Left to Right:  Angela Lau of Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS), Kwesi Gilbert of United Parcel Service (UPS), Christy Reeves of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Foundation, East Baton Rouge Parish School System Superintendent John Dilworth, Istrouma High School teacher Tynya Veal, Istrouma High School Principal Linda Lewis, Erin Monroe-Wesley of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Ronald Rodgers of the University of Phoenix and Karl Reichman of Career Academy.

Kwesi Gilbert of United Parcel Service (UPS) called on area business leaders to “pay it forward” – mentor students as they once were mentored to be successful – at the January 31 Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS) Partners In Education Business Luncheon at D Jon’s Restaurant.

"I had someone guide me through my first internship experience.  Now I am paying it forward and giving that opportunity to high school intern students," Gilbert said.  "There are corporations that want to give and public schools that need the resources.  VIPS really serves as the bridge between businesses and schools by providing the infrastructure needed to make school partnerships succeed."

Gilbert was featured during the "Community Partnership Highlight" portion of the luncheon.  The keynote speaker was Christy Reeves, director of Community Relations and executive director of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Foundation.  In order to stay ahead of the economic downturn, Reeves said “we (in Baton Rouge) must support and help build the foundation of our society through long-term and strategic investment in public education.”
In addition, the luncheon featured Karl Reichman, director of the Career Academy, which is a workforce public charter high school.  He discussed the opening of the school this fall and how the business community may support the school.  Istrouma High School representatives also shared with businesses how they can establish effective high school internships for students.