This paper describes a practicum designed to increase parent and business involvement in the educational experiences of students in grades 4-7 at a rural school in the southeastern United States. Teacher surveys and other data indicated that the students had very little experience or understanding of the business world in which they eventually would function. A review of the literature shows the importance of parental and business involvement, resulting in improved parenting, dropout prevention, and better occupational education. In this project, local businesses were solicited for both services and funding in forming better school partnerships. A local fast-food restaurant, a chain retailer, a manufacturer, and a hospital formed partnerships with the school's fourth-, fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-grade classes, respectively. A local bank donated funds for a school reading center. Parental involvement was increased by encouraging students to seek parents' help on homework, providing parents with a handbook on adolescents' problems, and holding four parent meetings. Success of the program was measured by keeping records of the meetings and by logging perceptions of the business partnerships. Field trips to partnership businesses were perceived to have helped students learn about employment while raising businesses' commitment to education. Parents also seemed receptive to the program. At the meetings, parents discussed new involvement skills and adolescent problems. The document recommends further partnership work and growth of the program. A list of 27 references is included. (TES)