School District and local private schools. The Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association should take an active role in recruiting local businesses and business representatives to become involved in these types of projects. Prioritv: HIGH Costs and Sources of Funding. The Citv's costs for participation in this program will be primar'I% in -kind staff time for coordination and facilitation, likely LOW. on an on -going basis. Regarding implementation costs for specific new projects that may be established as a result of these interactions. the goal of this action should be to utilize resources volunteered by businesses wherever possible. with in -kind resources also contributed by the schools: however. depending on the City's level of participation specific new projects. annual costs could rise to MEDIUM or greater. 57 2 6'