News Hub | News Direct

Coding start-up Rocket Academy attracts marquee tech investors to address global talent shortage of developers

Rocket Academy

Rocket Academy, a start-up providing online coding courses, today announced it has raised $1.1 million in pre-seed funding. The investment comes from a consortium of 50 marquee tech investors and venture capitalists including entrepreneurs Darius Cheung from 99.co, Marcus Tan from Carousell and Stanley Tang from DoorDash, former Singapore Ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani, SEA tech leaders’ investment network XA Network, and VC firms Taurus Ventures and Hustle Fund. Rocket Academy will use this funding to grow the company into the leading coding school in Southeast Asia helping to address the current industry-wide shortage in software engineers. Rocket Academy has developed two courses to date: Coding Basics, an introductory course for beginners to learn the basics of coding; and Software Engineering Bootcamp (SEB), which prepares students for a career in software engineering. All course material is pre-recorded for students to review and complete at their own pace. Rocket Academy holds regular live classes over Zoom for students to clarify concepts with instructors, apply learning in pair exercises and network with classmates. Classes are online allowing greater flexibility and efficiency, and the course platform allows high levels of engagement between students and teachers. Kai Yuan Neo, Founder and CEO at Rocket Academy commented: “There is a mounting global talent shortage of developers around the world. As of December 2020 this amounted to 40 million developers worldwide. By 2030, that is expected to reach 85.2 million. Not only this but companies worldwide risk losing $8.4 trillion in revenue because of the lack of skilled talent. Rocket Academy exists to solve this equation and we are on a mission to scale further and faster.” In addition to teaching, Rocket Academy helps its SEB graduates find their dream software engineering jobs through resume development, portfolio development and interview preparation. Rocket Academy leverages its network of companies sourcing for software engineers, makes referrals and helps set up job interviews for SEB graduates. To date, Rocket Academy has a 100% success rate in placing SEB graduates in software engineering jobs within companies and organisations such as 99.co, Xfers, Glints, GovTech, and GoTrade. “Getting our students good jobs is our top priority. The better jobs our students get, the stronger our alumni network becomes, which enables us to find better jobs for future students,” said Kai Yuan Neo. “Over the past months the demand for our SEB graduates from businesses has doubled. So far we have successfully placed all SEB graduates. We are so confident that our SEB graduates will find coding jobs that we will refund their fees if they still cannot find a job 6 months after graduation.” Although Rocket Academy is a small start-up, it has lofty ambitions – to train and supply the best software engineers in the region. Rocket Academy will invest its pre-seed funding in two key areas. First, further developing its flagship products, Coding Basics and Software Engineering Bootcamp courses. This involves strengthening course curriculum and improving the learning platform to boost the student experience. Second, expanding to new markets, specifically Hong Kong and Australia in the short term, other Southeast Asian markets in the medium term, and then globally in the long term. To succeed, Rocket Academy will need the best software engineering and education talents to craft its student experience. The company prides itself on a work environment with highest-calibre peers, transparent company progress, decentralised decision making, and flexible work arrangements. Rocket Academy is actively hiring and targets to double its headcount by end 2021. “Over the past 3 months we have seen a 10-fold increase in demand for our Coding Basics course and a 4-fold increase in demand for our SEB course. We are regularly in touch with businesses to understand technical skills that software engineers need. This allows us to refine our curriculum to make it relevant and appropriate for students looking for rewarding software engineering careers,” added Kai Yuan Neo. “Rocket Academy is exactly what Singapore needs now. To get good middle-class jobs, young Singaporeans need to be globally competitive in the digital space. Rocket Academy provides these critical skills. This initiative couldn’t be more timely!” said Kishore Mahbubani, Former Singapore Ambassador to the UN and angel investor in Rocket Academy’s pre-seed round. About Rocket Academy Rocket Academy is an online coding bootcamp that trains software engineers and helps graduates find their ideal jobs. Rocket Academy has a Basics course for beginners and a Bootcamp course for aspiring software engineers. Rocket Academy’s comprehensive courses support students at every level as they progress to become professional programmers. For more information please visit: www.rocketacademy.co Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com

August 31, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program Teams Up with Texas Education Agency to Connect Texas Students and Families with Internet Access at Home

