A Blueprint for Growth
Through an innovative four-way partnership between the Printing Industry Midwest (PIM), a private foundation, a local non-profit, and the public school system, PIM connects its members to the future.
In 2004, PIM joined forces with the Pohlad Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the region. The purpose of the partnership was to connect youth, ages 16 to 21, who might otherwise have limited career opportunities, with quality internships. The foundation would award PIM a grant to facilitate these internships. PIM would distribute the grant funds to members to help cover the costs of hiring these valued interns.
High Resolution Passion
“The Pohlads really have a passion for helping our region,” said Kristin Pilling-Davis, Education Director for PIM. “They saw us as a valuable partner in helping them carry out their mission in our area.”
A Large Scale Need
According to Pilling-Davis, the printing industry is the fifth largest employer in the state of Minnesota -and the second largest manufacturing employer. While professional development and training are keys to securing the industry’s future, few schools or programs exist in the state to train future workers.
“We saw an opportunity for our association to serve as the connector to help members secure and train these youth. In turn, they help groom the next generation of our industry professionals,” said Pilling-Davis.
Typesetting Results
In the first years of the partnership, PIM placed 35 interns with member firms each year. To drive program growth and place more interns, PIM has proactively and continuously reached out to the public schools; the community; and Achieve Minneapolis, the facilitators of the StepUp Achieve summer jobs program.
Today, PIM has more than doubled its number of interns to over 74 interns each year. Another positive result: members who participate in the program are highly likely to retain their PIM membership and enthusiastically support their association.
Duplicating the Process
- For other associations looking to launch a future-forward member initiative, Pilling-Davis recommends these steps:Find a partner to expand your resources. “Funding was and continues to be our biggest challenge,” said Pilling-Davis. “Our foundation partner helps to make this happen.”
- Secure buy-in. Pilot the initiative with a smaller group of members, and work to build a team of ambassadors to provide testimonials and case studies for future growth.
- Designate one or more team members to facilitate the process. These folks should be responsible for securing partnerships, promoting the initiative, and recognizing opportunity.
“This program is an extreme member benefit,” says Pilling-Davis. “It furthers our funder’s mission; it introduces our members to the next generation of industry pros; and we support the community by connecting kids with opportunities.”
Click for more information on the PIM Student Internship Program.
