Category Archives: Education

NACCE/SkillPointe Create School Counselor Advisory Council to Encourage More Students to Pursue Skilled Trades

Cary, NC, July 03, 2024 — NACCE, through its SkillPointe tech platform, is dedicated to raising awareness of skilled trade opportunities across the United States. The SkillPointe School Counselor Advisory Council seeks to transform how and at what age students are introduced to these well-paying, in-demand and often overlooked careers.

The Council will build on SkillPointe’s mission to increase awareness of 80 skilled trade careers that require focused training but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. SkillPointe makes it easy to explore these in-demand careers, find training and get the financial support needed to avoid debt. Many of these careers can become paths to self-employment, in alignment with NACCE’s mission.

The Council’s goal is to create a dynamic curriculum that increases awareness of skilled careers at every age level, from elementary school students to adult learners. SkillPointe is the flagship workforce development tech tool of NACCE, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.

The Council is led by Rebecca Johnson, a school counselor at Daphne Elementary School who was named Alabama’s 2023 School Counselor of the Year by the Alabama School Counselor Association. Johnson is joined by a growing number of elementary, middle and high school counselors from across the nation.

“The average tradesman is a 55-year-old, and it’s long past time to replenish the ranks of these skilled tradesmen and make sure their expertise is passed on to a new generation,” says Johnson. “SkillPointe already points the way to lesser-known lucrative career opportunities while reducing student loan debt.” The group will also provide guidance about how specific skilled careers lend themselves to starting a business. SkillPointe’s research has found that entrepreneurial skills matter in any career.

“We have found that many educators are already utilizing SkillPointe’s 2-minute career quiz to introduce students to a variety of skilled jobs that will require a relatively low investment in training and have tremendous earnings potential,” says Rebecca Corbin, president & CEO of NACCE and an inaugural member of the advisory group.

“We believe the School Counselor Advisory Council will be able to bring awareness to skilled trades earlier and more effectively in the primary education process, as well as to our adult learners, to create a pathway for programs not necessarily requiring a four-year degree.”

Counselors Play an Important Role in Closing the Skills Gap
This partnership highlights the importance of closing the skills gap and the crucial role counselors play in broadening students’ perspectives about work.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts there will be more than 3.3 million job openings each year for skilled careers. SkillPointe’s career pages help students of all ages and backgrounds understand what the career entails, what skills are needed, how many job openings there are, what kind of training is required, scholarship opportunities, and salary information.

As U.S. schools face a critical shortage of counselors, SkillPointe provides an opportunity to reach young, diverse students who can capitalize on these career opportunities. “SkillPointe provides that crucial first step to a skills-based future,” says Victoria Castro-Corral, college advisor at East Valley Institute of Technology and an inaugural SkillPointe council member. “Education has opened so many doors for me in my life. A quality education creates opportunities, and it’s exciting to see different educational paths beyond bachelor’s degrees gain more traction.”

Durex The Birds and Bees Talk Launches Rainbow Classrooms Initiative to Promote Gender Inclusivity in Schools

New Delhi, Delhi, India 02 july : Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition, proudly announces the launch of the Rainbow Classrooms initiative under its Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) program, in partnership with Plan India. This initiative aims to transform schools into inclusive, supportive environments by promoting gender inclusivity and fluidity. Through vibrant, rainbow-colored doors and comprehensive gender identity education for teachers, the program seeks to create safe spaces where every student feels valued and respected.

In many parts of India, gender identity issues are often oversimplified, misunderstood, and rarely taught in schools. Recognizing the critical role of educators in addressing these issues, Reckitt, under its Durex TBBT program, has developed India’s first gender diversity course specifically designed for teachers. With the support of the Government of India and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), this comprehensive course equips teachers with the knowledge and tools to support and guide students on gender diversity and related issues.

The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a testament of promoting inclusivity, built through painting doors of classrooms in rainbow colours as a reward and recognition for schools and teachers who have been strong advocates of diversity and inclusion. These schools and teachers have emerged as chain breakers when it comes to supporting their students in the process of growing up and creating encouraging educational environments.

