FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 15, 2011
Contact: Jennifer Florendo or Tammy Shaw
Big Dream Marketing (702)792-2378
Jennifer@bigdreammarketing.com
Tammy@Bigdreammarketing.com
Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas
Local Nonprofit Organization Partners with Former NBA Player and Encourages Southern Nevadans to Join the Campaign to Inspire and Prepare Students to Succeed in Life
LAS VEGAS - Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas (TEOLV) partnered with former NBA player, and Las Vegas resident, Gary Payton to teach life and entrepreneurial skills to the young people in Las Vegas.
TEOLV is a nonprofit, after-school program that uses hands-on experience to help young people understand the business of life. In partnering with local businesses and educators, TEOLV teaches students how to own and operate their own business during the 25-week program.
They plan to take this to a national level and enlisted the support of Gary Payton, former NBA player and Las Vegas resident. He advocates this program and supports the organization whole heartedly.
"Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas is the most promising organization in Nevada. It has already had a huge impact on countless teens and the community it surrounds. If you are looking for a place for your teen to grow, this has it," says Payton.
Lydia High, founder of TEOLV, is no stranger to community programs; she has logged over 10,000 volunteer hours throughout her career. After moving to Las Vegas and researching the local education statistics, High realized that there were no programs designed like this to support students as they realize the importance of entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. High felt compelled to do something; she quit her job as a financial executive, withdrew her 401(k) and created TEOLV.
"I was excited about doing it. It was, and is, a little challenging, but I don't regret one moment. With today's economy it is important for the future of Las Vegas to emphasize entrepreneurial thinking," said High. "It's really exciting to see students take an idea they are passionate about and be able to turn that into something they own. It's great because it's the small businesses that are going to drive our economy back success."
The program currently serves 500 students, with a list of those waiting to enroll. It teaches young people life skills, critical thinking skills, reduces the high school dropout rate and increases academic performance. They learn innovation, marketing, publicity, promotion, negotiating skills, toastmaster skills and leadership.
The goal of TEOLV is to involve more businesses and members of the community to reach 10,000 students over the next few years. They cannot do it alone.
"We need the support of the community, support of corporate sponsors and everyone to be aware that this is an educational crisis for our children and the competition out there is fierce. Entrepreneurship empowers children to build a vision for the future. And for them to have entrepreneur education on their resume when looking for a job or scholarship is something that is definitely essential to success," says High.
About Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas: Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 by Lydia High. The 25-week program provides entrepreneurial education programs to young people. The program engages and inspires teens to understand themselves, their interests, abilities and to develop life skills, career and business opportunities. www.teolv.org
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For more information and interview opportunities with Founder Lydia high or graduates of the program, please contact Jennifer Florendo or Tammy Shaw at 702-792-2378 or email at: Jennifer@bigdreammarketing.com Tammy@bigdreamamrketing.com
Additional interview opportunities will be available with Gary Payton on Feb. 23 and 24. Please contact Jennifer Florendo or Tammy Shaw to arrange.
Contact: Jennifer Florendo or Tammy Shaw
Big Dream Marketing (702)792-2378
Jennifer@bigdreammarketing.com
Tammy@Bigdreammarketing.