Overview
What the Statistics Say
According to a Nov. 2006 Gallup Poll, 4 in 10 residents of 19 sub-Saharan African countries plan to start their own businesses within one year, while the U.S. Census shows African-Americans own only 5.2 % of U.S. firms.
What Global Elevation Plans to Do
Motivated by these findings and our personal commitment, we offer young people throughout the African Diaspora an opportunity to become leaders in the global community through business leadership.
Our Services
Global Elevation promotes youth and community development through exposure to Culture, International Business and Entrepreneurship.
We provide high-school and university students with a comprehensive experience in developing business and leadership skills including academic and practical application. We foster the development of core business and entrepreneurial skills as these are critical for any strong business leader to possess and call upon regardless of their professional setting. Our goal is to support and inspire local success stories through business leaders who are passionate about the development and sustainability of their own communities.
Our program mirrors the academic school year, by offering local business leadership and culture workshops throughout the fall and spring culminating in a four-week study abroad program focusing on business plan development, formulating partnerships and conducting international market research. Students are partnered with like-students in their host country to dialogue with peers and gain greater understanding of the role cultural dynamics play in developing successful business models.
Our curriculum is customized based on the experience and exposure the business students receive through their school (or organization). The curriculum is administered through corporate business leaders, local business owners and University professors to provide the students with a network of community resources and support in the development of their future business careers.
Additional Services
We support high-schools and universities in the development and implementation of standard semester-long study abroad programs. We offer schools, students and their families support prior to, during, and after their trip. We organize the logistics of the travel and accommodations for the student and also provide an On-Site Director for the students to help manage their adaptation to their new country/city.
Services provided, but not limited to, include:
- Customized business-leadership curriculum based on student exposure and experience,
- Interactive curriculum design incorporating multi-cultural education components, mutli-media resources, fine art & media training, etc.,
- Negotiate courses for transferred credit in standard study-abroad program development
- Pre-Departure orientation meeting for students, parents and faculty
- Support for students through the visa application process
- Organize student trips to local businesses and workshops with local business leaders during local and international programs
- Organize ‘Getting to Know’ information including tips on local restaurants & entertainment, and
- Organize cultural activities (tours, museums, festivals, other events).
Curriculum Design
The Global Elevation curriculum combines business and cultural education. Some of the key business concepts covered include: business plan development activities, case-study analysis, developing marketing campaigns, entrepreneurial start-up, etc.
Global Citizenship
Through dialogue with peers and community leaders, students envision greater opportunities and potential for future success. This program will awaken young minds to the political, economic and social issues plaguing their communities and will provide a forum to discuss causes and create ideas for solutions. They learn to become active global citizens.
Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in social and economic development by empowering low-income communities to employ their own ideas and reduce their reliance on external support systems. The entrepreneurial “spirit” distinguishes a businessperson from a business leader in small business ownership and multi-national corporations ("intrapreneurship"). Individuals who participate in the program gain the experience and support needed to become leaders in any business setting.