FOUNDER'S MESSAGE

HISTORY - FOUNDED 1979!

In the late seventies a female Caribbean immigrant saw the need for professional word processing training. After equipping herself with hands-on training on a Lanier word processing machine, in 1979 she pursued the unique goal of establishing the first word processing school in the borough of Manhattan.
Leith Eleanor Yetman born in the verdant hills of Kellits in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica West Indies, is that 'indomitable' lady who founded her word processing school single-handedly in 1979. She also founded a second school in the borough Brooklyn which she named Grace Institute of Business Technology in memory of her dear mother, Grace.

Leith Has Earned Inclusions In:

 

• Who’s Who in the World
• Who’s Who in American Education
• Who’s Who in America
• Who’s Who of American Women
• Who’s Who in the East
• Who’s Who in Universal Publication
• Who’s Who of the Year - American Bio. Institute

 

• International Woman of the Year (International Biographical Center)

Leith also received The Outstanding Achievement Award from the Baruch College Alumni Association in New York City.
Newspaper Publisher, Albert Nelson Marquis, founded Who’s Who in the 1890’s. Over the past century, Who's Who has created authoritative refer-ences that provide instant access to individuals from all fields of endeavor and geographical areas. Who's Who is also a Guide to over 30,000 of today's most influential women.

When Leith contacted the New York State Department of Education (SED) and advised them of her burning desire to open a school in New York City, SED advised her that before she could start the school she had to fulfill certain rules and regulations in order to operate a school in New York State. They were:
 

• Acquire a building with a Certificate of Occupancy.
• Acquire a Performance Bond in the face amount of $20,000.
• Approved programs and courses submitted to the State Education Department.
• Secure bank statements showing $20,000 over and beyond all indebtedness.

" I did not possess one red cent not to mention $20,000”, Leith exclaimed!

When Leith she set out to search for start-up money, she was faced with many hurdles such as exploitation by money brokers who promised to search for Investors, broken promises of loans made to her by families and friends, and other numerous disappointments. To add to her dilemma when she searched for a space to house the school, more than 25 landlords rejected her and many would not even interview her owing to the fact that she could not produce a current 'financial statement'.  However, through a modicum of luck, she encountered one Landlord (a past employer) who gave her the chance to prove her mettle. Upon signing a one-year lease, he placed her in a 650 square-foot space in Manhattan's Times Square.Thereafter, Leith applied to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a start-up loan of $100,000.00. The SBA approved her for half the amount - $50,000.00!  

When Leith submitted a 40-hour Machine Operator Word Processing course to SED for approval, her application was rejected a number of times.  However this determined, nonpareil persevered, as her penchant for the classroom grew even stronger.

In 1981, Leith finally opened the New York Institute of Word Processing with one student and a single Lanier Word Processing machine. In 1985 her childhood dream metamorphosed into an accredited business school. Later she re-organized the corporation into a not-for-profit, with its name chang-ed to New York Institute of English And Business. The Institute is now located in the Garment Center,  the “hub” of Manhattan in facilities spanning over 23,000 square-foot space and with a work staff of approximately 85 people.

Throughout the Institute's history, it has established an impressive record of involvement and positive service with students from Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and many other nations. The Institute is also committed to promoting education in various fields including business, computer technology and English As A Second Language.

Leith feels strongly that in order for immigrants and more particularly the limited and non-English speakers to become a part of the "American Dream" and overcome economic independence, they must demonstrate good command of the English Language and acquire technical training and skills.

EXCEPTS FROM CITATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS!

The Honorable George E. Pataki, Governor of New York State stated in his Citation to Leith, "Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State are proud to acknowledge the notable contributions of outstanding individuals who have made an indelible mark on the quality of life of their fellow citizens and people from throughout the world; one such person whose efforts bear the mark of excellence is Leith Eleanor Yetman, ... ; and "Whereas, the Empire State is proud to pay tribute to its citizens who have displayed the greatest determination and perseverance in realizing their life-long goals, especially when they serve to benefit others; it is indeed fitting that we extend our gratitude to Leith Yetman for the encouragement, inspiration and opportunities she has given to thousands of immigrants who have traveled to our State in hopes of making their "American dream" a reality...".

The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Senator, wrote to Leith on the 20th Anniversary of the Institute, "A good education system is not only a cornerstone of our democracy, but also of the interdependent world of the new millennium. Investing in education benefits our national economy as well as the institutions that are vital for our common future.

"The efforts of Leith Yetman and the students, teachers and supporters of the New York Institute of Business Technology [renamed: New York Institute of English And Business] enhance not only the communities of New York City, but the intellectual health of the nation as a whole...".

The Honorable David N. Dinkins, ex-Mayor of New York City exclaimed in his letter to Leith on the 10th Anniversary of the Institute,  "I understand that today you pay tribute to the founder of your institute, Ms. Leith E. Yetman. She is most deserving of our praise. Her dedication, determination and untiring efforts in founding the school in 1981 and her subsequent unflagging commitment to her vision and the students who attended the institute, have been an inspiration to all who know this remarkable woman... I congratulate Ms. Yetman for her unselfish sacrifice and commitment”.

Dr. Arthur Caliandro, Minister of the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City paid a visit to the Institute. In a letter to Leith, Dr. Caliandro wrote, "I was overwhelmed by the experience of my visit at the New York Institute of Business Technology [renamed: New York Institute of English And Business]. What an operation! What wonderful people you have working for you! But more important, what a wonderful spirit and ability to lead by its founder and Chief Executive Officer, wonderful Leith Yetman. You are very, very special.
"I pray things continue to go well for you and for the realization of a dream come true. You are performing a very important function that is changing people's lives. Surely you must feel great satisfaction...".