Albany State University
Release: 06/23/08
Albany, Georgia

ASU celebrates silver anniversary of BYE Program

Twenty-three high school participants in the Albany State University 2008 Black Youth and Entrepreneurship (BYE) Program were recently challenged to “maximize their greatness.”
BYE participants spent the week of June 9-13 on the ASU campus learning the nuts and bolts of business entrepreneurship. In existence for 25 years, the BYE Workshop is for high school students in Southwest Georgia who are interested in small business ownership and management. Emphasis is also placed on personal development and career planning.
The one-week program included role models, cultural and recreational activities, microcomputer exercises, classroom sessions, a field trip, and an opportunity for each participant to experience residence life on a university campus.
The program kickoff was led by consultant Reginald Sweet of PM Publishing of Albany. Sweet told participants to plan, to develop capital structure and to dismiss all stigmas. BYE participants also met local business owners, who shared with students some of the benefits and disadvantages of owning a business.
Such entrepreneurs were called “the voices of experience,” and included Quincy Fortson of Primerica; Ricky Walker of Clean as a Whistle; Shannon Thomas of Visionaries Unlimited Inc.; Lazona Jenkins on Mr. P’s Hair Care; Joy Carpenter and Jonnette Fair of Soul Alliance Lifestyle and Counseling. The Honorable Commissioner John Hayes served as panel facilitator.
Based on their respective experience, each entrepreneur mapped his or her business from its origin to its current stage of success. Such shared experiences permitted the students to envision some of the challenges they may or may not face in the process of becoming business owners.
Motivational classroom session presenters included Sue Ford of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center; Courtenay Thomas of Turner Job Corps; Tommy Leveston of ASU; Trent Williams of Heritage Bank; Mary Wilson of the City of Albany Department of Community and Economic Development; and Passard Dean, Maurice Elliard and Kathaleena Monds of ASU College of Business.
During a field trip to Atlanta, BYE participants were greeted and hosted by African-American business owners, including Herman. J. Russell Construction Co., Bronner Brothers Inc., Patchwerk Studios and System 5 Electronics. Students also received an informational tour of the historic Paschals Restaurant and toured the Georgia Aquarium.
The program culminated with an annual awards banquet, featuring motivational speaker David Wilson presenting the keynote address, “Maximizing Your Greatness.”
Banquet attendees consisted of parents and community members who looked on as BYE students received their Certificates of Achievement, and individual trophies for a competitive microcomputer simulation exercise.
Five students received a $25 cash award for first place in a business marketing plan competition.
Kristal Stephens received the $100 Dr. Mollie B. Brown Scholarship Award. Kristal is a 12th-grader at Westover Comprehensive High School. The Brown Scholarship Award is given to the model student in honor of BYE founder and retired ASU professor/administrator Dr. Mollie B. Brown. Dr. Brown was also honored as the “Silver Anniversary Guest” for founding the BYE Program in 1982.
The BYE Program was hosted by the ASU College of Business and supported by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, the Georgia Council on Economic Education, and the UPS Foundation School to Career Initiative Grant.
Participating schools included Albany High, Cairo High, Crisp County High, Dougherty Comprehensive High, John McEachern High (Cobb County), Lee County High, Monroe Comprehensive High, Terrell Middle-High, Westover Comprehensive High and Worth County High.
Dr. Cynthia F. Bennett, ASU professor and department chair, served as director of the BYE Program. Ausha Jackson, a former BYE participant and current business owner, served as the 2008 activities coordinator. Residence hall counselors were Sayeeda Wallace, ASU marketing major, and David Essic, ASU education major.