FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kirsten Voinis
MARCH 24, 2005 (512) 922-7141

GENESYS EXPANDS TO SERVE 5 MORE MAJOR HOUSTON COMPANIES
Student technology training nonprofit has big plans for growth in 2006

Five more of Houston's largest companies have signed on to utilize the technical services of students who are part of the Genesys-ITS program, adding to an already impressive roster of clients served by the innovative non-profit that provides technology education and "real world" experience to economically disadvantaged Houston high school students.

Genesys students now provide information technology services at Kinder Morgan, Continental Airlines, Boeing, Plains All-American Pipeline and Amerada Hess, announced Rafael Alvarez, president and founder of Genesys.

"We were impressed with our student's technological skills and level of professionalism on the job," said Ron Anderson-Lehman, vice president and chief information officer of Continental Airlines. "We look forward to the continued involvement of students from the Genesys-ITS program with our team."

Genesys' client list now includes a number of Houston's largest companies, among them such standouts as Reliant Energy, El Paso, Shell Oil and United Space Alliance, where students work inside NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Because of the success of the program - demonstrated by its long-lasting effect on the lives of students and the addition of the new companies - Genesys in 2006 plans to double the number of students in its program, open its first expansion site and start a new program in engineering/drafting.

"In just four years, Genesys has gone from a dream to an established technology training program that is utilized and respected by some of Houston's most prestigious employers," Alvarez said. "We are now ready to expand and grow."

Founded in 2002, Genesys provides technology and professional skills training to high school students and then places them in entry-level information technology positions with Houston companies, where they apply what they've learned and realize that they can be successful in a professional environment.

Last year, Genesys served 72 students, mostly from Houston ISD schools and expects to surpass 100 students this year by reaching out to Aldine, Spring Branch and Clear Creek ISDs.

"It's obvious that our relationship with Genesys is going to be mutually beneficial," said Park Shaper, president of the Kinder Morgan companies. "Kinder Morgan receives quality, cost-effective IT services and, at the same time, allows us to give a deserving young person a head start on a rewarding future."

"Participating in the program has profoundly changed the lives of some of the city's most disadvantaged youth, many of whom have gone from having no aspirations or directions for life after high school to actually attending college and obtaining a well-paying job in the IT field when they leave our program," Alvarez said. "Our students have expanded their horizons, gained self-confidence and developed talents that will lead to promising careers."

For more information on Genesys, please visit www.genesysworks.org.