Category Archives: Education

Innovative Solutions for Educational Disparities: Crack Academy’s Approach to Reaching Rural Areas

Delhi, India  In rural India, educational disparities emerge as daunting obstacles, challenging the dreams and aspirations of countless students. Despite the strides in global education, rural regions continue to face a shortage of access to quality learning opportunities. Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge how geographical location significantly increases this educational disparity in rural areas. In these areas, students face a lack of inadequate infrastructure and qualified educators. Due to this lack of access, students in rural areas have to travel to other cities to obtain basic education. Hence, this gives rise to limited opportunities for academic growth.

In this scenario of educational disparity, the promise of equitable education emerges as a beacon of hope, illuminating pathways to empowerment and transformation. Crack Academy, India’s leading online ed-tech platform for civil services examination, envisions a world where every student, regardless of their geographical location, has comprehensive access to quality education and opportunities for educational growth. At the heart of the academy’s vision lies a belief that education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right. For 17+ years, Crack Academy has been empowering IAS aspirants by providing high-quality, affordable distance education. Under the leadership of Neeraj Kansal, the CEO of Crack Academy, the academy is pioneering the mission to offer innovative solutions for educational disparities. With the remarkable achievement of being a Civil Engineering Gold Medalist and thrice selected for UPSC interviews, Mr. Kansal embodies excellence and determination in his pursuits. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has not only established himself as a successful business leader but also as a patron of shared prosperity.

The academy’s vision is clear: to deliver quality education to aspiring students in small towns through technology. The academy delivers an affordable and accessible ed-tech solution through the establishment of partner-owned classroom centers in smaller towns, thereby diminishing the educational disparity. Every day, the academy offers valuable resources to lakhs of students, bridging the educational gap. It also hosts sessions with esteemed IAS officers, offering invaluable insights and guidance to students. These initiatives transform the lives of many students, mirroring the educational standards in metropolitan areas. Further, the academy aims to bring “Delhi Wali coaching” to tier 3 & 4 cities, providing a comprehensive learning environment to the students.

To achieve this, the academy offers quality education, catering to the needs of students preparing for exams and courses like UPSC, IAS, SSC, Banking, MS Office, Tally, Google Workspace, and many others. The academy has also partnered with Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation to provide Civil Services coaching to the foundation’s meritorious students of classes 10th & 12th. In addition, it has partnered with the Haryana Government to develop its SSA Module. Hence, the academy has achieved various milestones since its inception, which is evident in its offerings and partnerships. The academy has also been recognized for its educational contributions through its innovative “Mere Sheher ke 100 Ratan” scholarship program. The program has already been launched in Shimla for the students of Himachal Pradesh and in Chandigarh for the students of Punjab, aiming to provide scholarships to hardworking and deserving students.

Furthermore, the academy envisions opening one centre in every small town across India to bring affordable national-level coaching facilities to the students in these areas. In addition, to strengthen the core of the students, the academy plans to offer study materials to Class 6-12 students meticulously curated by a dedicated team of experts. Under this course, students could access the top faculty in Delhi from the comfort of their own space and master their syllabus.

In line with its commitment to delivering unparalleled education, Crack Academy has also been the recipient of the prestigious Educational Leadership Excellence Award at the Global Indians Conclave and Awards (GICA) by Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India. Thus, as a team, Crack Academy’s vision is to nurture talent, sculpt the academics of the students, and enrich their learning experience.

amber Launches 3rd Edition of amberScholar Scholarship Worth USD 15,000 for International Students

Pune, Maharashtra, India amber, the leading global student accommodation platform, is thrilled to announce the 3rd edition of the exclusive amberScholar scholarship. Building on the success of its previous two successful editions, this scholarship is available for the September intake students enrolled in any program in the UK, USA, Ireland, or Canada.

The amberScholar scholarship offers USD 15,000 in financial aid, distributed across 3 (three) categories. The first-place winner will receive USD 7,000, followed by USD 5,000 for the second-place, and USD 3,000 for the third-place winner.

amber’s scholarship program is designed to assist students from diverse academic and socio-cultural backgrounds in pursuing their higher education and recognizing their academic achievements and potential. The availability of much-needed financial aid will greatly help them in achieving their educational goals.

The scholarship is specifically tailored for students who are planning to attend universities in the UK, USA, Ireland or Canada and have received acceptance letters from any academic program in these countries.

