Baltimore, M.D. – Douglas Becker, one of Baltimore’s top business leaders and a global entrepreneur in the field of education, has been named Chairman of the Board of the International Youth Foundation. Mr. Becker, who joined the IYF Board in 2003 and recently served as its Vice Chair, is Chairman and CEO of Laureate Education Inc., a leading provider of higher education services worldwide.

 

“IYF is fortunate to elect a man who has dedicated his business life to broadening the education and life building experiences for young people in the United States and around the world,” said William S. Reese, President and CEO of the International Youth Foundation. “Doug brings that same intensity, entrepreneurial flare, and commitment to expanding opportunities among today’s youth to his civic and philanthropic activities.”

 

In addition to his service on the IYF Board, Mr. Becker has supported the expansion of YouthActionNet™, IYF’s program that works to identify, train and support exceptional youth social activists and entrepreneurs. With funding from the Sylvan Laureate Foundation, the first YouthActionNet™ institute was launched in Mexico, with similar programs being developed in 2007 in Brazil and Turkey. “YouthActionNet™ strongly matches our company’s mission and core beliefs,” says Mr. Becker, “and the Laureate International Universities Network provides an ideal platform to adapt this program at the country level.”