Houston, TX January 3, 2006

“YES YOU CAN” Career Day Co-sponsored and supported by
MBA Council of Houston and Project GRAD Houston

(Houston, TX)- The MBA Council of Houston (MBACH) sponsored and hosted its second “YES YOU CAN” Career Day on December 2, 2005 with support from Project GRAD Houston at University of St. Thomas (UST).  Seventy-five students from Sam Houston, Jack Yates, and John H. Reagan High Schools attended.  The purpose of the MBA Career Day is to help high school students understand what opportunities await them, the value of an MBA, and help them prepare for their future. 

During the half day event students heard from MBA Council professionals from a variety of careers and companies.  Speakers shared stories and experiences about the role of academic education in their career path.  The high school students used the information they gathered from the professionals to participate in a business case study.  The study was designed to help expand the students’ perception of the opportunities that await them.  At the close of the event, an admissions counselor and student leaders from UST made a presentation about college life.  They offered practical advice about the importance of a GPA, handling the pressure of studies, and balancing student life.

“The MBA Career Day was very informational and I feel excited about what I can do in my future.” says one attending student.

Scholarship Coordinators from Project GRAD and appropriate school personnel selected 25 students from each of the three high schools to take part in this event.  “Project GRAD is committed to offering opportunities for the scholarship students which will motivate them to write their own story, which includes obtaining a college degree,” said Paula Roe, Director of Scholarships, Project GRAD Houston.

“One of the core goals of the MBACH is to provide a venue for our members to give back to the community.  The “Yes You Can!” Career Day bolsters not only each student’s future, but our city’s as well.  To compete in the 21st century, Houston’s knowledge infrastructure needs improvement.  Outreach programs such as ours that connect students with role models make a difference,” said Sharon Duncan, Community Outreach Committee Chair of MBACH. 

More

Project GRAD Houston (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) is a non-profit Pre-kindergarten through 16 education reform model that provides additional resources to school districts including teachers, students and families. The Project GRAD model, developed in partnership with HISD over 10 years ago, now has over 150,000 participating students within 12 school districts across the country including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Newark.
For more information about Project GRAD Houston, please visit www.projectgradhouston.org

The MBA Council of Houston (MBACH) is an alliance of local MBA alumni groups from top U. S. business schools. MBACH provides a forum for members to share experiences, collaborate on events, and enhance networking opportunities.  For more information about the MBA Council of Houston, please visit www.mbach.org.
           
The member schools of MBA Council of Houston are: