Coalition for Educational Success Announces Support for the Diversity Business Exchange
WASHINGTON—26 September 2011—The Coalition for Educational Success announced its support for the Diversity Business Exchange, a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase sourcing by minority- and women-owned businesses with private sector colleges and universities to 15% over the next five years.
Private sector colleges and universities educate more than two million students each year providing the skills necessary to meet the needs of the 21st century workforce. The sector employs over 300,000 men and women and continues to grow.
In announcing their support, Penny Lee, managing director of the Coalition said, “This year, private sector colleges and universities will spend in excess of $6 billion on goods and services necessary to support educating students. These services range from facilities management to campus security, text books, uniforms and many other categories. We are excited to support an organization that will create more opportunities for minority and women owned businesses to grow and create jobs both locally and across the nation. We encourage our membership and all institutions to become part of this important initiative.”
Chairman of the CBC, Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) said, “The Congressional Black Caucus is concerned about jobs and we are spending a considerable amount of time and effort to help the President create opportunities for the unemployed to secure jobs. However, we understand that we will never generate wealth by getting a job; we generate wealth by developing strong African American businesses. This historic agreement pushes us in the right direction.”
Representative Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) stated, “At a time when businesses are hurting and unemployment is high in our communities, the gradual insertion of up to $1 billion annually in the near future should boost minority and women business growth and increase jobs in our community. This is a much needed and timely economic, business and jobs boost.”
The Diversity Business Exchange was established with three priorities: to serve as a web based exchange where schools and businesses can connect; to share success stories so that others may follow; and to monitor institutional performance ensuring achievement of goals. It is chaired by Greg Calhoun, who brings a wealth of experience with diversity initiatives with major corporations like Coca-Cola, SUPERVALU and NASCAR.
Coalition for Educational Success
The Coalition for Educational Success includes many of the nation's leading career colleges. Career colleges provide training for students in 17 of the 20 fastest growing fields. The Coalition advocates for policies that support wider access to higher education, particularly for non-traditional students including full-time workers, workforce returners, working parents, minorities and veterans.
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