Workforce Development Challenges - Education Survey To help the Santa Maria Valley Chamber better understand community challenges around workforce development, please take a few minutes and fill out the survey below. Question Title * 1. Name: Question Title * 2. Title: Question Title * 3. School/Organization: Question Title * 4. Email: Question Title * 5. Phone: Question Title * 6. Level of education taught: Elementary Middle School High School Community College 4 Year College Trade School Other (please specify) Question Title * 7. How often does your school engage with local businesses for educational purposes? Frequently (monthly or more often) Occasionally (a few times a year) Rarely (once a year or less) Never Question Title * 8. In what ways does your school currently partner with local businesses? (Select all that apply) Internship programs Job shadowing opportunities Guest speakers Field trips to businesses Career fairs Donations or sponsorships Other (please specify) Question Title * 9. What are the biggest challenges in establishing and maintaining partnerships with local businesses? (select all that apply) Lack of interest from businesses Insufficient time or resources to manage partnerships Difficulty aligning school and business goals Lack of communication or contacts Other (please specify) Question Title * 10. How effective do you believe these partnerships are in preparing students for the workforce? Extremely effective Very effective Neutral Ineffective Very Ineffective Question Title * 11. What types of businesses or industries do you think should be more involved in partnerships with schools? (select all that apply) Technology Agriculture Healthcare Manufacturing/Engineering Hospitality Trades (plumbing, electrical, etc.) Arts and culture Other (please specify) Question Title * 12. What specific activities or programs would you like to see more of through business-school partnerships? (select all that apply) More internship opportunities Enhanced job shadowing programs Regular guest lectures from industry professionals Collaborative project-based learning Mentorship programs Other (please specify) Question Title * 13. How satisfied are you with the support your school receives from the local business community? Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Question Title * 14. What resources or support do you need from businesses to enhance student learning and career readiness? Financial support (grants, donations) Access to equipment and technology Expertise and mentorship from industry professionals Opportunities for student work experience Other (please specify) Question Title * 15. How can businesses better support your efforts in preparing students for the workforce? (Select all that apply) Providing more internship and job shadowing opportunities Offering professional development for teachers Participating in curriculum development Sponsoring school events and programs Other (please specify) Question Title * 16. What are the key skills or qualifications local schools have identified as necessary for future employees? Question Title * 17. Do you feel that local businesses understand the challenges faced by schools in preparing students for the workforce? Question Title * 18. In what ways can the Chamber support our local schools in preparing students for the workforce? Question Title * 19. Any additional comments you would like to include? Done