Business Camp & Feria Educativa to Prepare Bronx Youth for Future; To feature Acting Deputy Secretary of Education Eugene W. Hickok.

Business Editors/Education Writers

USHCC 25th Annual National Convention & Business Expo

BRONX, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 4, 2004

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USHCC Foundation) will offer Latino youth in the Bronx an opportunity to learn how to successfully prepare for their futures at an Educational Fair (Feria Educativa) and "BizFest" in the Bronx, New York on February 6-7, 2004. Feria Educativa will focus on higher education preparation, financial aid options and the benefits of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation, and will feature the USHCC Foundation's signature youth entrepreneurship training camp, "BizFest."

"Feria Educativa and 'BizFest' will equip Latino youth with the skills they need to succeed in business and in life, and offers them a valuable opportunity to network with their peers and education experts," said Frank Lopez, USHCC Foundation President. "Our 'BizFest' training not only empowers them with the expertise to become business owners but also reminds them of their potential and ability to control their own destiny."

The Educational Fair will be held at Eugenio de Hostos Community College of the City University of New York. The free two-day event is geared toward students, parents and all other individuals interested in improving the education of Latino youth. The event is sponsored by the Partners in Hispanic Education and is hosted in partnership with the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships and the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.

The "BizFest" is one of several regional "BizFests" held throughout the country. Through a series of intensive training sessions, students develop entrepreneurial and leadership goals, learn how to create plans for business and life, network in business environments, and identify investment opportunities and manage their money. Major components of BizFest include sales training, where students learn about the sales cycle, and a curriculum called "Foundation for Success," which teaches students to enhance five core life skills: attitude, discipline, sense of urgency, level of commitment and education/knowledge. "BizFest" participants will compete for cash prizes, long-term business support, and the opportunity to participate in the National "BizFest" Training and Competition at the USHCC 25th Annual National Convention & Business Expo this September in Austin, Texas. The two-day "BizFest" begins on Friday, February 6 at 11:30 a.m. The USHCC Foundation's Youth Entrepreneurship BizFest program is sponsored by The Coca Cola Company, Kraft Foods, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College (CUNY) and the NASDAQ Educational Foundation.

Feria Educativa will highlight the impact of "No Child Left Behind" on the Hispanic community featuring U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of Education Eugene W. Hickok. Other major activities include motivational preparation for post-secondary education, an education information fair, a session about "Navigating the Financial Aid Maze," tips on federal agency grant opportunities and a public policy forum to hear community concerns. Partners in Hispanic Education was launched by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans and is comprised of various organizations and companies dedicated to Hispanic education and the development of the young Hispanic community.

The USHCC Foundation is committed to the purpose of giving Latino youth alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture the entrepreneurship spirit. The Foundation will leverage corporate and public support to ensure that Latino youth gain access and achieve success in the world of business. More information about the USHCC Foundation and the USHCC is available at www.ushccfoundation.org.