Month: July 2024

LAUSANNE, Switzerland and SAN JOSE, Calif., July 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Logitech International (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI) published its annual Fiscal Year 2024 Impact Report detailing the Company’s progress toward its sustainability ambition. The Company reports continued product carbon reduction progress at scale by Designing for Sustainability (DfS) across its portfolio. In 2023, modifications at the product level amounted to a reduction of nearly 139,000 tons CO2e across the Company’s portfolio and operations; equivalent to circling the Earth approximately 13,000 times1 in an average gasoline-powered car.

“Logitech continues its impactful and pioneering sustainability efforts,“ said Hanneke Faber, Logitech CEO. “In our quest to achieve our ambitious near-term target of reducing Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030, we have now reduced our carbon footprint (Scope 1 and 2) by 58% since 2019 and our value chain (Scope 3) emissions by 24% compared to 2021. Designing for Sustainability and using renewable energy sources will be our pathway to further lowering our footprint.”

Designing for Sustainability
Logitech leverages the power of design to spur innovation and scale progress. Environmental and social impacts are conscientiously factored into every design decision from the moment raw materials are sourced right through to the end-of-life of a product. The Company intentionally incorporates product carbon footprint reduction into its design criteria across its portfolio. The FY24 Impact Report features several products that have achieved carbon reductions by implementing DfS, including Wave Keys wireless keyboard with a 37% carbon footprint reduction compared to the 1st generation and Casa Pop-Up Desk with a 34% carbon footprint reduction compared to a ‘do nothing’ scenario. By enhancing and scaling its design for sustainability competencies, the Company has reduced its carbon footprint and achieved the following:

3 in 4 products use Next Life Plastics (recycled plastic), eliminating more than 25,000 tCO2e in 2023. A total of 75,000 tCO2e and over 30,000 tons of virgin plastic have been avoided since the program began in 2020.Transparency: 66% of Logitech products are now carbon labeled, up from 42% in 2022. The Company is on target to carbon label all its products by the end of 2025.66 product lines use low-carbon aluminum, produced with renewable energy, eliminating more than 13,000 tCO2e in 2023.19% of products use FSCTM -certified paper packaging, and the majority (73%) of new product introductions have moved to FSCTM -certified packaging.Across the globe, 94% of the Company’s electricity footprint comes from direct and indirect renewable electricity purchases.

An Advocate for Equity & Inclusion
Logitech has successfully achieved gender parity at the top of the Company. Its leadership team has a 50:50 male-to-female ratio and is led by a female CEO. Its Board of Directors posts 40% female representation.

The Company continues to elevate programs and products that promote equity and inclusivity in communities throughout the world. In addition to working towards narrowing the gender gap in the tech industry at large, it is focused on creating safe and inclusive digitally accessible environments and partnering with organizations like Girls Who Code, AbleGamers, GLAAD, Team4Tech, and The Royal College of Art in London. Its continued work with Pensole Lewis College (PLC), a historically Black college, furthers design creativity and advances STEAM educational programs in BIPOC communities.

Additionally, the Company’s Supplier Diversity Pledge encourages Black, Women, and Minority-owned partnerships and it has expanded outreach to diverse suppliers. It also maintained its Gender Fair certification for the 3rd year since co-founding the Coalition for Gender Fair Procurement in 2021.

Logitech’s FY24 Impact Report was developed with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and in alignment with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More information on these and other sustainability accomplishments can be found in the FY24 full report. Learn more about Logitech’s sustainability initiatives and commitments on the website at Logitech.com/sustainability.

About Logitech

Logitech designs software-enabled hardware solutions that help businesses thrive and bring people together when working, creating, gaming and streaming. As the point of connection between people and the digital world, our mission is to extend human potential in work and play, in a way that is good for people and the planet. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Find Logitech and its other brands, including Logitech G, at www.logitech.com or company blog.

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(LOGIIR)

1According to https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results 138,797 tCO2e equates to 322,034,875 miles driven by an average gasoline power passenger vehicle. According to https://www.space.com/17638-how-big-is-earth.html, the equatorial circumference of Earth is 24,901 miles.

