DEAR HARRIETTE: I am interested in creating a partnership with my college and the local business that surrounds my school. I want to create a bridge between the two intuitions to help make future employment for graduating students in the field of their study. I am trying to figure out who to talk to and make this dream of mine come to fruition. I know it is a monumental task, but I believe it is possible. -- Building a Bridge, Manhattan, New York
DEAR BUILDING A BRIDGE: Theoretically, this is a great idea. One way to start is to figure out synergies. What type of employment opportunities does the local business have? Build a relationship with the business so that you are clear about what they would value. See if they would be open for internships as a start, leading to full-time employment. With that information in tow, go to your school administration with your pitch to build this relationship. If you have all of the information organized and available to review, you create the best opportunity for the administration officials to consider the option seriously. Once you pique their interest, suggest that you set up a meeting between the business owner and the school administrator to make the connection. If the meeting goes well, be sure to continue to be part of the process. Perhaps you can be the administrator of the relationship and receive a fee for your good work. Good luck!