Education Foundation
FREE TRADE ALLIANCE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, public-private alliance dedicated to educating and preparing students to compete and collaborate in the global marketplace. Through the Foundation, students engage the global community and develop lasting relationships through a series of internationally focused programs. The alliance possesses strong relationships with education, business, and civic organizations, lending to its unique cultural ability to serve as a bridge between students and business, with a focus on building a more diverse global community.
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PLAN PROGRAM – Begun in 2009, 220 students from 32 universities and 24 countries have participated in this program, more than doubling participation each of its first 3 years. Teams of 4-5 students are paired with a mentor from the business community to develop a one page executive proposal and 10-12 page business plan, which also addresses environmental sustainability and maintains an international component. Teams are awarded bonus points for including more than one nationality and university on their team, more closely simulating a multi-national working environment. Student teams compete for over $20,000 in prize money and are often eligible for course credit. Companies that have participated as mentors to teams include:
CPS Energy, DeFlores, LLC, Boeing, CETEC, H-E-B, Kinetic Concepts, Inc., Port San Antonio, ProNucleotein Biotechnologies, Enertis Solar, Rackspace Hosting, AstraZenica Pharmaceuticals, Rainbow Play Systems, Proctor & Gamble, Seno Medical, Bexar County Economic Development, Scholastic Books and Valero. Hear what students are saying at www.youtube.com/user/freetradealliance.
2011-2012 participating colleges and universities included:
GLOBAL LEADERS ALLIANCE – The Free Trade Alliance’s Global Leaders Alliance grew from our successful internship and International Business Plan programs. The Global Leaders Alliance is a network of global-minded students, faculty and staff at universities around the world. Each Alliance provides students, regardless of study concentration, a focused program to explore global opportunities and exercise their leadership skills with a multi-national focus. Alliances are connected through the Free Trade Alliance and learn through different leadership, presentation and networking opportunities.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM –The Alliance serves as a gateway between Global Leaders Alliance (GLA) members and the business community. As companies seek to further develop their import and export markets, the Free Trade Alliance works with students and businesses to find an internship candidate with the required skill set to assist the business with a specific project. Students frequently possess linguistic and cultural knowledge that can assist a business to develop new markets. Participating students are often able to receive course credit for the internship, creating a win-win scenario for both the student and business. Since 2007 the Free Trade Alliance has placed over 50 students, from 10 colleges and universities and eight countries, in internship positions with a global focus. Previous program participants now work for companies such as Milwaukee Power Tool, Rackspace Hosting, RF Barnes Customs Brokers and have founded and grown their own businesses.
FUTURE GLOBAL LEADERS SUMMIT – This program serves as an opportunity for students around the world to interact with each other and business leaders through a series of educational programs developed in partnership with participating schools and businesses. Sessions are focused on developing a deeper understanding of global logistics, developing and managing a multi-national workforce, global branding, entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility and sustainability. Additional information regarding the upcoming Future Global Leaders Summit is available on our website. For more information and how your business or school can participate, Contact us at peter@thegloballeader.org
