Crenshaw High School has reached
a partnership agreement with the non-profit R.E.I.S. Foundation of
Los Angeles to implement the WBE.Net Global Internet Trade Course
for Students at the South Central-area school. The decision follows
last week's student protest (2/21/01) over the lack of programs and
resources that equip the students for success following graduation.
The announcement was made today by Roosevelt Roby, Founder of the
R.E.I.S. Foundation and Chairman and CEO of the World Business Exchange
Network (www.wbe.net).
The import-export trade program, which brings technology, progressive
education and entrepreneurial training to the classroom, will begin
at Crenshaw High School during the 2001 school year. All proceeds
generated by the students during the course will go directly to
the school's scholarship program.
"I was immediately touched by the students of Crenshaw High and
their call for better educational resources," stated Mr. Roby. "The
REIS Foundation is committed to preparing our youth for the future,
to closing the digital divide in America and empowering all our
students - especially those from disadvantaged communities -- with
real entrepreneurial training. Our mission is to provide an equal
opportunity to all who strive for economic and personal success
in life." The new WBE.Net international trade curriculum will be
integrated into the Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
Development program already in place at Crenshaw High under educator
Maynard Brown. "We are dedicated to giving our students a quality
education and exposing them to innovate new ways of learning," commented
Principal Travis Kiel. "I am very excited about the World Business
Exchange program and believe it's a perfect fit for us. I am most
impressed about it's potential and what it could do to give our
students the resources for success they deserve."
The WBE.Net Global Internet Trade Course for students was adapted
from data and educational resources provided by the World Business
Exchange Network, a leading international trade association on the
Internet. It is the only on-line teaching, training, resource and
consulting program related to international trade. WBE.Net is a
unique "turn key" program that helps individuals establish their
own home-based business in international trade and provides step-by-step
instructions on how to become a successful export agent. The program
provides coaching on everything from establishing and organizing
your own home-based business, to export strategy and advice, market
analysis, product selection, distribution channels, pricing, methods
of payment, export regulation, customs benefits, tax incentives
and more.
The WBE.Net Global Internet Trade Course, which is approved by the
Los Angeles Unified School District, has been credited for turning
former gang members into model students. It motivates students by
integrating their basic school studies such as economics, math and
geography, with new technology skills and business experience they
can use in the real world following high school. It also shows them
how to cooperatively work in a group, how to improve their written
and oral communication skills, about setting up a home-based business,
the vital importance of world trade on both the United States and
the global economy and about emerging technology.
The course was first installed in February, 1998, at Alain LeRoy
Locke High School, located in the Watts Community of South Central
Los Angeles, when it was among the 100 Worst Schools in Los Angeles.
Following the course, the school reported a dramatic upgrade in
student attendance, grades, self-esteem, motivation and behavior.
Today, Locke High is now considered one of the most progressive
schools in the nation.
Through the R.E.I.S. Foundation, the WBE.Net course is also installed
throughout
Los Angeles at King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine & Science,
Mid-City Charter Magnet School (K-12), Men's Central Juvenile Hall,
David Starr Jordan High School, and COBA Saturday Success Academy.
In addition to spearheading all business activity for the World
Business Exchange Network and all philanthropic efforts of the REIS
Foundation, Mr. Roby also serves as the Founding Chairman of the
International Trade Sub-Committee of the Minority Business Opportunity
Committee (MBOC), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce and
the Los Angeles Mayor's office. He also served as an advisor to
local MBOC officials, and to the late US Department of Commerce
Secretary Ron Brown. He has been hailed by former President Bill
Clinton, California Governor Gray Davis, Los Angeles Mayor Richard
Riordan and others for his innovative curriculum and his dedication
to increasing the awareness of international trade opportunities
through the Internet to the disadvantaged and minority sectors of
society.
Through the R.E.I.S. Foundation, Mr. Roby is avidly working with
private individuals, corporations, public institutions and political
leaders to expand the international trade curriculum to schools
nationwide.