Department: Business Development/Community Outreach      Contact: Mark Tapp 210-410-0873

Department: Marketing/Community Outreach       Contact: Karen Wiest 210-410-5907

Community Involvement

The job of educating students is the responsibility not only of those who work for the schools, but those in the community of our schools and the community-at-large. Southwest Preparatory School’s Partners in Education program seeks the meaningful involvement between our schools and the community.

Community is defined as the individuals, the businesses and the organizations which are a part of our society. The partners in the community can provide much needed resources for our schools that are not available in our limited operating budget. Our school programs become stronger when they are enriched by the expertise, the involvement and the interactions between the schools, individuals, businesses, and the organizations around us.

Benefits of Becoming a Partner

Southwest Preparatory School is dedicated to making lasting relationship with its business partners. The term “partners” indicates a reciprocal arrangement whereby, as the community assists the schools, the schools in turn assist the community. Ultimately, if the schools are producing a better product at graduation, the community benefits from well-educated, well-skilled young citizens.

Who Can Participate?

Our partnerships are made with various retail, restaurant, government, civic and non-profit organizations. The SWPS Partners in Education Program brings together the resources, talents, and services of the business community to schools to enhance the education of our youth.  Participating in the Partners in Education Program is easy. Businesses are asked to complete a profile and needs assessment to determine what type of partnership businesses can offer and what benefits the business would like in return. Forms can be accessed through the Director of Development.

Types of Partnerships

Monetary Donations - Monetary donations are the most needed type of partnership. Monetary donations include grants, gift certificates, coupons and/or participation in planned giving through “The Sword and Shield Society.” 

In-Kind Donations  - In-Kind Donations are contribution of time, service or goods made by donors to help support the operations of SWPSD. Examples include but are not limited to copying, office equipment, office/meeting space, printing, professional services (CPA, attorney, etc.), refreshments. 

Volunteerism - The Partners in Education Program strongly encourages business partners to volunteer with school events and activities. Business partners can serve as mentors, helpers, readers, judges, and participate as on campus, District committees, and/or as Board Members. All business partners are required to complete a “Volunteer Registration” form for a background check. 

 Community Education- Community Education presentations are a great way to get important information out to the students, families and the community. Presentations have been made on nutrition, careers, college, financial aid, arts, and programs to supplement curriculum.  

Event Sponsorships -The Partners in Education Program is always looking for sponsorships for specific events and programs. Business partners can provide event and program sponsorships through participation in the annual “Fore the School” Golf Tournament through title and/or hole sponsorships, donations of product, money, and specific items requested for the Silent Auction, or volunteerism.  Southwest Preparatory School District will credit sponsorships through recognitions and praise at meetings and the Annual Partners in Education Recognition Breakfast.  

 Student Employment - Business partners can provide employment to qualified students in order to participate in the foundation of a strong community and a healthy workforce. In return, students learn marketable skills, earn money, receive potential scholarships and acquire skills and experience related to their career objectives.  To ensure student work based success, Southwest Preparatory School establishes strong links between job training and related instruction which includes frequent informal and formal evaluations of the student’s work based progress by the teacher and business partners with feedback and follow-up to improve performance.