MasterCard Employees to Contribute Time and Talent to Help Students
Achieve Success
Jul. 20, 2011 (Business Wire) -- MasterCard Worldwidetoday announced a $1 million grant to the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to support entrepreneurship education programs geared toward middle and high school students in low-income communities across the United States.
The MasterCard grant will support NFTE's core U.S. school-based youth entrepreneurship program that provides hands-on learning and classroom lessons on mathematics, analytical skills and management and planning. MasterCard employees will also have an opportunity to get involved as volunteer educators, helping to create digital "master classes" that teachers across the world can access on-demand to supplement their daily lessons.
MasterCard's commitment also extends to supporting the NFTE University, a comprehensive suite of technical assistance and professional development programs to equip teachers to be more effective. This includes support for NFTE's digital teacher network and in-person events, as well as NFTE's annual Global Enterprising Educators of the Year Awards.
"Our support of NFTE and its inspiring programs expands MasterCard's commitment to empower today's youth to realize successful futures through entrepreneurship and educational empowerment," said Patricia Devereux, group head, Corporate Philanthropy & Citizenship at MasterCard Worldwide. "NFTE teaches students the fundamentals of becoming financially independent by keeping them on a path to high school graduation and, in some cases, running their own businesses. We are delighted to help fuel their path to success."
Building a Foundation for Students' Future Success
NFTE is a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a pioneer in using entrepreneurship education as a key lever for unlocking the potential of at-risk youth in low-income communities. As the centerpiece of NFTE's program, students create and present an original business plan based on their own special interests and talents. As students progress through the course, they participate in a variety of activities, including field trips to local businesses, buying/selling events, competitions and mentorships with local community business people.
Over the past two decades, more than 350,000 NFTE graduates have been taught the fundamentals of becoming financially independent by running their own businesses.
"In its daily business activities and corporate philanthropic commitments, MasterCard is uniquely positioned to support our mission to promote the entrepreneurial spirit in America's youth," said Amy Rosen, president and CEO of NFTE.