May 7, 2009
Louis Dale. Download image.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Minority Business Training and Development Program (MBTDP) has recognized 140 high school students for their participation in two UAB-based programs designed to help prepare them to enter college and plan a career.
The year-round UAB high school programs - the MBTDP Jefferson County Youth Transportation Program and MBTDP Youth Entrepreneur Steps to College Program - are held in six-week sessions and target Birmingham youth, particularly minorities and women. The students were honored at an awards ceremony Wednesday, May 6, at UAB.
"We want to help these young people think about and prepare for their future," said Ron Tanner, MBTDP deputy director. "This city is full of talented, intelligent young people. We are reaching out to those who need help realizing their potential. By bringing them on campus, we let them see what it's like to be at UAB and to envision themselves here."
At the same ceremony, UAB Vice President for Equity and Diversity Louis Dale, Ph.D., received a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding performance and lasting contributions to the MBTDP program, which is administered through his office. In addition, the MBTDP honored two area businesses that participated in the MBTDP Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive (DBE) Services program.
Youth Entrepreneur Steps to College Program
Students who participate in the Youth Entrepreneur Steps to College program on the UAB campus learn how to prepare for higher education, including SAT and ACT testing. Since its inception in July 2007, 100 percent of seniors participating in the program have passed all sections of the Alabama Exit Exam and 92 percent have gone on to college. Students also learn how to develop, propose and implement business ideas as well as teamwork and how deal with patent and proprietary issues. Students who participated in their high school program were from Ramsay, Wenonah, Shades Valley, Midfield, Fairfield, Clay-Chalkville and Shades Mountain Christian School.
Jefferson County Youth Transportation Program
The Jefferson County Youth Transportation Program (JCYTP) exposes youth to employment opportunities available in the transportation industry. This MBTDP program receives funding from the Alabama Department of Transportation. Students are introduced to the current and future needs of the industry and given guidance on what engineering and other programs are most helpful in plotting their career path. They attend classes at UAB for six weeks and visit area airports, automobile plants and rail stations to learn about various career options. More than 50 high school students representing Wenonah, Woodlawn, Huffman and Jackson-Olin high schools were honored at the ceremony for completing the program. In its latest initiatives the program has secured internships for 23 participants. In 2006, the JCYTP was awarded the Partners in Education Excellence Award in recognition of outstanding achievement, commitment, service and dedication to the Birmingham City Schools.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive (DBE) Supportive Services
This year's DBE winners are Wilkins Lawn Care, which received the 2009 Emerging DBE of the Year award; and Gully's Trucking Inc., which received the DBE of the Year award.
The DBE Supportive Services program was created to help increase the total number of minority firms participating in federal highway programs and to contribute to the growth and eventual self-sufficiency of minority firms. The DBE program provides technical and management assistance to minority and women business owners who are interested in doing business with the Alabama Department of Transportation. The services include workshops that cover topics such as finances, networking and marketing, and estimating bids.
About UAB
The UAB Minority Business Training and Development Program (MBTDP) is administered through the Office of Equity and Diversity, whose mission is to increase, retain and enhance faculty, student and staff diversity at all levels of the university and to ensure equity.