HispanicBusiness

DALLAS, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New America Alliance (NAA), a national network of prominent Latino business leaders, announced today it will convene business leaders from the Latino and African American communities to address the pressing issue of public education (Pre-kindergarten through high school). The June 18-20 meeting in Santa Barbara, CA is to develop business-driven action plans focused on replicable and sustainable solutions addressing key factors that currently inhibit the academic achievement of Latino and African American students. Leaders recognize that, now more than ever, improved educational outcomes are critical to a vibrant and innovative workforce that will sustain the U.S.' leadership position in the global economy.

"Latino and African American business leaders recognize that there is no more important issue facing our communities, or the future of our country, than the proper education of our young people," said Carlos Loumiet, Chair of the NAA and Partner of Hunton & Williams, LLP. "The problems of public education hit our two communities particularly hard, and they cannot be addressed without the active involvement of those communities. Our business leaders, in turn, must step up and help in any way they can."

This unprecedented gathering will bring together, by invitation only, many of the nation's most prominent Latinos and African Americans in business, as well as other leaders in business, government, philanthropy and education. The NAA is reaching out to prominent Latino and African American business associations to partner with in this effort.

Participants and invited experts will review the state of the union of public education, public policy issues, and best practices to develop plans through which business can contribute to significant improvement in the academic achievement of both communities.

Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies will coordinate the academic planning, represented by Associate Dean Dr. Christopher Metzler, Ph.D. and Monica P. Hawkins, Core Faculty. Dr. Gilberto Cardenas, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame; Dr. Pedro Reyes, Ph.D., University of Texas; and Dr. Angela Valenzuela, Ph.D., University of Texas, are among leaders in academia who will lend their expertise.

Should anyone wish to submit a best practice in education for consideration, please email education@naaonline.org.

The New America Alliance (NAA) is a national organization comprised of prominent Latino business leaders united to promote the economic empowerment of the American Latino community through a focus on education, access and control of capital, leadership development and public policy.

http://www.naaonline.org/ New America Alliance

Web Site: http://www.naaonline.org/