What is Corporate Connections?  Grand Park Corporate Connections engage and promote “school-business partnerships” that aims to ensure student success.  The term "school-business partnership" is distinguished from the "adopt a school" concept by the fact that a true school-business partnership is not an inner-city program geared toward helping only disadvantaged students. The present focus of school-business partnerships is on investing in and improving the overall educational system, meeting school and district goals, and aiding community development as well. 

What Kinds of Partnerships Exist?

The types of partnerships that are formed between a school and a business depend on what each party hopes to achieve. The objectives of each party will determine whether the type of partnership will be directly involved in the overall school program or whether it will be indirectly involved, or involved in just a specific area of the school program. Some school-business partnerships are only partnerships in the sense that both parties wish the relationship be as uncomplicated as possible. In this kind of partnership the business might provide funds and equipment for the school program while the school might reciprocate by publicly giving credit to the business.  Grand Park’s business partnerships (as well as Faith-Based Partnerships) have donated in-kind contributions, and job-readiness resources, and facility usage for the past several years that have been invaluable.

GPEC Business Partners

• The Ritz Carlton/Amelia Island

• Family Dollar (Kings Road)

• Gate

• Subway (Kings Road)

• Papa John Pizza (Arlington)

• Piccadilly’s (Southside)

• Doherty Enterprises (Applebee’s)

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts)

• Sam’s Club

• Olive Garden (Regency)

• Office Depot/Office Max (Regency)

• Moe’s (Regency)

• Panera Bread (Regency)

• Pollo Tropical (River City/Regency)

• UF Health – University of Florida Health)

• JAX-USA Partnership (Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce)

• Sonny’s BBQ

• KFC - Kentucky Fried Chicken (Regency)

• Firehouse Subs (Southside)

• Car Spa (Regency)

• Honey Baked Ham (Regency)

• Staples (Town Center)

• Longhorn Steakhouse (Arlington)

• University of Phoenix

Faith-Based Partners

• Central Baptist Church

• Light of The World Christian Church

• Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist

• The Olivet Church –Lake City, FL