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a crucial step in our mission to create inclusive and safe educational environments. By empowering educators and transforming school spaces, we aim to foster a culture of acceptance and respect that will positively impact students’ lives. This initiative reflects our broader commitment at Reckitt to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.”

Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, highlighted Reckitt’s year-round commitment to community support: “At Reckitt, we are dedicated to promoting inclusivity and providing continuous support to the communities we serve. The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a testament to our ongoing efforts to create safe and supportive environments for students, not just during Pride Month but throughout the entire year. By fostering acceptance and understanding, we are empowering the next generation to embrace their identities and contribute to a more inclusive society.”

The initiative will include a series of engaging activities across Sikkim, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, such as painting competitions, extempore contests, and workshops on gender equality and inclusion. These activities will involve students, teachers, parents, and government representatives, aiming to create a broad impact and foster a culture of acceptance and respect for all gender identities.

Asif Mohammed, Executive Director, Plan International (India Chapter), said, “At Plan International, we believe that every child has the right to feel safe, accepted, and valued in their educational environment. The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a powerful step towards rewarding our schools. By creating vibrant, welcoming spaces and equipping educators with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society where every student can thrive and embrace their identity without fear or prejudice.”

Durex The Birds and Bees Talk Programme is an innovative and pioneering initiative that has focused on inculcating growing up life skills for adolescents in the north-eastern region of India. Through its systematic intervention, the programme encourages conversations around sexual and reproductive health among adolescents, teachers, and their community members. Adolescent girls and boys in the country lack access to information on issues affecting their lives and have limited spaces to develop competencies crucial for their active participation. TBBT programme is addressing these challenges by imparting critical and age-appropriate information, promoting healthy and safe behaviour and practices, as well as equipping adolescents with life skills, values and attitudes to become responsible adults.

Wayne Bullock’s Newly Released GOOD SUCCESS

Somerset, NJ, July 02, 2024 –“GOOD SUCCESS: 5 Keys to Achieving the Kind of Success that Prospers You and Pleases God”, a powerful and faith-driven guide to achieving success that aligns with spiritual values, is the creation of published author, Wayne Bullock.

Bullock shares, “An anointed preacher, teacher, entrepreneur, songwriter, and playwright, Bishop Wayne N. Bullock serves as senior pastor of Guiding Star Church. He is a graduate of Kean University with two bachelor of arts degrees, one in criminal justice and the other in sociology. He also earned a Master of Divinity from the Northwestern Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Professionally, he is a school administrator in the Roselle Public School District. Wayne is an inspirational playwright. He has traveled much of the East Coast of the U.S. preaching the Word of God and touring his stage plays. For twenty-two years, he has been married to the love of his life, Kendra. Wayne and Kendra are blessed with three beautiful children: Kayla, Kaitlyn, and Wayne Jr. Wayne’s unyielding faith in God and determination to inspire others continuously captivate the hearts of many through his God-given gifts and work.”

Cal Coast Cares Foundation Awards Over $175,000 in Student Scholarships in 2024

San Diego, CA, July 02, 2024 –The Cal Coast Cares Foundation has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships this year to support college-bound high school seniors, current or former foster students, and current college students in San Diego and Riverside counties.

The non-profit foundation awarded $2,000 scholarships to 66 local students who will be pursuing higher education, have proven a commitment to academic excellence and leadership in the community, and met the application criteria. This year’s awardees include 28 foster youth. Recipients of first-year foster student scholarships are also eligible for second-year scholarships if they meet certain minimum academic requirements.

Awardee Chloe Walls, who will attend the University of San Diego, said, “I am thrilled to be a recipient of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation student scholarship. With their support, I am able to live my dreams and positively impact the community.”

“With rising tuition and related educational expenses, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation is committed to helping local college-bound students by providing scholarships to ease their financial burden so they can focus on their studies,” said Kyra Seay, Cal Coast Credit Union Vice President and Foundation board member. “That’s why we are proud to have awarded more than $1 million in student scholarships and educator grants since we were established in 2015.”

The Cal Coast Cares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to local students and grants to local educators. You can help by donating to the Cal Coast Cares Foundation and learning more about its mission here: https://www.calcoastcu.org/community/cal-coast-cares-foundation

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.”