We actively look for new partners every year.  Whenever we find and contact a new potential partner our strong preference is for them to come visit us after school, prior to joining in a collaborative venture.  This arrangement has proven to be the best way to start the relationship in a productive and mutually beneficial manner.  We meet, give a tour and explain what we do.  We ask for feedback about the program and brainstorm about potential additions or modifications.  Most recently, we invited local pet sitters in and have received great feedback on how to add aspects of this career to the curriculum.  We are using National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) materials in the course.  One of the Pet Sitters is acting as a contact for us with NAPPS and another has agreed to join our advisory panel.   

Besides the new partners, we have an advisory panel that meets periodically and provides explicit guidance about the program.  We discuss new initiatives and ask for suggestions on how to improve the program.   One example:  The panel advised us to add aspects of grooming to the curricula.  This is a legitimate career field and both classes have added "grooming competencies" to the official course competency lists.