News Hub | News Direct

Education

Higher Education Preschool Primary/Secondary
Article thumbnail News Release

Angie Avers Shares Why She Left Corporate World to Buy & Grow Minuteman Press Franchise in Phoenix, AZ

Minuteman Press International Inc

Angie Avers has owned her Minuteman Press franchise in Phoenix, Arizona since July of 2021. In this interview, Angie shares how she no longer felt valued as an employee working for others, why she felt comfortable taking the leap into business ownership with Minuteman Press, and how she has successfully grown her business. Angie’s Minuteman Press center is located at 2432 W. Peoria Ave., Suite 1023, Phoenix, AZ 85029. What does it mean to you to be a business owner? Why did you choose Minuteman Press? Angie Avers: “I left the corporate environment after nearly 30 years because I was tired of working for someone else and not feeling valued as an employee. I also struggled with finding a new job for over 2 years as well. One day on LinkedIn, the Minuteman Press opportunity presented itself and I inquired about it. I thought to myself, I have nothing to lose at this point so why not? I was later contacted by Brady Rockwell from the Minuteman Press Int’l team and it all started to become real. I started to panic and almost walked away from this opportunity, but after looking at what Minuteman Press International has accomplished and what they were about, I was sold! I knew they wouldn’t judge me for my age or my background and the key part of it all was ‘we’ll train you.’ My background is in marketing and communications, and why wouldn’t I want to help other business owners build their business with print and promotional products? I thought “this is a no brainer!” What has the support from Minuteman Press International been like for you? Angie Avers: “Minuteman support has been great. Whenever I have a problem with FLEX the team always helps me and if I have other issues, I’m always directed to the correct person. There is so much information in FLEX that I still would like to learn even more. Jack Panzer, my local RVP in Arizona, and Sky Hittle, our Field Rep, are always there to help and be there for when I need help or they direct me to where I need to be.” What do you think sets you apart from the competition? Angie Avers: “I describe my business as a ‘full-service print and marketing design company exclusively ran by women.’ We have a plethora of resources at our fingertips and if we can’t do it in-house, we always have resources to help. I believe what sets us apart is our strong work ethic, our honesty with our customers, and our customer service.” What are your high-demand products and key growth areas? Angie Avers: “It’s really hard to say what our high-demand products are. Our core is still paper products, but we are growing other areas. One area we have grown substantially is our design services. New business owners come into our shop all the time. We discuss what their initial needs are and we start with their logo and colors. From there, we build upon what their other needs are and help them brand other products they may need for their business. One customer comes to mind, where we started from scratch with their logo, then brochures and flyers, labels, and now trade show equipment and promotional products. It’s been super fun helping them build their brand and grow their business.” What are some of the key ways you’ve grown your business? Angie Avers: “One of the biggest ways I grew my business was through an acquisition and it doubled my business last year. I also network with BNI and other organizations when I have a chance. I have started doing more email marketing now that my learning curve has minimized some. Our foot traffic into the shop has also grown. When I took over the business, we put up all new window graphics and added two 14-ft. flags in front of the shop which is located on a main road. We have customers tell us all the time they saw our flags outside.” Why do you think printing remains so vital to businesses today? Angie Avers: “Print is vital because without it, everything would just be shapes and images. A world cannot go without print. We wouldn’t even know how to read if we didn’t have print. So, it is vital for sure.” What are the biggest personal and professional rewards of owning your business? Angie Avers: “Personally, I like answering to myself and making myself accountable for what is happening in my business. I thrive on giving my all to our customers and having a team that gets the job done without me chasing after them all the time. My goal is to be a million-dollar shop before I retire and professionally speaking, I just love helping businesses in my community come alive and building those relationships to sell other products.” What advice would you give to other business owners right now? Angie Avers: “Do your research, put together your pros and cons on being a business owner, and while it’s scary to take the plunge, you’ll never know unless you try. Change is hard for a lot of people, but you don’t grow staying in the same place where you are unhappy. Challenge yourself to be the best you. I did and it was the best decision I ever made. I love what I’m doing, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.” Angie Avers’ Minuteman Press franchise is located at 2432 W. Peoria Ave., Suite 1023, Phoenix, AZ 85029. For more information, call or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/az/phoenix20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

March 20, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

From Releasing A Public Course On Using ChatGPT To Leveraging The AI To Improve Company Efficiency — Amesite (NASDAQ: AMST) Looks Ahead Of The Curve For Integrating ChatGPT

Amesite Inc.

By David Willey, Benzinga Click here to read the latest report on Amesite Inc. ChatGPT has shown the potential changes that generative artificial intelligence can bring to the market. Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST), a Detroit-based AI software company, has set out the progress it has made in integrating generative AI into its platform. The release of ChatGPT showcased the capabilities and potential of generative AI, which is able to produce increasingly sophisticated original content. The Everything as a Service (XaaS) market, which includes products like generative AI, is predicted to reach $1.2 trillion by 2031 growing at a compound annual growth rate of 23.4% between 2021 and 2031, according to a study from Spherical Insights & Consulting. Unsurprisingly, investing in AI capabilities remains a top priority for businesses as they look for new ways to harness innovations in AI technology. For companies like Amestie that also have exposure to the e-learning market, there could be additonal opportunities to merge growth in both, with the overall global e-learning market projected to climb to nearly $1 trillion by 2028. A lot of uncertainty remains, however, around strategies for systematically integrating generative AI and systems like ChatGPT’s language model, GPT-3. The education sector in particular has shown an unwillingness to adopt the technology, with at least one school district blocking the program’s website, and universities holding internal meetings to discuss how to control the impact of ChatGPT. Amesite, on the other hand, has always had an AI-first strategy. Founded in 2018 to provide a platform and content for the best upskilling and e-learning opportunities, Amesite’s approach has allowed the platform to quickly pivot to integrate the latest AI technology into its system. Amesite Shareholder Presentation Amesite Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anne Marie Sastry recently shared an update for shareholders over a call. In it, she discussed the company’s financial position, as well as the steps the company has taken to integrate GPT-3 into its platform and business model. Sastry reported that Amesite has had an increase in both its revenue and sales pipeline over the past four quarters and that the company has seen an overall increase in operational efficiency in the same time period. She identified the integration of generative AI into the coding and business operations as a key factor in driving the efficiency and outreach gains made by the company. Sastry made a series of Amesite stock purchases in February and March 2023, buying a total of 6,000 shares of common stock in the company for a purchase price of $16,800. This means Sastry, who has never sold any of her common stock shares in Amesite, now owns over 531,000 shares. This kind of insider buying, where a CEO purchases company stock, generally indicates optimism by company executives about the future growth and stock value of a company. Leveraging AI Developments Sastry commented during the shareholder update on how Amesite is keeping up with the fast-paced developments in the AI industry. As part of its generative AI offerings, Amesite launched new learning and creative assistants that help course designers create content for the platform. It also released a publicly available course on the fundamentals of using ChatGPT. According to Sastry’s presentation, the announcement of Amesite’s ChatGPT content resulted in a five times increase in site traffic. Amesite continues to host eLearning and upskilling programs that have a 99% learner retention rate for businesses, non-profits, and institutes of higher education. Amesite recently announced a pilot program in partnership with Benedict College, as part of the company’s alliance with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO). The Benedict College Pilot is an upskilling program that gives students the skills to thrive in a tech-driven economy. "Benedict’s commitment to their students is admirable, and Amesite is proud to be able to provide them with a scalable online infrastructure and technology upskilling content to enable them to deliver this learning with excellence. This pilot is another example of how we can deliver much-needed upskilling campus-wide, very efficiently," said Dr. Ann Marie Sastry, Founder and CEO of Amesite. Other companies in the online learning space include Coursera Inc. (NYSE: COUR), 2U (NASDAQ: TWOU) and Powerschool Holdings Inc. (NYSE: PWSC). Interested in learning more about Amesite? Visit its website. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Amesite Inc., an artificial intelligence driven platform and course designer, provides online products in the United States. The company uses machine learning to offer a mass customized experience to learners. Its customers include businesses, universities and colleges, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Amesite, Inc. +1 734-876-8141 info@amesite.com Company Website http://www.amesite.io

March 20, 2023 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Hong Kong Baptist University-led research unveils cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target for COVID-19

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 20 March 2023 - A study led by scientists from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified a protease called MT1-MMP that is a major host factor behind the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the human body, which leads to the infection of COVID-19 and multi-organ failure. By applying a humanised antibody called 3A2 that can inhibit the activity of MT1-MMP, the viral load of infected mice was reduced by almost 90%. The research team also demonstrated that the protease is a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19. Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor, and Dr Guo Xuanming, researcher of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine, introduce the research findings on the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target for COVID-19. The research findings have been published in the internationally renowned scientific journal Nature Communications. ACE2 as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry Vaccination can protect people against COVID-19 and its potential complications, but it is not always effective in individuals with weak immune systems, or against some COVID-19 variants of concern. Thus, the development of a more effective treatment for COVID-19 remains a huge challenge in the post-vaccine era. Understanding the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 is vital to curb the spread of the virus, and it will also aid the search for new COVID-19 treatments. SARS-CoV-2 requires angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a protein found on the membrane of human cells, as its receptor for cellular entry. Despite the lungs being the major organ affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, only a small proportion of lung cells express ACE2. Previous studies found that the infection of organs with low levels of ACE2 expression by SARS-CoV-2 is made possible by a soluble form of ACE2. The soluble ACE2 binds with SARS-CoV-2, carries the virus to cells with low levels of ACE2 expression, and facilitates its entry into the cells. MT1-MMP mediates cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 A research team led by Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, in collaboration with Dr Yuan Shuofeng, Assistant Professor of the Department of Microbiology at The University of Hong Kong, further studied how the physiological regulation of soluble ACE2 shedding contributes to the aetiology of COVID-19. The team found that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to the increased activation of MT1-MMP, a protease crucial for many physiological processes. MT1-MMP mediates the release of soluble ACE2 from ACE2-expressing cells. This soluble ACE2 in turn binds to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and carries it to the uninfected cells with low levels of ACE2 expression. Notably, the team demonstrated that the introduction of human-soluble ACE2 enables SARS-CoV-2 to infect the lungs of a laboratory mouse strain (C57BL/6 mice) that is naturally insusceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the incompatibility of its mouse ACE2 and the viral spike proteins. The findings unveil the mechanism by which the virus hijacks host enzymes to enhance its infectivity, triggering multi-organ infections. Antibody 3A2 blocks MT1-MMP activity To study MT1-MMP's functions and how it affects viral infection, the researchers used human cells to create organoids, a 3D tissue structure grown in vitro to resemble and model different organs in the laboratory. They discovered that blocking MT1-MMP activity with the monoclonal antibody 3A2 effectively depleted soluble ACE2 levels and reduced the degree of infection of SARS-CoV-2 in human lung, heart and liver organoids by 60-80%. Consistent results were obtained using the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, as well as variants of concern, such as Delta and Omicron. The results demonstrate that MT1-MMP is a major host factor that mediates the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2, and that it is also a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 drugs. The researchers further tested the effects of applying 3A2 in a mouse COVID-19 model. A group of 11 mice were treated with either 3A2 or vehicle controls. Older mice were used in the experiment as old age is a major risk factor for severe symptoms and mortality for COVID-19. The results show that 3A2 reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 by almost 90% and dramatically alleviated lung tissue damage resulting from infection. MT1-MMP as a therapeutic target Dr Wong said: "Two major challenges when it comes to developing COVID-19 drugs are how to enhance treatment results for patients with weakened immune systems, and how to maintain the drugs' effectiveness across different viral strains. 3A2 has good potential to become an effective drug for curing COVID-19 because it antagonises the activity of MT1-MMP, instead of boosting the immunity of patients or acting directly on the virus. "Our previous studies have demonstrated that 3A2 also offers protection against obesity and diabetes, two major risk factors for severe symptoms and mortality for COVID-19. Therefore, 3A2 could be particularly suitable for high-risk groups, including older adults and people with metabolic disorders. It could also be effective against emerging coronaviruses in the future, because ACE2 is a doorway for many such viruses with similar cell entry mechanisms. Further research and experiments on 3A2 are required before it can be applied in humans." Contact Details Communication and Public Relations Office Christina Wu christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk

March 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Thailand’s SEAC Eyes Bold Expansion in the ASEAN SMART Learning Market

SEAsia Leadavation Center

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach - 20 March 2023 - SEAC, a leading corporate and lifelong education innovator, is shaking up the Thai and ASEAN education market with significant investment to expand its SMART learning solutions across the ASEAN region. The world is rapidly moving forward, and current learning methods fail to keep pace; SEAC is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for more effective technology-supported education design and delivery. SEAC has been developing and testing a range of seamless and cost-effective SMART learning experiences that will bridge learning gaps in the region. James Engel, SEAC Chief Learning Architect, said: "These 'smarter' ways of learning to move the experience from an instructor, topic, and event focus to a leaner, technology-supported design and delivery that emphasizes the learner, their needs & context. Our finish line is applied learning that positively impacts their lives and the world around them." "Our investment in the Thai and ASEAN SMART learning market is a game-changer for the corporate and lifelong education sectors," said Ms. Arinya Talerngsri, SEAC's CEO. "We are committed to offering a comprehensive and engaging SMART learning experiences to a broad range of learners and professionals." SEAC has previously launched a new range of innovative products and solutions for the Thai market, including two comprehensive Learning Experience Platforms(LXP) that offer flexibility for learners and their individual needs. They feature personalized learning paths, interactive content, and collaborative learning experiences. The company has also leveraged decades of deep learning design experience and insights to make learning more flexible, social, and convenient. SEAC is also investing in its workforce. The company has been recruiting top talents in the industry and investing to enhance employees' capabilities for the future of their industry and to exceed learner's requirements. This has enabled the company to stay ahead of the curve and deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients. The Thai and ASEAN SMART learning will grow significantly in the coming years, and SEAC is poised to be a major player in this market. A recent report estimates that the ASEAN Smart Education and Learning market will grow annually by 19.2% and its value will reach US$24.19 billion by 2025. SEAC's long history of success in the corporate training segment provides a great platform to introduce a new range of solutions into this expansive market. SEAC will continue expanding its regional service with a particular focus on Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia in Q2/Q3 this year. SEAC has also been making inroads into the rapidly evolving K-12 education and University segments, which account for over 50% of the total market value. Government initiatives, such as the Thailand 4.0 national strategy, are expected to drive the growth of the ASEAN e-learning market. SEAC is a company that potential investors will want to keep a close eye on. The ASEAN region's large, young, and tech-savvy population has shown their willingness to opt for cost-effective SMART learning solutions that help them grow their skills and empower their lives. For more information about SEAC and its innovative SMART learning solutions, please visit www.seasiacenter.com. About SEAC Established in Thailand with more than 30 years of experience in people development, SEAC has provided innovative and practical approaches to over 2 million learners from more than 1,000 companies in Thailand and across SE Asia. Their goal is to empower lives and organizations through tailored transformative learning experiences. The Company's 456 Smart Learning Experience design and delivery has redefined how well and effectively people upskill and reskill themselves. They serve various learners & leaders across generations, levels, and cultures. Contact Details SEAC James Powell +66 81 350 9928 james_p@seasiacenter.com

March 20, 2023 04:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

NeuroRestorative Illinois Opens Bloomington Location

Sevita

NeuroRestorative, a member of the Sevita family, is celebrating the opening of its NeuroRestorative Academy in Bloomington. This is the sixth Academy location in the U.S., and the third in Illinois. An open house and ribbon cutting event was held on Wednesday, March 15, in partnership with McLean County Chamber of Commerce. NeuroRestorative Academies provide supportive education environments and therapeutic services designed to make learning more accessible to students who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or behavioral health needs. Students enrolled at the Academy may be facing behavioral or emotional challenges, multiple disabilities, speech and language impairments, or other health impairments, including TBI or neurologic impairment. The new Bloomington location will welcome 25 residential and day students, currently supported by 18 staff members including educators, healthcare professionals (recreational therapists, occupational therapists, etc.), social workers, and residential supervisors. The Academies leverage in-house brain injury rehabilitation and neurological expertise and experience to provide an inclusive, moderately acute setting for children and adolescents who have not found success within traditional school settings, yet do not need the level of care provided in higher-intensity settings such as hospitals and institutions. “For more than 40 years, NeuroRestorative has been responding to the behavioral health needs of Illinois families,” said Jim Para-Cremer, Vice President of Operations for NeuroRestorative. “We are truly delighted that this expansion will allow us to bring our clinical and educational skill and experience to the Bloomington community. Together, we know we can positively impact the lives of children and their families and support each person we serve to live well.” Para-Cremer continued, “As a Licensed and Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst, I know that children who are not successful in a traditional school environment can often find success and gain the skills they need to thrive when provided with the right environment of care and support.” Approach: The Academies provide an evidence-based curriculum that is individualized for each student. A Dynamic Learning Plan draws on personalized and proactive intervention approaches. Personalized supports and services are designed to promote both academic and rehabilitative success, including academic testing and support, medical management, social integration, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, family therapy, emotional and behavioral support, transition living preparation, and overall wellness. Success: Of students who’ve attended a NeuroRestorative Academy program, 93% have transitioned home. Additionally, 80% of those served realized a notable reduction in disability (as measured by the Mayo Portland Total T-Score). Mac is one such student that has found success within the NeuroRestorative Academy program. Coming from a Russian orphanage where he was neglected, Mac has had to fight through various obstacles in his life. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age and, before attending NeuroRestorative Academy Chicagoland in Mount Prospect, struggled with processing and containing his emotions. At the Academy, Mac felt comfortable and supported, grew emotionally and behaviorally, and has since graduated high school and begun pursuing his career goals. Learn more: Visit the NeuroRestorative site to watch Mac’s full story, read more successful outcome stories, and find more information about the new NeuroRestorative Academy - Bloomington location. ### About NeuroRestorative NeuroRestorative is a leading provider of subacute and post-acute rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain and spinal cord injuries and other neurological challenges. In various locations and settings, we offer a continuum of care and community-based programs, including specialized services for children and adolescents, adults, military service members and veterans, injured workers, and the elderly. Our dedicated team of professionals is focused on empowering individuals to achieve their potential through a continuum of outcome-driven, community-based rehabilitation programs and specialized supports. About Sevita Sevita is a leading provider of community-based specialized health care, inspired by our core values of respect, integrity, inclusion and growth. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, despite the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We’ve made this our mission for more than 50 years. Today our team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000+ individuals we serve. sevitahealth.com Contact Details Melissa Patricio media@sevitahealth.com Company Website https://sevitahealth.com/

March 17, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Jersey Mike’s Subs and the Harlem Globetrotters team up to Launch Nationwide Creativity Competition in U.S. Elementary Schools

Campus Multimedia

Jersey Mike’s Subs today announced they have partnered with the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters to launch a nationwide creativity competition for elementary schools across the United States. Known as the “Court of Creativity presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs,” the contest will award $1,000 to 10 finalists, and one grand prize winner will receive a visit from the Harlem Globetrotters before the end of the 2022-23 school year. School administrators, teachers, PTA representatives, and parents are encouraged to submit a video or photos of their students showcasing their creativity related to the Harlem Globetrotters or the sport of basketball. Options could include a piece of Harlem Globetrotter-inspired art, a musical number, a trick shots video, or incorporating basketball into their favorite subject. To find more information and official rules or submit your entry, visit https://www.courtofcreativity.com/. The competition is underway, and entries will be accepted through April 16th, 2023. “Anytime you interact with the Harlem Globetrotters, you think about what it would be like to spin the ball on your finger, soar through the air for a dunk, shoot from half-court, or make people smile through the sport of basketball,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “The Court of Creativity is a school’s opportunity to showcase and inspire others. The ball’s in your court to create through art, music, sports, cooking, or more.” “Creativity is an important part of what we do as the Harlem Globetrotters, and we’re excited to provide a platform to foster creative expression in kids with the help of our friends at Jersey Mike’s,” said Keith Dawkins, President of Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios “Basketball is a form of creative, and intellectual, expression and this partnership helps us make a deeper impact with kids who are our next generation of leaders.” The contest is open to public, private, or vocational schools with grades Kindergarten through 5th and located in the United States. Submissions can be made by the school administration or the parent or legal guardian of a child that is currently enrolled in an elementary school. When submitting an entry, social posts must feature the hashtag #CourtofCreativityContest, followed by completing the online form at https://www.courtofcreativity.com/enter. ABOUT JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS Jersey Mike’s Subs, with nearly 2,500 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com). ABOUT THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are THE originators of basketball style, captured by dynamic athletes with unmatched skills and influencers of today’s game. The team has showcased their iconic brand of basketball in over 124 countries and territories across six continents since 1926. Proud inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, their mission continues to advance the game of basketball and deliver exciting and interactive entertainment to the world. If you have ever seen a jump shot, slam dunk or a half-court hook shot, you have witnessed the creative moves made famous by the Globetrotters.The Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.campusmultimedia.com/

March 16, 2023 10:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Capital for Children Announces New Executive Director

Capital for Children

The Board of Directors of Capital for Children is pleased to announce the selection of Deborah P. Lindenberg as its next Executive Director. “Debbi’s impressive credentials and background are an excellent fit for us,” said John Fruehwirth, Capital for Children Board Chair. “She comes to CFC following an extensive career in both law and philanthropy and brings substantial experience in grantmaking and building relationships in the local nonprofit community.” Most recently, Debbi was a Program Officer at The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, the largest private foundation serving the DC region. She has also worked as a grantmaker for the Community Foundation for Montgomery County, an affiliate of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “I care deeply about Capital for Children’s mission of investing in nonprofits serving children, youth, and young adults, and I’m excited to lead CFC as it moves into its next chapter,” Debbi said. “I believe nonprofits are essential in creating thriving, equitable communities and am proud to join an organization that provides financial support and leverages its members’ expertise to help strengthen the capacity and impact of its nonprofit partners.” About Capital for Children Capital for Children is a membership organization of leaders in private equity and related industries that invests in nonprofits serving children, youth, and young adults in the DC region. Through a combination of financial support and members’ participation on boards, CFC forms relationships with its nonprofit partners and helps strengthen their capacity and impact. CFC leverages the expertise of its members and provides guidance to nonprofits in areas such as organizational infrastructure, finance, audit, governance, and strategic planning. For more information, visit www.capitalforchildren.org. Contact Details Capital for Children Debbi Lindenberg +1 301-717-4766 debbi@capitalforchildren.org

March 14, 2023 11:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Screencastify, a leader in $2B video creation space, positioned to thrive in 2023 with new Leadership team and CEO

Screencastify

Screencastify, the leading end-to-end video creation platform, today announced major milestones and company momentum as it continues to deliver the simplest screen capture and video editing capabilities to users around the globe. Boasting significant leadership changes, including newly appointed CEO Vishal Shah, Screencastify has established itself as a front-runner for creators’ video needs. Screencastify, an original video creation tool via internet browser, has become an end-to-end platform that makes recording, editing, sharing, assessing, and viewing video simple and accessible, so anyone can become a more effective communicator. More than 12.4 million users worldwide have used Screencastify to make nearly 450 million videos since 2016. New CEO Vishal Shah has been closely involved with Screencastify since its early days when LearnCore, the sales enablement start up he co-founded as CEO in 2010, was seeking to expand its video creation capability. As part of that collaboration Shah took a board seat with Screencastify. After exiting LearnCore, he took on the position of interim President at Screencastify before being appointed CEO today. Joining the CEO, Screencastify is also announcing the appointment of veteran Paul Ray as CTO while Alex Stepien is promoted from CRO to President & CRO. Ray has almost two decades software development experience with senior roles at Chicago Booth, former CTO at LearnCore and until recently a leader at Amazon. Stepien has led revenue operations and held senior leadership roles including as the former CEO at Cappex. He joined Screencastify in 2021 as CRO. Together the team is positioned to innovate and grow in this booming market. “In March 2020, the demand for online video communication creation went through the roof,” said Vishal Shah, CEO of Screencastify. “The sudden switch to remote learning saw educators — particularly in K-12 schools and higher education — turn to Screencastify’s accessible, intuitive, and low-cost video creation solution to enhance synchronous learning as well as deliver asynchronous — self-paced — learning options. Screencastify is only scratching the surface on how we can help the people who are educating the world now and in the future.” The company met the demand spurred by the pandemic, growing the number of videos made daily by 500%, increasing daily usage by 340% and elevating the number of videos created each month from 2 million before March of 2020 to 20 million videos created monthly less than two months later. Today, Screencastify is being used by educators in more than 70% of U.S. school districts. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Shah notes “The acceptance and widespread adoption of hybrid learning as well as the growing usage of video in the classroom and for a variety of training and instructional uses in the workplace means the future is very exciting for Screencastify, which gave the world its first easy-to-use browser-based screen capture and video creation tool, and I’m delighted the business has asked me to continue the momentum.” According to HubSpot, online video communication adoption has increased 96% over the past three years, with educators, their students, mid-size businesses employees, and individual influencers and creators being the primary drivers of the trend. Screencastify stepped up as the leader in on-demand video creation by building the simplest and most intuitive end-to-end video creation platform for any user. As workplaces embrace hybrid and remote environments, the need for asynchronous video continues to grow. Screencastify has proven it can meet the high demand for a simple, on-demand video platform and will continue to embrace the challenge of meeting the needs for any school or workplace. “We have an opportunity to make video communication simpler and improve human-to-human interaction in a new era of remote working and living — but also one where video plays a greater part in communication at school, at work, and in the social lives of young people especially,” added Vishal Shah. Screencastify has been laser-focused on improving the customer experience with capabilities such as Submit that engages students and allows them to securely create screen and webcam recordings without the extension. The video is then automatically sent to the teacher. Shah notes that, “It's by far the easiest way for students to record and submit videos, as we see teachers encourage students to create more videos.” He adds that Screencastify has, “An exciting lineup of product enhancements and features in 2023 and 2024. One of our big priorities is to keep things simple while building out our capabilities. Screencastify has an enormous base of content creators and we will continue to make life easier for them. Corporate educators are also a key focus for us, with the increasing adoption of digital learning tools and video being accepted as a compelling tool in marketing and sales collateral.” K-12 and post-secondary school has been a key market for Screencastify, but other industries, businesses, and social content creators are also using the tool to create on-demand videos for purposes as diverse as onboarding, engaging customers, board presentations, or simply sharing messages and information between friends and online communities. “The edtech market will only grow,” Vishal Shah says, noting projections from GlobalData show compound annual growth rate (CAGR) growth of 16% between 2021 and 2026, and crossing $400 billion in 2026. “We believe we have a special product and I look forward to continuing to pioneer video services for our customers and grow our customer base. We are ambitious for the future.” About Screencastify Established in 2016, Screencastify is the leading end-to-end video creation platform that makes recording, editing, sharing, assessing, and viewing video more simple for everyone. Tens of millions of people in more than 190 countries use Screencastify to record and edit on-demand video. Used in education, business, and for personal creation, Screencastify provides an accessible way for anyone to create video that saves time, expands their reach, and brings a new level of clarity to their communication. For more information please visit https://www.screencastify.com/ Contact Details Screencastify Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.screencastify.com/