To apply, students are encouraged to visit the amberScholar scholarship official website page and click the “Apply Now” button. Applicants can articulate their objectives and aspirations by submitting their unique “Statement of Purpose” through the application form. The Statement of Purpose can be presented in various formats, such as video essays, screen-recorded presentations, or any graphical means preferred by the applicants. The deadline for application submissions is 31st August 2024.

Please note that the Statement of Purpose for the scholarship should be unique and separate from any Statement of Purpose you may have submitted for university admission. In this specific SOP, applicants should explicitly outline their need for the scholarship.

Saurabh Goel, CEO & Co-founder of amber, said, “As we launch the 3rd edition of the amberScholar scholarship, we reflect on the overwhelming success of the past two years, during which we received thousands of applications. This overwhelming interest motivates us to not only continue this initiative but also to expand it by increasing the prize pool. Our goal is to make high-quality education accessible to talented students around the world. The financial support we offer is vital, helping these promising students to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial constraints.”

Important dates include the start of the application period on 1st May 2024, the closure of the application window on 31st August 2024, and the announcement of the shortlisted candidates on 15th Sep 2024.

Angela Russell’s Newly Released Calvin’s Garden

Brooklyn, MI, July 01, 2024 –“Calvin’s Garden”: a joyful tale filled with themes of perseverance, problem-solving, and the joy of companionship. “Calvin’s Garden” is the creation of published author, Angela Russell, a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.

Russell shares, “Calvin has a big, beautiful garden that he likes to play in every day. One day, he goes out to play in his garden, and he finds critters making mischief. He shoos the critters away, but they return. Calvin doesn’t know what to do until he finds a friend to help him.”

GBDC Entrepreneurship Institute Experiential Learning Center Invites the Community to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with a Day of Giving

Delray Beach, FL, July 01, 2024 — GBDC Entrepreneurship Institute Experiential Learning Center (GBDCEI) is thrilled to announce its 10th Anniversary celebration with a Day of Giving, offering multiple ways for the community to show their love, support and make a difference.

Join the $10 Campaign: June 29 – July 10

Starting June 29, GBDCEI launched an Online Giving Challenge with the $10 Campaign.

This is a perfect opportunity for everyone to participate by donating $10 and challenging their friends and colleagues to do the same. The group with the highest donations will be rewarded with a special gift. Donations can be made online https://shorturl.at/x38K9 or mail your check or money order today to GBDC Entrepreneurship Institute 1500 Gateway Blvd #220 Boynton Beach, FL 33426.

Dine at Wood & Fire, Delray Beach July 9
Enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner while making a positive impact! On July 9, whether dineing in or taking out a meal from the Wood and Fire in Delray Beach, supporters are not just getting delicious food, but 10% of each bill will be donated to GBDCEI. To ensure all contributions counts, click, download please show the support card to a server. https://shorturl.at/N7J0A

Celebrity Bartender Challenge, Delray Beach July 9
The fun does not stop there. Join GBDCEI for the Celebrity Bartender Challenge at Wood & Fire, Delray Beach, on July 9 from 6 PM to 9 PM for an evening of fun, excitement, and generous giving. Cheer on local celebrities as they compete to earn the most tips. 10% of sales during the event will be donated to GBDCEI to support youth and homeless outreach programs.

Can’t attend? Support a bartender here: https://shorturl.at/2DyTG

“We would like a minimum of 2000 people to donate a minimum of $10 between June 26 and July 10,” said Annette Gray Founder and President of GBDCEI.

The funds will be used to fund the following:
1. Cash prizes for the winners of our Young Entrepreneurs Challenge
2. School supplies for teachers and students distributed during our July 27, 2024 Christmas in July event.
3. Homeless outreach personal hygiene kits
4. 2024 Young Entrepreneurs Gala
5. New home for GBDCEI

World University of Design’s Students Champion Sustainable Fashion at Delhi Times Fashion Week

1st July 2024  Delhi, India  In a vibrant celebration giving a platform to creatives and sustainability, twenty-two talented students from the School of Fashion at World University of Design dazzled audiences at the Delhi Times Fashion Week recently. Held at the prestigious venue, The Grand Vasant Kunj, the event featured renowned designers and fashion labels including the iconic Narendra Kumar from Mumbai. The central theme of WUD’s showcase, “Sustainability in Fashion,” set the stage for a stunning presentation of upcycled secondhand garments. Embracing this ethos, students infused bold, contrasting colors and creative geometric shapes into their designs. Tasked with minimizing waste, they utilized at least 97% of the chosen garment’s materials, aligning with the imperative for sustainable practices in the face of global challenges.

The result was a collection that captivated audiences and demonstrated the students’ keen sense of contemporary style. Attendees marveled at the innovative concept & the wearability of finished garments and applauded the students’ commitment to sustainable yet fashionable attire. Feedback from industry experts and fashion influencers was overwhelmingly positive.

Looking at the overwhelming response, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, the World University of Design (WUD) commented, “I am thrilled to see the participation of 22 of our talented pre-final fashion students in Delhi Times Fashion Week. The showcased collection not only epitomizes creativity but also champions the cause of sustainability. At WUD, we believe in pushing the boundaries of fashion while advocating for responsible practices. Sustainability is an enduring trend. I am sure this initiative by WUD will inspire all fashion institutions to move towards sustainability in the coming days. Our presence here, amidst notable professional designers is inspiring.”

The event concluded with resounding applause, marking the students’ exceptional achievement under the guidance of Professor Devender Singh Kharb and his team. Speaking on the success of the event, Prof. Kharb highlighted the School of Fashion’s reputation for forward-thinking design and sustainability initiatives.

“We were thrilled to present the work of our third-year students. The School of Fashion at WUD has established itself as a pioneering design program, renowned for its focus on sustainability, cutting-edge technologies, and entrepreneurial spirit. Unlike traditional practices seen in other institutions, WUD prioritizes showcasing the innovative creations of our penultimate year students. I am impressed by the students’ creations and look forward to witnessing the fashion landscape evolve with sustainability at its core,” remarked Prof. Devender Singh Kharb, Dean, School of Fashion, World University of Design (WUD).

The event concluded with enthusiastic applause, marking the students’ exceptional achievement. They not only met but exceeded expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the Delhi Times Fashion Week. Their use of sustainable fashion in smart casuals and the breathtaking graduation collection demonstrated their potential for greatness in the ever-evolving world of fashion. This highlights the importance of sustainability and upcycling as norms in the fashion industry to combat climate change in the upcoming years.

Author Michael Bates’s New Book The Playing Fields of the Hellenes

Smyrna, GA, June 28, 2024 –Michael Bates, who had a long career in valuations of specialty real estate and healthcare businesses, has completed his new book, “The Playing Fields of the Hellenes: A Story about the Ancient Olympics”: a captivating and engaging historical fiction that brings to life the glory and grandeur of the ancient Olympic Games as it explores the origins of organized athletics.

“Perhaps, civilization in the world began with organized athletic competitions,” writes Bates. “Formal sporting events are considered to have originated with the ancient Olympics, which took place at a place called Olympia from 776 BC to AD 393. (The modern Olympic Games began in 1896 in Athens, Greece, and have continued throughout the world every four years to the present.) Before they were Greeks, they called themselves Hellenes. Ancient Greece was comprised of many city-states that were typically at war. The Hellenes agreed to a truce called Ekecheiria, which allowed free passage to and from Olympia for participants and representatives for the games. This story begins with main characters traveling the Greek isles recruiting participants for the next games at Olympia; it concludes with sporting battles for victory on the sacred grounds of Olympia.”

Author Alexander Odishelidze and Carlos A. Chardón Unveil a Stark Warning About Chinese Influence in the Caribbean

Miami, FL, June 29, 2024 — Author, finance expert, and long-time political consultant Alexander Odishelidze’s influential book, “America’s Last Fortress: Puerto Rico’s Sovereignty, China’s Caribbean Belt and Road, and America’s National Security,” offers a critical examination of geopolitical dynamics in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The book has already achieved Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller status, but now includes bonus content in the form of a new foreword by Carlos A. Chardón, former SBA Director for the Caribbean and former Secretary of Education for Puerto Rico. The book has also recently been released as an audiobook on major online retailers.

Delivering a stark warning about the burgeoning influence of China in the Caribbean, with Puerto Rico at the epicenter, “America’s Last Fortress” explains how China’s Belt and Road initiative seeks unrestricted global access with Puerto Rico strategic positioning as the gateway to the Caribbean making it a prime target. As Puerto Rico inches towards independence, China’s opportunity to gain a foothold in the region becomes increasingly plausible, posing significant national security concerns for the United States.

Odishelidze, who has dedicated more than thirty years to advocating for Puerto Rico’s self-determination, presents an insider’s view of the political missteps and vested interests that have hindered the island’s decolonization process. He provides a comprehensive narrative of Puerto Rico’s political evolution—from the 1970s, when independence garnered less than 5% of the vote, to recent elections where nearly 50% of the electorate favored independence. This shift, according to Odishelidze, aligns ominously with China’s strategic interests.

