This story about 17-year-old Jewels Odom and 13 other ex-teen prostitutes gives Jewels and her 13 "sisters" a pulpit to speak to other lost girls looking for an escape from what they call the “streets of hell.” What separates Jewels from her “street sisters” is her ability to survive and succeed -- actually going to college to return as a teacher at juvie. This story ends with a mixture of successes and failures, but as always, Jewels is the one who has the final say when she tries to connect with Maya Angelou, the famous poet, to be the graduation speaker.
“If the cogent messages of this searing and compelling book are heeded and implemented by educational researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, our nation will be greatly enriched by the abundant gifts of young men of color.” —James A. Banks, Kerry and Linda Killinger Professor in Diversity Studies and Director of the Center for Multicultural Education, University of Washington, Seattle “This insightful, theoretically rich, and timely book helps readers understand why many young men turn to gangs and how schools and community-based organizations can counter the lure of the streets to expand opportunities for young men of color.” —Pedro A. Noguera, Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, New York University, and author of City Schools and the American Dream “This book provides an important testament to the power we have to change lives and to the remarkable resiliency that brings hope in the face of hardship. —Rachel F. Moran, Michael J. Connell Distinguished Professor of Law and Dean, UCLA School of Law In Streetsmart Schoolsmart, two respected scholars present original research on youth gangs and school success to explain why some boys become disengaged and join gangs while others do not. Chapters vividly describe how urban boys from different ethnic backgrounds (Asian, African American, and Latino) approach schooling and identify the sociocultural factors that affect their choices. The authors concentrate on three areas: (1) the role of marginalized communities in the formation of urban gang youth, (2) the role of community-based organizations in reengaging urban youth, and (3) the role of schools in creating opportunities for urban boys to succeed despite disparities in their economic and social circumstances. Streetsmart Schoolsmart points the way toward important changes that can break the cycle of poverty in American neighborhoods and society. It is essential reading for educators and all professionals working with urban youth, and anyone concerned with the success of young boys. Gilberto Q. Conchas is executive director of the Career Academy Support Network (CASN) at the University of California, Berkeley, and associate professor of education at the University of California, Irvine. James Diego Vigil is professor of social ecology at the University of California, Irvine.
Experienced franchisees and franchisors tell entrepreneurs what they need to know before they buy a franchise. Second edition includes a sample copy of the entire UFOC plus 40% new and updated examples. This straight-shooting franchise guide goes beyond the “how to” to teach potential franchisees what to expect when starting a franchise. Real life stories from the trenches illustrate how to cope with the difficulties a franchise presents. The author reveals the personality types most likely to succeed at franchising, and identifies entrepreneurial traits that may increase risk of failure. Plus, it takes an in-depth look at the research and investigation of a franchise, something glossed over in most franchise books.
"One is tempted to say 'the only book you'll need on starting a business.' Brilliant! Genius! Choose your superlative-it'll fit."-Tom Peters People starting out in business tend to seek step-by-step formulas or rules, but in reality there are no magic bullets. Rather, says veteran company-builder Norm Brodsky, there's a mentality that helps street- smart entrepreneurs solve problems and pursue opportunities as they arise. Brodsky shares his hard-earned wisdom every month in Inc. magazine, in the hugely popular "Street Smarts" column he cowrites with Bo Burlingham. Now they've adapted their best advice into a comprehensive guide for anyone running a small business.
Small firms in Chicago employ more than 1.6 million individuals—nearly 50 percent of the private work force, according to a new study released this fall by the Small Business Administration. The survey, which defines small firms as those employing less than 500 people, also shows that these businesses generate 47 percent of the area's total receipts of $278 billion dollars. However, SBA statistics also reveal that, on average, of the small businesses starting today, 53 percent will not be in business four years from now. Of these closings, it's estimated that 15 percent will close due to business failures. Chicago businessman Jay Goltz understands what it takes for a small business to succeed. During the past twenty years he has owned and operated Artists' Frame Service in Chicago. Goltz started the business in 1978, and today it's the largest, custom retail picture framing facility in the world. Now, Goltz shares some his secrets of success.
Business schools have long enticed students into their MBA programs with the promise that, after a short stint spent studying the ins and outs of the business world, they will be able to step right into the upper echelons of management or launch a business that soon has them flitting about the world in a private jet. "Sounds great," you say. "Sign me up!" Not so fast. Sure, business school might prove a necessary prerequisite for those aiming to gain employment at a large financial institution, land a job with a consultancy, or accelerate their journey to managerial superstardom at a Fortune 500 company. But for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike, the truth of the matter is this: The ability to get a business off the ground and running successfully is not the byproduct of toiling away in a classroom, learning esoteric subjects like the economics of competition. Rather, all it takes to start and run a truly successful business are a few sensible, time-proven techniques that have been needlessly forgotten in business innovators' haste to reinvent the wheel. That's why, in The Street Smart MBA, Steve Babitsky and James J. Mangraviti, Jr., encourage you to ditch class—or, better yet, ditch b-school altogether—and go back to the business basics with a series of ten simple steps that will do more for your company than the letters M, B, and A ever will. There are no forays into game theory in The Street Smart MBA, no parables, and no intellectualizing. Instead what you will find is a practical, easy-to-understand, step-by-step business strategy guide that encourages you to revive a handful of basic yet essential practices that many business owners have lost sight of, such as: Building a brand that is so synonymous with quality that you'll be able to maximize your company's profits in no time; Turning your company's products and services into profits by finding your company a niche, working with deadlines, and honoring your company's image above all else; Dealing with customer complaints head-on so that you can turn gripes into opportunities; Doing favors, mentoring, and sending gifts, in order to grow your business network; And much more. With its emphasis on ten simple yet time-honored principles that lead to business success, The Street Smart MBA is all the business education that entrepreneurs with great ideas and business owners with the drive to succeed will ever need.
Street Smarts, Beyond the Diploma recently received the “Book of the Year” award for the student demographic from the Institute of Financial Literacy. The EIFLE award was presented at the Institute’s national convention in Orlando in April, 2012. Street Smarts responds to everyone who says “someone should write a book about the “school of hard knocks.” This book is about life skills – the development of those habits and traits that line the path to success. It’s intended to bridge the gap in the traditional college curriculum between “book smarts” and all the real-world, practical information and life skills that students need to succeed after graduation. Street Smarts, Beyond the Diploma is the result of three years of interviews with hundreds of successful people from all walks of life. This book summarizes 125 lessons that were identified over and over as to what students need to understand and master. Critics have raved about the book commenting on its visual format, “less is more” delivery, and entertainment value.
Draws on the author's personal experiences to offer insight into and advice on the financial world, drawing on a belief that Southeast Asia and China are the dominant drivers of the world economy.
