Reggie Van Lee Donates $70,000 to Youth About Business

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Youth About Business (YAB), a national nonprofit organization that offers core business education to high school students from underserved communities, announced today the receipt of a $70,000 donation from Reggie Van Lee, an executive vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton. Van Lee is supporting Youth About Business and their effort to launch the Building Brighter Futures Campaign, a three month fundraising campaign ending May 31, 2012 to support YAB's Summer Business Camp program, infrastructure development and other leadership programs where students learn about the world of high-level corporate finance through merger and acquisition simulation camps.

"In a 24/7, work-obsessed environment, we often forget our humble beginnings, which is a detriment to future generations that struggle to overcome daunting obstacles to make something of their lives," said Van Lee. "I look back at my achievements in business and life and know none of it would have been possible without the help of the people who cared enough to make a difference in my formative years.  Now it is my turn to return the favor by supporting Youth About Business because of its ability to help underprivileged students break out of a cycle of dependence and neglect."

Van Lee added, "Growing up, there were people and groups who made a profound difference in my life. They were instrumental in exposing me to situations and experiences typically reserved for the privileged and providing opportunities that allowed me to pursue my passion and dreams. It allowed me to achieve my potential – something every youth in this country deserves but is too often denied."

"High school students from diversity backgrounds are rarely given the opportunity to learn about and pursue a career in business while companies struggle to build healthy pipelines of diverse talent," said Samuel Kirk, Executive Director, Youth About Business. "Reggie Van Lee's generous contribution will assist the organization's national growth and enable more high school students to experience the world of business and entrepreneurism through our interactive business camps held across the country."

Van Lee concluded, "As responsible corporate citizens, I believe it is our civic responsibility to support those that need us the most. Future generations of business leaders depend on it."

About Youth About Business

Youth About Business is a leadership-training program for youth in underserved communities that aims to introduce high school students to the world of business and finance.  Founded in 1992 as a project of Creating an Environment of Success (CES), a Tennessee based 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, YAB offers multiple programs that provide entrepreneurial and leadership training to high school students in Chicago, Houston, Memphis, Nashville, and New York. Additional information about YAB can be found at http://www.youthaboutbusiness.org/ or at http://www.facebook.com/YouthAboutBusiness.

SOURCE Youth About Business