Ernst & Young and National Academy Foundation Create New Ethics Curriculum
02 Jul 2008
New York, NY -
The National Academy Foundation (NAF) announces a new "Ethics in Business" course for NAF Academy students created with the financial and professional support of Ernst & Young LLP. NAF and Ernst & Young, along with NAF's national network of career-themed Academies, recognized the urgency of ethics education and developed this course to prepare young people with the knowledge and understanding needed to make ethical decisions in today's complex business world.
The importance of this course is underscored by the many events that have occurred in corporate America over the past few years in which the actions of a few people, acting without regard to the impact of their behavior on others, caused major losses for shareholders and employees. Sponsoring the NAF ethics curriculum reflects Ernst & Young's broader commitment to helping improve access to education.
"As a global professional services provider, Ernst & Young clearly recognizes the importance of equipping the next generation of business leaders with the skills to make ethical business decisions," noted Jeff Hoops, Americas Ethics and Compliance Officer for Ernst & Young LLP. "The education issues facing young people today will directly affect the success of our business-and of our clients' businesses- in the future. We are pleased to assist the National Academy Foundation with the development of this critical new ethics curriculum."
Ernst & Young professionals contributed directly to the new curriculum. They provided NAF curriculum writers and teachers with examples of real-world issues that needed to be addressed in the course. Ernst & Young hosted many meetings to educate NAF on some of the important ethical issues that arise in the workplace. The firm's professionals also reviewed specific lessons and project content.
"The National Academy Foundation is excited to work with Ernst & Young in creating curriculum for Academy students across the country," says JD Hoye, president of the National Academy Foundation. "Ernst & Young professionals provided great knowledge on important ethics issues in the development of this curriculum, which is sure to benefit the 50,000 plus students participating in NAF Academies."
Ernst & Young has a long-standing commitment to the community which is reflected in many education-oriented programs across the United States. Specifically, Ernst & Young focuses its efforts on helping disadvantaged and minority students achieve their potential and access higher education. Of note, seventy percent of NAF students are minorities and 80 percent go on to college, with 52% completing their degree in four years, compared to the national average of 32 percent.
"Joining forces with the National Academy Foundation is a natural way for Ernst & Young to help our communities," noted Deborah Holmes, Ernst & Young's Americas Director of Corporate Responsibility. "We believe we can maximize our impact by focusing our community efforts on education-related initiatives and, as a global organization with more than 130,000 people, we know the critical role that ethics plays in everyday business decisions."
About the National Academy Foundation
The National Academy Foundation (NAF) was created as a partnership between business leaders and educators to address the need to prepare students for professional careers. NAF was founded by Sanford I. Weill, Chairman Emeritus of Citigroup Inc. NAF serves over 50,000 students in over 500 Academies in 41 states and the District of Columbia in urban schools through small learning communities. The National Academy Foundation operates four Academies: the Academy of Finance, the Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, and the Academy of Information Technology. Employees of more than 2,500 corporations are involved with local Academies, securing internships, volunteering in classrooms, acting as mentors and serving on local Advisory Boards. The NAF curriculum contains essential content based on industry and educational expertise. NAF's record of success with 90% graduation rates and more than 80% of these graduates going on to college, has garnered the support of corporations and public policy makers, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential. For more information, please visit www.ey.com
Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
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For further information contact:
Tim Lemberger, Senior Director of Communications
National Academy Foundation
Phone: (646) 723-2051
or
Holly Humphry, Public Relations, Ernst & Young
Phone: (212) 773-2439
