International Trade Education Programs (ITEP) Founder Says The Stimulus Package is No Stimulus at All For Nonprofits and Charity
Carol Rowen, ITEP Founder & CEO worries that President Obama's proposed cuts to tax deductions for charity will discourage donors.
Los Angeles (PRWEB) March 5, 2009 -- International Trade Education Programs (ITEP) is amongst scores of nonprofits and charities that rely on donations for operation. ITEP, a 501C nonprofit, offers economically disadvantaged students educational opportunities and experiences not offered in their schools or neighborhoods.
Under the proposal, taxpayers earning more than $250,000 will have potential deductions for charitable contributions reduced to 28 percent from 35 percent now, according to an a review in this New York Times.
"This is like putting another nail in the coffin during these difficult economic times," said Founder & CEO Carol Rowen. It not only will discourage philanthropists, but it will hurt a lot of community, charitable organizations."
Rowen has dedicated her life to working for the greater good of the community. She is a longtime activist and successful businesswoman in Los Angeles. In 1999, Rowen founded International Trade Education Program (ITEP), a non-profit organization whose vision is to introduce high school students to careers in maritime trade, transportation and logistics.
Through ITEP, Rowen unites business professionals, educators and community organizations in establishing international trade academies to help meet the needs of the expanding maritime trade industry while providing exceptional opportunities to economically disadvantaged students.
Students in the model program at Banning High School, Wilmington, have increased graduation rates by 27 percent from 47 to 74 percent. New ITEP Academy programs are at Carson, San Pedro, Barstow and Oakland high schools. Rowen is also co-developer of The Passport, an international trade certification program for high school students.
Rowen currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC); she is also a member of its Transportation, Workforce Development, and World Trade Center Committees and chairs the LA Area Chamber of Commerce World Trade Week Committee. She also sits on advisory boards for Cal State Dominguez Hills, UCLA Extension, and Santa Monica College.
ITEP programs assess the needs of the high school and the surrounding transportation, logistics and industry needs. Schools which ITEP has worked in the past have needed to boost graduation rates, decrease dropout rates, and enhance standardized test scores. Even those students who did graduate from these struggling schools rarely had opportunities or motivation to pursue further education or employment. ITEP helps design programs which fulfill those needs.
Rowen noted that, transportation and logistics industries suffer from a shortage of qualified workers along the hubs and arteries of international trade a big part of the nation's economic driver.
The next fundraising event is the annual dinner on Wednesday, April 22nd, Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal, and Rowen worries that attendees and donations will be slightly less if President Obama's proposed cut to charitable tax deductions are implemented.
ITEP will honor James R. Callahan, President & CEO of Nautilus International Holding Corporation, at the Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Dinner, Wednesday, April 22nd.
As a native of Long Beach, Callahan has a vested interest in making the community work by supporting at-risk students in the public high schools. He has shown incredible support for ITEP and their programs over the years, and continues to have a representative of Nautilus serve on the Board of Directors.
Callahan joined Metropolitan Stevedore Company in 1979 as Claims Manager of its self-insured, self-administered workers' compensation program. He has held various executive positions with Metro, including Vice President of the Insurance Division and President & CEO.
Ninth Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Dinner
International Trade Education Programs
Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Dinner
Honoring Jim Callahan, Metropolitan Stevedore
Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 5:30 p.m.
Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal
500 N. Front Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
If you are interested in supporting, attending the
Ninth Annual Scholarship & Fundraising Dinner
please call: 818.249.6281
Or mail tax deductible contributions to:
nternational Trade Education Program Inc. (ITEP)
3786 La Crescenta Ave Suite 103, Glendale California 91208
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