Comcast Houston

Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4 ESC) have partnered with the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Connect Texas Program to ensure students within TEA’s Texas footprint have access to reliable, commercially available home-based fixed broadband internet services free of charge. Comcast is one of the service providers stepping up to ensure Texas students can reliably engage in virtual learning with its Internet Essentials service. Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and is available for $9.95 a month (plus applicable taxes and fees). “Quality internet connectivity at home is critical for academic success, and we are proud to partner with Region 4 ESC to help reduce learning gaps and provide increased opportunities for students to have in-home access to the internet,” said Ralph Martinez, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Houston. "Providing stable high-quality internet to the students of Texas at home is a critical component of any long-term solution for closing the digital divide for our state,” shared Gaby Rowe, Project Lead, Operation Connectivity. “The TEA Connect Texas program is designed to empower school districts and parents to do just that." With a goal of connecting 40 to 60,000 students, the TEA Connect Texas Program (TEACT) is designed to help close the digital divide for Texas school children in kindergarten through twelfth grade and provide access to at-home connectivity and digital devices. Additionally, TEACT will provide a strong implementation and customer support structure for school systems that want to participate in a broadband roll-out program but may not currently have the available personnel or resources to administer it. Families who participate in TEA’s Connect Texas program can take advantage of Comcast’s Internet Essentials service, the nation’s largest, most comprehensive, and most successful high-speed internet adoption program for low-income households. In 10 years, it has helped connect nearly 1 million low-income Texans to broadband Internet at home, most for the very first time. Region 4 ESC, located in Houston, Texas, is the lead agency for this important program. Through OMNIA Partners’ cooperative purchasing program and partnership with Region 4 ESC, districts across Texas have the opportunity to provide home-based broadband internet access to their students. Through these combined efforts, school systems across Texas will be able to provide the fixed internet solutions their students require for ongoing access to remote educational tools and accelerated learning, which will help school systems to better address the post-COVID learning challenges many Texas students are likely to face. For more information visit: TEA Connect Texas Program Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Misha McClure +1 832-547-6783 Misha_McClure@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

August 25, 2021 10:00 PM Central Daylight Time

Digital Equity Initiatives in Independence/Blue Springs

Comcast Greater Kansas City

One critical lesson from the COVID-19 crisis is the importance of a reliable home Internet connection. With schools closed, and people working remote, the Internet became, and still is, the sole means for connecting. But not everyone has equal access to the Internet. This is a major challenge in cities across the Kansas City metro, including Independence and Blue Springs, and it is something Comcast is working hard to address. Currently, Comcast and its partners are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their Internet Essentials program, which is one of the longest running in-home Internet connectivity programs for low-income families in the nation. Over the last decade, Comcast has been connecting low-income Americans to the Internet through its Internet Essentials program, which has helped connect more than 10 million low-income Americans to the Internet at home including Independence and Blue Springs. While the program provides in-home broadband Internet service and an included WiFi router for $9.95/month, the onsite of the coronavirus epidemic galvanized the need for the company to try to do even more to help connect the unconnected. During the pandemic, Comcast launched two new programs to help: Lift Zones and Internet Essentials Partnership Program. Lift Zones provide free WiFi access in community centers where students and adults can get online. Lift Zones are designed to help those students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to participate in distance learning at home. There are currently two active Lift Zones in the Greater Kansas City Area—two in Independence at the Boys & Girls Clubs. Also, during the pandemic Comcast introduced its Internet Essentials Partnership Program, designed to help accelerate Internet adoption. The program provides the opportunity for school districts and other organizations to fund and quickly connect large numbers of students and families to broadband access at home. Comcast has also partnered with the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program to help those who need access to Internet at their home, learn virtually and stay informed. The benefit is available to new and existing Internet customers who qualify across all tiers of service. To see if you qualify go to https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/ebb. For Libet Ojeda, Internet Essentials meant educational stability for her children, continuing school online throughout 2020 and 2021, and additional language support for their Spanish-speaking family. “When the pandemic hit, I was fearful of what virtual support my family would have,” stated Libet Ojeda. “My two children are in 5th and 6th grade in the Fort Osage School District and when we had to be at home altogether we were thrilled that Internet Essentials gave us the option for uninterrupted support that was affordable. I cannot say enough about the importance the IE program has been for our family to have the stability to keep learning on the internet. My daughter suffers from dyslexia and the audio books she is able to use on her tablet has made a big difference in her progress. Without the Internet Essentials program she wouldn’t have the support she needs. My son is on the Individualized Education Plan and the IE support he continually receives for his listening and hearing needs is huge. We are a Spanish speaking family and the ability to also get language access support through the IE service has been a game changer for us and other families we know. We even received additional credits through the Comcast IE partnership with the EBB program.” “Ten years is a remarkable milestone, signifying an extraordinary amount of work and collaboration with our incredible community partners across the country,” said Dave Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Cable. “Together, we have been able to connect millions of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure that the next generation of students in America has the tools, resources, and abilities they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” “I would like to express my gratitude to the team at Comcast,” remarked Dr. Dred Scott, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Kansas City. “Adding the Lift Zones to the Independence and Olathe Clubs to help our students access the Internet is huge. During the pandemic many of our youth were forced to learn from home without having the technology, hardware and infrastructure to support that learning. I want to thank each and every member of the Comcast team that made the Lift Zone initiatives possible within our Clubs. It means so much because of the connection they have with the club. This relationship and this partnership is much more than a transactional experience.” For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. Families and households can apply for the program at www.internetessentials.com or by phone at 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Jayne Siemens +1 816-289-1109 jsiemens@vencomm.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

August 25, 2021 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Tech cross-border M&A on record pace in First Half of 2021 according to data from Velocity Global and PitchBook

Velocity Global

Deal multiples return to 2019 levels Cross-border software deals skyrocket Cross-Border M&A Monitor: Tech Sector released today Cross-border tech merger and acquisition deals accelerated in the first half of 2021, on a record pace in transactional volume. That data from PitchBook was released today in the Cross-Border M&A Monitor: Tech Sector published by Velocity Global, the leading provider of global employment solutions. The late surge of activity in 2020 continued through the first half of this year with approximately 1,000 cross-border tech deals closed, for an aggregate of $139.9 billion. “The deal multiple increased in the first half of this year and returned to 2019 levels, which indicates investor confidence in global economic recovery,” said Rob Wellner, Velocity Global chief revenue officer. “Increased multiples drive an even greater need for pre-deal preparation and successful integration after close.” Software value already tops 2020 The value of cross-border M&A deals for Software companies in the first six months of 2021 already topped full-year values for 2020 at over $100 billion. “The pandemic accelerated digital transformations, funneling budgets to build or buy the necessary tools,” added Wellner. “The acquirers are tech and non-tech alike, with tech adding to their stack, and non-tech adding to their in-house capabilities.” Pandemic Operations Drive Cross-Border M&A Interest As evidenced by the increase in median deal size in cross-border tech M&A, dealmakers paid up with confidence. Cross-border acquisitions require businesses to navigate a distributed workforce, and the global pandemic prompted companies of all sizes to invest in the proper resources. “Integration will always have complexities like country-specific labor laws and regulations, but companies are more willing than ever to invest in cross-border diversification and leverage tools to manage a distributed workforce,” said Wellner. “Work from home is really no different than work from another country as it relates to workflow and employee engagement.” Download the Cross-Border M&A Monitor: Tech Sector here. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience through proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across five continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

August 24, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Image

Juicy Juice Celebrates the Return of the Lunchbox this Back-to-School Season

YourUpdateTV

It’s finally here – the day parents and kids have been yearning for: a fresh start to a new school year and new beginnings. Parents and kids will be celebrating a back-to-school season unlike any other and experiencing a spectrum of emotions along with it. So, what can parents do to navigate both the excitement and nervousness of this back-to-school season and set their kids and themselves up for success? To help parents prepare themselves and their littles ones for the return to school, Juicy Juice is partnering with host of Disney Family Sundays on Disney+, child psychologist and founder of Yay Day Paper Co., Amber Kemp-Gerstel. Crafting expert Amber created custom-designed lunchbox notes for kids to discover at lunchtime to provide a connection to mom and dad. In addition, her tips and suggestions will help alleviate any back-to-school jitters kids may be feeling. The notes, along with other helpful advice from Amber on how to ease the transition of back to school, will be available on Juicy Juice’s website. Additionally, Juicy Juice is hosting a 100% YAY! Sweepstakes to celebrate mom, dad and the caretakers who were handling and coordinating all things virtually this past school year and get them excited and ready for back to school. Each day, ten $100 gift cards will be given away! Through September 22, parents can visit JuicyJuice.com and follow the instructions to complete and submit the online entry form. Entrants can also enter this sweepstakes every day receive a bonus entry for playing the 100% YAY! Lunchbox Game for more chances to win. Visit www.Juicyjuice.com/yay to enter and read the full rules. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 23, 2021 11:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Cloud Conventions Introduces SafetyNet to Create a Virtual Backup Plan for Live Events

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions today introduced SafetyNet ™, a new program to provide a virtual event backup options for associations, tradeshows, event managers or trade groups that have a live event scheduled now or in the near future. SafetyNet provides a standby virtual event platform that can be activated if needed when attendance for a live event declines or if there is a requirement to pivot to an all-virtual program. A SafetyNet platform can be brought online in a matter of days without technical support or programming. Cloud Conventions is a sophisticated event management platform that redefines the attendee and exhibitor experience with a strong focus on delivering virtual and hybrid events, regardless of size or budget. “It seems like a repeat of 2020 as event managers, associations and other trade groups are struggling to decide if they should cancel their live event, shift to virtual or hybrid, or take other precautions to make attendees and exhibitors feel safe,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Cloud Conventions. “Any group hosting live events today needs a virtual backup plan that can be activated to ensure attendees and sponsors can participate in industry sessions, continuing education and still make connections that they would miss when they can’t attend in person.” SafetyNet maintains a low-cost Cloud Conventions virtual platform on standby behind a private login until required. It is hosted on a custom URL, is fully branded, customized and organized to host live or on-demand sessions, exhibitor and sponsor booths or provide a resource center for all event-related content. Attendees can be imported from a live event registration system and have their record transferred to SafetyNet including demographics and event access permissions. Sponsors are assigned a virtual booth template and configured to go live without technical assistance, in a matter of hours. “Now that live events have partially returned, many groups ask themselves if virtual events are worth it, so they only focus on their in-person event, often to their detriment,” added Bradfield. “A 2020 study of 1,000 respondents, ‘ Association Trends: From Disruption to Opportunity’ produced by Community Brands, details that having a virtual option for membership participation has changed from a nice-to-have to a must have. Some live events scheduled for the fall of 2021 are being abruptly cancelled due to on-going COVID risks. This is clearly an indicator that the pandemic is far from over. A SafetyNet option is the best insurance that the show will go on, no matter what.” SafetyNet is offered for a low, setup fee to create a fully branded and configured virtual environment. If the organizer chooses to go live with a hybrid or all-virtual event, the setup fee applies to the event package. Show managers can choose as much or as little assistance from Cloud Conventions to bring their event online quickly with all the features needed to educate and engage attendees. Having a virtual option guarantees a rewarding experience for attendees, better ROI for sponsors and ensures smoother event operation for organizers. Explore SafetyNet at: https://cloudconventions.com/page/139455/safetynet. About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions from Convey Services is Cloud Conventions is an enterprise virtual/hybrid event management platform that redefines the exhibitor and attendee experience to allow companies to provide easy access to in-depth product information, showcase their brands with graphics and videos, create calls to action and generate immediate sales leads. Used around the world for large managed events and smaller self-directed meetings, conferences and corporate kickoffs, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, continuing education, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Cloud Conventions supports multiple languages and currencies, internal, external and single-sign on registration, and supports all conferencing carriers and platforms. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Community™, SafetyNet™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 19, 2021 10:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time

In the Face of Shifting Learning Environments, the Society for Science Awards $214,000 to 66 Educators Tasked with Guiding Students in Scientific Research

Society for Science

Today, the Society for Science is proud to release the names of 66 stellar educators who will serve in the organization’s Advocate Program in the 2021-2022 school year. Fifty-eight Advocates will each receive a $3,000 stipend while eight Lead Advocates will receive $5,000 each. Throughout their one-year terms, these dedicated Advocates will encourage at least three to five students — who identify as a race or ethnicity historically underrepresented in STEM — in science and engineering research and help them enter those projects into competitions. Now in its seventh year, the Advocate Program strives to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators through hands-on research and competition, and supports full representation of all identities in STEM fields. Advocates will break down barriers to competition participation by providing support for selecting competitions, gathering materials, meeting deadlines, preparing for competition and ensuring inclusivity. “In the coming school year, students and teachers will have to remain flexible during a fluctuating public health emergency,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science and Publisher of Science News. “Through the Advocate Program, we hope students continue to participate in meaningful and transformative science research experiences. We hope this program continues to be a catalyst for underrepresented students to consider future STEM careers. The 66 Advocates are a truly amazing group of mentors for the next generation of scientists and engineers.” Twenty-seven returning Advocates have shared that the program kept students engaged in scientific research and competition despite the pandemic last year. In the last month, just as the U.S. population saw COVID-19 restrictions lift, infection rates decline and vaccination rates soar, and the educational community was shifting back to some form of normal, the delta variant began to spread. In the upcoming school year, we can expect a changing roadmap to dictate student learning in a variety of environments (i.e. in-person, remote or hybrid) and that schools will vary their safety protocols across the nation. Throughout this flux, returning and new Advocates will seek to keep their mentees engaged. The Advocate Program uses a tiered mentorship model, where educators are not only mentoring their students and raising future generations of scientists and engineers, but they are also mentoring, learning from and evolving supportive relationships with each another. Advocates will further develop their science research programs in another unusual year, connect with professionals in the science community and meet like-minded educators who value authentic student research and the educational opportunities that science competitions offer. To date, Advocates have supported more than 4,000 students during their participation in the program, of which, 3,076 students have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. During the 2020-2021 cycle, approximately 80 percent of student mentees participated in science competitions at the local and/or national level. Moreover, students of Advocates are responsible for over 5,000 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition. Ninety percent of those students are from low-income households and 70 percent are of a race or ethnicity underrepresented in STEM. This year, the Advocates are from 31 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and include 23 middle school teachers, three who work with both middle and high school students, 29 high school teachers, six affiliated with universities and five out-of-school educators. The following are 2021-2022 Lead Advocates, who will oversee groups of Advocates: McKenzie Baecker, Two Rivers Public Charter School (Washington, DC) Scotti Benton, Jasper County Middle School (Monticello, GA) Elizabeth Bieri, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School (Birmingham, AL) Robin Driver, Eisenhower High School (Yakima, WA) Reshawndra Hutchins-Trapp, Elite Scholars Academy (Jonesboro, GA) Jeremy Jonas, Tucson High Magnet School (Tucson, AZ) Sam Loftus, Shasta Middle School (Eugene, OR) Yajaira Torres-De Jesús, Colegio Rosa Bell (Guaynabo, PR) The following are 2021-2022 Advocates: Adenike Akinyode, Eastside High School (Gainesville, FL) Laura Alberici da Barbiano, Blanson CTE High School (Houston, TX) Ramon Benavides, Del Valle High School (El Paso, TX) Dallas Bergstrom, Miller Career & Technology Center (Katy, TX) Caitlin Bonham, Kenwood Academy High School (Chicago, IL) Humberto Bracho, Frick United Academy of Language (Oakland, CA) Justin Brown, Kealakehe High School (Kailua-Kona, HI) Leslie Cannon, The ATLAS Academy at Tennyson Middle School (Waco, TX) Philip Clarke, Centennial School District (Gresham, OR) Cameron Cooley, Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (Memphis, TN) Sarah Cooper, Southeast Career and Technical Academy (Las Vegas, NV) Renee Cordes, Flathead High School (Kalispell, MT) Christine Danger, University of Florida & Hillsborough Public Schools (Tampa, FL) Lakshmi Darbha, Aavanee (Frederick, MD) Dannielle Davis, Circle of Excellence Network (St. Louis, MO) Michelle Denson, Atlanta Public Schools (Atlanta, GA) Jessica Doiron, Freedom High School (Woodbridge, VA) Martrice Donaldson, School District of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA) Lauren Dudley, Chapman University (Orange, CA) Mark Eastburn, Princeton High School (Princeton, NJ) Kathleen Galau, Thunder Mountain High School (Juneau, AK) Jennifer Gentry, Vanderbilt Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (Nashville, TN) Christine Girtain, Toms River High School South & Toms River High School North (Toms River, NJ) Angela Groves-Price, WP McLean Middle School (Fort Worth, TX) Todd Ireland, 100 Black Men of Douglasville, Inc. (Douglasville, GA) Sunday Iwalaiye, Prince George’s County Public Schools (Laurel, MD) Karen Johnson, Evanston Township High School (Evanston, IL) Edwina Kinchington, Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy (Pittsburgh, PA) Andrea LaRosa, Westside Middle School Academy (Danbury, CT) Debra Las, John Adams Middle School (Rochester, MN) Gaurang Limachia, GoSTEM (Chicago, IL) Amy Mallozzi, Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) Priscilla Martinez Fuentes, Homer Hanna Early College High School (Brownsville, TX) Margarette Marturano, Seminole Ridge High School (Wellington, FL) Erin Mayer, Casey Middle School (Boulder, CO) Allyson McFalls, Blowing Rock Elementary School (Blowing Rock, NC) Amy Melby, Yuma High School (Yuma, CO) Ryan Melton, Grenada Career and Technical Center (Grenada, MS) Jessica Menchaca, Del Valle ISD (Del Valle, TX) Raquel Miranda, Project Youth 4 Youth International (El Paso, TX) Lalitha Murali, Glen Hills Middle School (Glendale, WI) Jacqueline Nichols, Sunnyside Unified School District (Tucson, AZ) Bree Oatman, South Dakota Discovery Center (Pierre, SD) Susana Oliu, John Muir High School Early College Magnet (Pasadena, CA) Yolanda Pender-Bey, Mount Vernon Elementary School (Chicago, IL) Macy Pickman, USD 409 (Atchison, KS) Eileen Poserio, Wolf Point High School (Wolf Point, MT) Cecilie Prine, Lander Middle School (Lander, WY) Mary-Elizabeth Quan, Ontario-Montclair School District (Ontario, CA) Nate Rayor, Mescalero Apache School (Mescalero, NM) Carter Shank, Kings Science and Technology Magnet Center (Omaha, NE) Bradley Spencer, Weber School District (Roy, UT) Scott Troy, Westminster High School (Westminster, CO) Joshua Truitt, Hilsman Middle School (Athens, GA) Kiara T. Vann, Stratford STEM High School (Nashville, TN) John Wiley, Challenge School (Denver, CO) Sara Yeh, Ray Wiltsey Middle School (Ontario, CA) Jean Yoo, Almeria Middle School (Fontana, CA) The Advocate Program is made possible by the Arconic Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Regeneron. In addition to receiving stipends, each Lead Advocate will supervise six to eight new Advocates with whom they host monthly calls, facilitating monthly reports on how their students are doing in their research endeavors and offering helpful guidance and support. Lead Advocates are returning educators who hold additional responsibilities; each hosts a session at an Advocate Training Institute and creates a webinar providing guidance to any educator seeking to bolster STEM research programs in their schools. This past June, this year’s cohort attended a virtual Advocate Training Institute, where sessions covered topics such as research in hybrid learning environments, designing and implementation of a STEM research course, s trategies to level up student research and using public resources to support student projects. For additional information about the Advocate Program, visit: https://www.societyforscience.org/outreach-and-equity/advocate-program/ About Society for Science Society for Science is dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science. Established in 1921, the Society is a nonprofit whose vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning magazine, Science News and Science News for Students, Society for Science & the Public is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science). Contact Details Society for Science Aparna Paul +1 781-375-8353 aparna@societyforscience.org Company Website https://www.societyforscience.org/

August 18, 2021 01:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Velocity Global Wins Company of the Year in Best in Biz Awards 2021 International

Velocity Global

Company wins top award in Business to Business category Independent global business awards judged by prominent media including Bloomberg News, Huffington Post, TechRadar, and others Velocity Global is the gold winner in the Company of the Year business-to-business category in Best in Biz Awards 2021 International, the only independent global business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications from around the world. “This award recognizes the hard work of our team in a year that forever changed the work landscape,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global founder and CEO. “Living our ‘People-First’ brand, we prioritized the jobs and safety of our teammates and supported employees for our clients. We achieved significant growth in a difficult year for many. That momentum paved the way for us to make two acquisitions this year as we build upon our leading global work platform.” The company’s global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience through proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched global scale. Users access a streamlined technology interface as well as partner with a dedicated experienced team for individualized solutions and expertise. Winners in the 9th annual program were determined based on scoring from an independent panel of judges from a wide spectrum of top-tier publications and media outlets from 10 countries. Each year, only editors, writers, and contributors to business, consumer, financial, trade, and technology publications, as well as broadcast outlets and analyst firms, serve as judges in Best in Biz Awards. The program’s uniqueness stems, in part, from this distinct composition of its judging panels, enabling it to best leverage the judges’ unparalleled expertise, experience, and objectivity to determine award winners. This year’s judging panel included writers and contributors to such publications as Bloomberg News, Data Breach Today, HTMAG (Israel), Huffington Post, NDR (Germany), Panorama Magazine (United Arab Emirates), Small Business IT (Canada), TechRadar (UK), as well as other outlets from Brazil, Canada, India, United Kingdom and more. For a full list of gold, silver, and bronze winners in Best in Biz Awards 2021 International, visit http://intl.bestinbizawards.com/intl-2021-winners. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience through proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, personalized expertise, and unmatched scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across five continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. About Best in Biz Awards Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has made its mark as the only independent business awards program judged each year by a who’s who of prominent reporters and editors from top-tier publications from North America and around the world. Best in Biz Awards honors are conferred in two separate programs: North America and International, and in more than 90 categories, including company, team, executive, product, and CSR, media, PR, and other categories. For more information about the International program, see: http://intl.bestinbizawards.com. Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

August 18, 2021 07:02 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Image

LSC-University Park Geology Department earns national recognition

Lone Star College-University Park

Today, Lone Star College-University Park’s Department of Geology received the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected LSC-University Park’s Department of Geology because of its work to support students within and beyond the classroom. Students in the geology program at LSC-University Park experience innovative, hands-on learning opportunities such as a three-story geology rock wall that provides visual examples of the physical and historical geology elements students would only find in the field. Additionally, the program recently installed an on-campus weather station, allowing faculty to incorporate real-world data collection and interpretation into a new meteorology course that counts as a core science requirement for degree-seeking students. “LSC-University Park is proud of our Department of Geology’s devotion to advancing STEM education to all students,” said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. “Promoting STEM programs to a diverse student population is critically important for the future of our country’s competitiveness in related industries. Our Department of Geology is a shining example of the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff to our students and the community we serve. LSC-University Park is providing access for more females and minorities to enter career pathways in a well-paid, high-demand field.” Creating these opportunities has allowed the Department of Geology to establish a strong relationship with several area universities to encourage seamless transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in the geological sciences. Additionally, the department is active in working with area high schools to promote career paths within this growing field, specifically targeting underrepresented groups including females and minorities. “We really want to make current and future students aware of geology earlier in their academic careers,” said Dr. Bryn Benford, professor of geology at LSC-University Park. “Many geology majors do not realize they want to major in geology. It’s not until they go to fulfill their core science requirement and find themselves sitting in a geology class and realize, ‘this is pretty cool.’ Once students show an interest in pursuing geology, we help them every semester: from sitting with them and picking their classes, visiting university campuses, and even going on geology field trips throughout the region.” “We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.” LSC-University Park will be featured along with 78 other recipients in the September 2021 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. For more information about the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com. Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized nationally and internationally for its innovation, as well as its focus on student access and success. Conveniently located off SH 249 in the heart of northwest Houston, Lone Star College-University Park is known as the “community’s college,” providing students with highly-affordable degree and certificate programs that transfer seamlessly to four-year universities or lead to direct employment. The college's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs and the Geology Rock Wall. Dr. Shah Ardalan has been president of LSC-University Park since its founding in 2012. To get started at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP or call 281.290.2600. The fall semester begins Aug. 30 and classes are filling quickly. Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 93,000+ students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. LSC consists of seven colleges, 10 centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu. Media Contacts: Steve Scheffler Executive Director College Relations 281.290.3690 (O) 281.851.1690 (M) Steven.J.Scheffler@LoneStar.edu Jessica Jordan Communications Manager College Relations 281.290.1812 (O) 979.236.6723 (M) Jessica.Jordan@LoneStar.edu Contact Details Steve Scheffler +1 281-290-3690

August 17, 2021 02:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image