Kimberly L. Sims
214-670-8315 or 214-405-9999 Cell

The City of Dallas, Allstate, Civic Group Team-Up for
Youth Entrepreneur Program
Program Enters Second Year

DALLAS, Texas - Councilmember Leo V. Chaney, Jr., the City of Dallas Youth Services Office and The Allstate Foundation, in partnership with the South Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc., and Family Forward will sponsor the second annual entrepreneurial program for Dallas area teens in the ninth and tenth grades this summer. The program, “Youth Today…Entrepreneur Tomorrow”, is designed to teach youth how to start and maintain a small business and achieve financial independence. The program consists of four education sessions, which are held May-August, an entrepreneur bazaar and a graduation ceremony.

“We recognize that today’s youth are our future,” explains Councilmember Chaney. “This program gives our youth the tools they need to be successful in the business world of tomorrow.”

The Allstate Foundation provided a $25,000 grant to support the program. “This program fits perfectly with The Allstate Foundation’s goal of supporting financial literacy,” says Allstate spokesperson Kim Whitaker. “The kids who participate in this program are ensured a head start on their financial future as they learn skills needed to be successful in future career and financial activities.”

Members of the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club will serve as facilitators of the educational component of the program; business owners, professionals, and leaders in the community will serve as mentors to the students and will provide real life experiences and guidance through the development of a business concept.

After developing business plans, participants will compete for prizes for the best business plan. The City of Dallas Youth Services Office (YSO) serves as a valuable resource to the community to advocate and support youth and their families in developing and maintaining strong, effective relationships in their communities.

The program is in need of mentors as well as mentees. For more information, to apply for the program or become a mentor, please contact the City of Dallas Youth Services office at 214-243-1575. Applications are also available online at www.dallascityhall.com and are due by March 28, 2005.

About The Allstate Foundation
The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Corporation. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity"; and "economic empowerment". The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream.

About the South Dallas Professional and Business Women’s Club, Inc.
The South Dallas Professional and Business Women’s Club seeks to promote and protect the interests of African American business and professional women; to serve as a bridge for young people seeking to enter business and the professions; to improve the quality of life in the local and global communities; and to foster good fellowship.

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