Editorial Contacts:

Marie Perriard, Head of Sustainability Communications – USA mperriard@logitech.com 
Nicole Kenyon, Head of Global Corporate & Employee Communications – USA (510) 988-8553 
Ben Starkie, Corporate Communications – Europe +41 (0) 79-292-3499

Alabama Community College System, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Colorado Community College System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System will offer students access through IBM SkillsBuild this fallCredentials have been piloted and designed with community college experts, and have ACE recommended college credits

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2024  /3BL/ – IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled two new IBM SkillsBuild certificates in cybersecurity and data analytics, which have been piloted and designed with community colleges. These new IBM SkillsBuild certificates will be available to students across the Alabama Community College System, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Colorado Community College System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System this fall.

Cybersecurity and data analytics skills are essential for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, enabling professionals to extract insights, secure critical information, drive informed decisions, and create value across industries in an increasingly data-centric and security-conscious world. According to a global study conducted by IBM Institute of Business Value, executives estimate that implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over the next three years, mostly those in entry-level positions. This underscores the importance of creating public-private partnerships to help close the skills gap.

“Community colleges play a critical role in advancing the adoption of essential technology skills for the workforce,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President for Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM Corporate Social Responsibility. “With these new credentials, IBM is helping learners gain the in-demand skills employers are seeking in a new AI-enabled workplace.”

The certificates are designed to meet the needs of learners and have been developed with academic and industry experts. Community college programs can integrate them into existing curriculums for students to earn credits.

Designed to meet the needs of learners: These certificates are accessible for first-time degree seekers, upskillers, or career changers who hold a high school degree or GED, associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in a non-technical field. Self-paced, experiential learning across all levels helps effectively prepare learners for potential job opportunities such as junior information security analyst, network security technician, data visualization specialist, and entry-level marketing analyst.Developed together with academic and industry experts: Jobs for the Future (JFF) and a coalition of industry experts contributed to and validated the new competency-based IBM SkillsBuild certificates to align coursework and learnings with current employer demand as well as trends and expectations in the market to maximize job opportunities for students upon completion. The experts included representatives from employers including banks and tech firms, as well as schools and education nonprofits nationwide.Integrate into existing community college programs for college credits: Each certificate learning plan is 60-65 hours in length and can be integrated into a community college’s curriculum. The American Council on Education (ACE) has conducted a Learning Evaluation Review of the certificates and recommends 12 credits for completion of the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate and 8 credits for the IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate. The coursework also aligns with CompTIA SEC+ certification topics and skills and is recognized by potential employers.

The new certificates from IBM SkillsBuild require completion of the following courses:

IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate: governance, risk, compliance and data privacy, vulnerability management, system and network security, cloud security, security operations management, and incident response and system forensics.

IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate: data classification, data usability for organizations, inferential and descriptive statistics, data collection and analysis, data preparation for analysis, and data visualization and presentation.

Additionally, students will have access to IBM SkillsBuild including other credentials and more than 1,000 free courses such as AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and workplace skills.

The new certificates were piloted successfully with students in Alabama, Colorado, California, and Louisiana in 2023.

“Alabama community college worked with IBM to pilot the Cybersecurity Certificate because of the strong need for entry-level competency-based credentials that help students start on a pathway for an IT career,” said Dr. Courtney Monette, Special Programs Project Director, Alabama Community College System. “In 2021, Alabama adopted a skills-based workforce training program called Mobilizing Alabama Pathways, or MAPs, that allows new and returning adult education and career pathway students an opportunity to earn a credential like the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity or Data Analytics Certificate; thus building confidence and basic employability skills for all high demand high wage career clusters.”

“Using the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity credential for my two community education Cybersecurity Fundamentals courses that I piloted at Diablo Valley College during last fall and spring semesters, proved to be a rewarding experience for the student participants, for me, and for the college,” said Richard Grotegut, