A collaboration of the South Bend Community School Corporation and The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County.

Helping our Children; Helping our Community’s Future.

Children who can read at their respective grade levels are more likely to stay in school. And children with positive, mentoring relationships receive a level of support essential to their development. Kids that stay in school are kids with brighter futures. And communities with bright, stable children are communities with bright, stable futures.

Partner Up! is a joint venture of the South Bend Community School Corporation and The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, formed to link businesses with schools to bring positive influences to children. With just one hour of volunteer commitment each week, a student’s learning landscape can be forever improved.

Why Get Involved?

When a company or organization adopts a school, it does more than offer an employee’s time and energy. It gives hope and help to children who live amongst us. Companies that become involved are saying in a loud voice, “We care about the future of our community, and we’ll do what we can to help.” Partner Up! positions a company as community-oriented and value-driven, inspiring other businesses to take part.

Through Partner Up!, a participating business is linked with a South Bend Primary School. Employees of that company then volunteer to read to or mentor a child. Businesses allow their employees one hour a week paid time away to visit their child at school.

The positive effects are felt on both sides of the partnership. Employees are bolstered by their company’s decision to take a stand on something important. And they receive the personal benefit of becoming friends with a child who appreciates the help he/she receives.

What will be Asked of the Volunteers?

When an employee becomes a mentor or reads to a child, he/she joins family, friends and teachers who have already dedicated themselves to that child’s future. After completing a helpful training session, volunteers will be partnered with a child at the company’s adopted school.

Volunteers are asked to commit to one year and represent an affirming, positive influence in the life of the child.

Where do I sign up?

Call 574.283.8088, or send an email to partnerup@sbcsc.k12.in.us to learn more about getting your company or organization involved in the Partner Up! program.