March 14, 2023 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

This Architecture And Design School Is A Talent Engine In The Capital Of Design, San Diego

Ambow Education Holding

By David Willey, Benzinga If Los Angeles is the city of actors, then San Diego could be said to be the city of architects and designers. NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NewSchool), located in downtown San Diego, is one school leading the field of design and architecture, and it serves as an engine of talent-producing students who bring their creative vision across the globe. The architecture and urban planning global market is currently worth $281 billion. Though the profession in the US took a slight hit due to COVID-19, the number of US architects has been steadily increasing in the five years up to 2021, with over 121,000 architects currently licensed in America. Architects and urban designers can find work in industries ranging from construction and project management to engineering, interior design, and urban planning. San Diego is something of a hub within this bustling world of urban architecture and design. The city was recently nominated as the World Design Capital (WDC) 2024, along with Tijuana, Mexico. San Diego was chosen as an example of how cities are innovating with their urban spaces post-pandemic. The city has a history of celebrating a rich architectural culture, boasting its own “ 7 Modern Wonders,” as well as multiple historic cultural districts such as its famous Balboa Park and a new district slated to celebrate Black arts and culture. NewSchool’s Place in San Diego NewSchool's faculty is actively preparing talent by involving its students in designing future scenarios of both the city and the wider area, including Tijuana, to contribute to the vision of the World Design Capital. The school’s campus is in the city’s East Village, which is part of the education corridor that includes City College, the Urban Discovery Academy and many other educational institutions promoting design thinking in K-12. This design district of San Diego has also seen the launch of the I.D.E.A. project to build an innovative urban mixed-use district for education and arts, the development of Tailgate Park, and the University of California San Diego (UCSD)’s new state-of-the-art building on the corner of Park & Market. Globally recognized and awarded, NewSchool offers multiple programs accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). NewSchool’s undergraduate and master's degree programs are housed within two schools, the School of Architecture and Construction Management, and the School of Design. The school is also home to the Center for Healthy Environments, which produces leaders in the design world committed to a healthy and sustainable approach to urbanism and architecture. Part of NewSchool’s mission is to provide its students with key connections in the industry, as well as opportunities for students to engage the community and collaborate on real-world projects. Some of these projects include design planning for a new Downtown Master Plan in National City, CA, as well as the development of a research center in Mission Bay, San Diego. For the National City project, 70+ students spent 20 weeks creating plans for urban renewal of the downtown area. These students developed a creative vision encompassing 40 city blocks to help the communities. In this endeavor, the students followed official National City Downtown Specific Plan guidelines set out by the local council. In 2020, the NewSchool’s Undergraduate Integrated Design Studio collaborated with the University of California San Diego, the National Audubon Society, and the City of San Diego Planning Department, to design a new Wetlands Education and Research Center. The project’s aim was to help decision-makers re-imagine the range of possibilities for increasing public access to Mission Bay and learning more about the preservation and role of this amazing ecosystem in the heart of San Diego. This project highlighted how contemporary urban design can respond to the environment in a sustainable manner. These projects highlight NewSchool’s commitment that students learn to innovate with their designs while also being trained rigorously in the technical and logistical aspects of architecture and urban planning. NewSchool has contributed to the urban fabric of San Diego for many decades, and NewSchool alumni and faculty continue to help design and build the city. Want to learn more about the exciting world of architecture and design? Visit NewSchool’s website. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Ambow Education Holding Ltd. is a leading cross-border career educational and technology service provider, offering high-quality, individualized services and products. With its extensive network of regional service hubs complemented by a dynamic proprietary learning platform and distributors, Ambow provides its services and products to students in China and United States of America. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Kevin Derrivan kderrivan@amboweducation.com Company Website https://www.ambow.com/

March 09, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

1 ... 3435363738 ... 101