esigned to establish a vital link between academic performance and future employment opportunities, School Counts! delivers a clear message to all high school students not only to pursue strong academics, but that their overall performance will also be evaluated by institutes of higher education and prospective employers. The School Counts! program, administered by the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, is modeled after a national initiative launched through the National Alliance of Business, “Making Academics Count.”

Program Overview
The School Counts! program begins with in-class presentations to high school students by the School Counts! Speakers Bureau, members of the business community and area employers who volunteer their time to help educate high school students on workplace issues. Students are informed of various industry salaries, education required for specific occupations, skills desired by employers, and the relationship between academic performance and success in the “real-world.” At the conclusion of each academic year, certificates valid only for the current academic year are issued to 9-12 graders recognizing the completion of the program criteria during the year.

Certificate criteria

• Obtain a “C” grade or above in all academic courses
• Achieve a 95% or better attendance and punctuality record
• Complete (or be on the road to completing) high school in eight (8) consecutive semesters
• Take (or be on the road to taking) more than the minimum graduation requirements

• More higher education possibilities after high school
• More opportunities for professional employment
• Enhances academic performance on college applications
• Shows employers reliable, conscientious, and hardworking students

• Sends positive messages to students that high school performance is important
• Potential to reduce turnover rate and training costs
• Speaking opportunities at area high schools
• Listed on the School Counts! Employer Honor Roll
• Organization posted on the National Alliance of Business Honor Roll