2. Organizational features: The Industrial Information Institute for Education, Inc. was organized and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1947. Governed by a 27-member Board of Trustees representing business and industry. The four presidents of local colleges, representing the five counties served by the Institute, act as ad hoc trustees to the board. Board meets quarterly. Four committees comprised of more than 100 educators meet regularly to provide overall planning and program expertise for activities in the areas of science, guidance, and economic education. Officers: president, four vice-presidents representing geographic areas served, secretary and treasurer. Paid staff: Director and part-time clerical assistant.

3. Collaborative characteristics: Serves as a linking agent, a catalyst, and a program implementor. Almost all work is with elementary and secondary schools (public and private). School superintendents approve all activities.

4. Sources of leadership/membership: Local corporate leaders identified need for organization. Company representatives are drawn from the upper level of business/industry management. Schools Advisory Committee consists of more than 30 area school superintendents. Other volunteer committees provide school district leadership in each content area. Board members are generally the chief executive officer or plant manager of leading area industries and businesses. 

5. Occupational/technical education linkages: Emphasis is on economic education and understanding of private sector organizations. Extensive cooperation with career education, guidance, technical, and science curriculum developers and teachers.

6. Current activities/projects: Conducts 12 - 15 major educational activities each year. See summary of current year program.

7. Funding characteristics: Total operating budget of approximately $91,000, funded by member companies and local business-related foundations.

8. Contributions: May be made to Industrial Information Institute for Education, Inc., which is tax exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

9. Service area characteristics: The five-county Mahoning and Shenango Valleys area includes Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania and Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties in Ohio. All elementary and secondary schools (public and private) are served by the Institute.