The new foreword by Carlos A. Chardón, former Small Business Administration director for the Caribbean and former Secretary of Education of Puerto Rico, underscores the urgency and gravity of Odishelidze’s message. Chardón writes, “The author’s argument is devastating but it makes sense…. Odishelidze warns that the Island is the last US stronghold in the Caribbean because of its political relationship.”

Chardón elaborates on the broader geopolitical landscape, highlighting that Puerto Rico’s strategic importance has made it a target historically and continues to do so in the context of contemporary global power struggles. He notes, “On looking at a map of the Antilles: in the north is Cuba, in a silent struggle with the United States for sixty years; in the south, Venezuela… in the west, Nicaragua… and in the east is Puerto Rico.”

Author Charity Parker’s New Book Calm Kids

New York, NY, June 29, 2024 –Charity Parker, a debut author with a passion for nurturing young minds through the magic of words and illustrations, has completed her new book, “Calm Kids: How to Make Kids Calm”: a heartwarming and insightful children’s book that offers valuable lessons on managing emotions and finding inner peace.

“Through the story of a young character named Mason, readers are guided on a journey of self-discovery, as Mason encounters various situations and emotions,” writes Parker. “With the help of his parents, Mason learns practical techniques and strategies to stay calm in challenging moments. This delightful and beautifully illustrated book not only entertains but also imparts essential life skills to young readers, helping them navigate their feelings and find security in a sometimes chaotic world.”

Author Todd L. Cook’s New Book Convict Logic From Leadership to a Better Life

Lincoln, NE, June 28, 2024 –Todd L. Cook, a co-founder of Nebraskans for Prison Reform, has completed his new book, “Convict Logic: From Leadership to a Better Life”: a compelling and transformative journey into the mind of a man whose criminal past has led to profound insights on leadership, personal development, and the pursuit of a better life.

During his incarceration, author Todd L. Cook earned his paralegal diploma and an associate degree in business and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business administration through Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. He grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska, and found himself in trouble with the law early in life, leading to his conviction of first-degree murder at the age of 18 and a mandatory life-without-parole sentence. Now, Cook’s mission in life is to give back and to make up for the harm that he’s caused.

“What is leadership?” writes Cook. “By definition, it is direction, guidance, control, management, and supervision. A person or thing that leads or is followed by others is considered a ‘leader.’ In practice, these terms take on many forms, and I will attempt to shed some light on not only what it takes to be a good leader but also what you can do to develop the qualities that are necessary to make people want to follow you.

“Every one of us is in a position of leadership whether we currently recognize it or not. Our daily lives of work, family, and friends offer us constant opportunities to either demonstrate our leadership qualities or to develop them. If you understand that we are all connected by our shared experiences and start to take charge of how those daily interactions affect the people around you, then it makes sense to become the best teammate you can be.”

Authors Ellen Granat, Donna Granat Schobel, and Lynne Granat Stark’s New Book And They Wrote Back

New York, NY, June 28, 2024 — Ellen Granat and daughters Donna Granat Schobel and Lynne Granat Stark have completed their new book, “…And They Wrote Back”: a captivating series of letters that Ellen’s husband and Donna and Lynne’s father sent to notable figures and icons throughout history, as well as their extraordinary responses that provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of these individuals.

“Growing up, our dad would write to people he had never met, but who he found interesting and wanted to know more about personally. Remember, no Wikipedia!” write Donna and Lynne. “The replies to those letters were on the walls in many rooms of our home, displayed on shelves, and delicately stored in bookbinders. It was normal for our dad to be waiting for a reply from people like George H. W. Bush, Neil Armstrong, or Rudy Vallée.

“The idea to write this book began after spending a day at our mom’s apartment on Long Island. We had taken out the binders of correspondences and began to look through them. When we were done, we put them back carefully. On the way home, we both felt that it just did not seem right to have all these amazing letters tucked away in a cabinet in Hewlett, New York.”

The authors continue, “Writing this book became a labor of love and was many years in the making. We are so proud of our dad and only wish he were still here to know we did this. Ever the pessimist, he always thought he would never hear from someone he wrote to. But he needn’t have worried. They wrote back!”

Published by Page Publishing, Ellen Granat, Donna Granat Schobel, and Lynne Granat Stark’s enlightening series will invite readers to share in a fascinating journey marked by curiosity, connection, and passion for understanding others across boundaries. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, “…And They Wrote Back” is a testament to the enduring power of curiosity, the joy of unexpected connections, and the richness of personal stories that shape one’s knowledge of history and humanity.