THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION...

• (Click here to jump to FAQs For High School Grads) 

What is a Partner Company?

A Partner Company advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion. Partner Companies offer a one-year entry-level professional role to Shine 365 Professionals who have the right skills to succeed.

Why should my organization become a Partner Company and offer a one-year professional role to a Shine 365 Professional?

Our workforce diversity can only change if we widen the existing talent pool for professional roles. With an expected talent shortfall and a need to increase the diversity of the talent pool within organizations in the U.S., there is a unique opportunity to select high performing high school grads for professional roles. When you become a Partner Company and hire a Shine 365 Professional there are key benefits:

• You will revolutionize your workforce: encourage a new set of skills; encourage next generation of a diverse talent pool; invest in – and learn from - the talent of tomorrow.
• Build a pipeline of talent: Deeper talent pool to source for diversity; Assess next generation workforce talent while they work for you; Invest and build the skill sets early that you will need for tomorrow.
• Strengthen your reputation: “walk your talk” as an inclusion role model make a meaningful local impact toward the global social movement; Share your successes and your commitment in your internal and external marketing (to customers and candidates)

How do you select Partner Companies?

The Shine Collective established selection criteria to ensure we collaborate with Partner Companies who are committed to our mission. The criteria include:

• Inclusion & Diversity Officer leading a robust Inclusion & Diversity Strategy
• Investment in the Communities in which they operate to elevate their workforce
• Culture of performance, development, coaching, and disruption (dedicated person/team for Shine 365 professional)
• Adequate funding for the program (salary + benefits, tuition reimbursement)
• Commitment to CEO Action, a coalition of over 1,000 CEOs committed to advancing Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace 
• Commitment to hiring low-income & diverse workers (e.g., New York Jobs CEO Council)
• Close proximity to JAG NJ schools 

What is my role as a Partner Company?

• Partner Companies hire a talented high school graduate (called a Shine 365 Professional) in professional roles for a one-year duration. 
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to develop skills, build a network and start a rewarding career
• Compensate the Shine 365 Professional with salary and benefits commensurate with the role and level of experience

What is the financial commitment for a Partner Company?

Partner Companies are asked to budget for salary and benefits commensurate with the role and level of experience. In addition, Partner Companies may choose to allot additional budget to support ongoing learning and development (e.g. tuition reimbursement). Partner Companies are also required to supply technology, materials and workplace space required for success in the role. 

Additionally, Partner Companies contribute $10,000 per student. This contribution will go entirely to supporting high school graduates in The Shine Collective program.

How else will you use my financial contribution?

Any contribution—grant or individual donation—will go entirely to supporting high school graduates and their experience with The Shine Collective, particularly during the 10-Day Intensive Learning Experience. Examples include:

• $100: Buys 4 business books for one Shine 365 Professional
• $150: Covers public transportation costs for one student for the 2-week intensive learning
• $250: Candidate "Job Readiness" Training, Critical First Resume and Interview Prep
• $500: Guest Speaker Workshops to build networks and core career skills
• $1,000: One Shine 365 Professional to attend "Time to Shine" and build confidence and courage

What if our policy is to reimburse tuition only after the first full year of employment?

The decision to reimburse tuition is at the Partner Company’s discretion. There are other ways to foster learning and development including internal company training programs, on-the-job learning and exposure to other areas of the company. In addition, Shine 365 Professionals are required to participate in The Shine Collective’s 12-month First Fridays program to continue developing 5 Core Skills.

Where can I learn more about the students and their background? 

The Shine Collective is partnering with Jobs for America’s Graduates New Jersey, a state chapter of the nation’s largest high school dropout prevention program. You can Meet The Future here.

What skills will the Shine 365 Professional bring to my Company?

To meet the high demands that Partner Companies have of entry-level talent, The Shine Collective is committed to helping Shine 365 Professionals develop 5 Core Skills to be successful in the workforce: Understanding Business Acumen, Be a Team Player, Manage Your Time, Establish Workplace Presence, Communicate & Listen.

• Before the one-year placement begins: High School Graduate Applicants will be required to complete "Time to Shine," The Shine Collective’s Intensive Learning Experience, a 10-day interactive session. Applicants will get to participate in realistic workplace simulations aligned to the 5 Core Skills and be responsible for completing tasks and projects on deadline. 
• During the one-year placement: Shine 365 Professionals will continue to develop the five Core Skills through The Shine Collective’s 12-month First Fridays program, which includes e-learning, reading, presentations as well as a recommendation to consider post-secondary courses that may further career advancement.
• Throughout the year: Company Partners will provide on-the-job and experiential learning as well as e-learning and internal training, as appropriate.

What are the main objectives of the "Time to Shine?" 

• Create a 'bridge' between what is learned during college, prior to starting a career
• Build confidence in ability to succeed in a professional role (relationships, comfort with the work environment, team members)
• Create an understanding of the day-to-day realities & ways of working, as well as more inspirational aspects of work
• Start habit building on day 1 (e.g., speaking up, feedback, note taking, checking for understanding)
• Build skills in a safe environment, create safety, opportunities to practice
• Develop a Proactive personality

What are the main objectives of the 12-month development journey?

• To continue building the 5 skills
• To reinforce learnings from the 2 weeks
• To reinforce proactive personality
• To build community with the cohort, create safe spaces to learn and to speak up on challenges
• To provide just-in-time learning opportunities based on continuous feedback around learning needs

What happens after the one-year placement?

If you are pleased with the performance of the Shine 365 Professional, we would encourage you to extend an offer for longer-term / full-time employment. If you are not, we would be happy to discuss where we can better support and ensure you have the best talent in the future.

How can I stay in touch with The Shine Collective?

Follow us on LinkedIn (@The Shine Collective) and Instagram (@theshinecollective_org).