Usher's New Look and Accenture Join Forces to Create the Next Generation of Global Leaders Through iLEAD

NEW YORK, December 12, 2012 /3BL Media/  – Usher's New Look, a non-profit organization founded by Usher Raymond IV, today announced their partnership with Accenture to help New Look reach its goal of training and certifying 50,000 youth as global leaders. The effort reflects Accenture's Skills to Succeed corporate citizenship initiative. 

Over two years, Accenture is supporting New Look with a more than $900,000 contribution, which includes a cash grant as well as pro bono support to develop iLEAD – an online, interactive, curriculum-based platform that will provide data management and tracking for students and parents as they move through New Look's four leadership pillars – talent, education, career and service.   Through the iLEAD platform, New Look will be able to better track the progress of enrolled students. It will also support developing leaders in schools, raising graduation rates and preparing youth for college and career readiness.The platform will align with national public school, career training and development standards.   "Through this partnership with Accenture, New Look will be able to impact thousands of young people by opening doors to new opportunities," said Usher Raymond IV.   In addition to serving New Look participants, iLEAD is being designed on a fully replicable and scalable digital model, accessible via desktop and mobile device. As a result, other non-profits worldwide can customize the iLEAD platform to fit their programs.   "Accenture's game-changing investment will empower New Look youth leaders to become change agents through technology – whether in the classrooms of today or boardrooms of tomorrow!" said Shawn Wilson, President of Usher's New Look.   "Supporting Usher's New Look reflects Accenture's corporate citizenship focus, Skills to Succeed, as well as our belief that technology is a powerful driver of education, training and skills," said Jorge Benitez, Chief Executive, United States and Managing Director, North America for Accenture. "We share New Look's commitment to making a significant, lasting impact on the long-term economic vitality and resilience of individuals, families and communities around the world."
  For more information on Usher's New Look, please visit www.ushersnewlook.org.  For more information on Accenture and Skills to Succeed, please visit Skills to Succeed.   About Usher's New Look Foundation Established in 1999, Usher's New Look Foundation has mentored over 10,000 youth across its four leadership pillars - talent, education, career and service. Through the development of innovative programs and a culture of consistent evaluation, reflection and refinement, New Look has achieved the gold standard in leadership development and success for youth. Now in its thirteenth year, New Look has seen 98% of participating youth graduate high school and go on to college.   About Accenture Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with 257,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world's most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. Through its Skills to Succeed corporate citizenship focus, Accenture is committed to equipping 250,000 people around the world by 2015 with the skills to get a job or build a business. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com.   # # #   Contacts:   Jamie Kronfeld London Misher Public Relations + 212 759 2800 jamie@londonmisherpr.com   Caitlin Storhaug Accenture + 415 537 5458 caitlin.storhaug@accenture.com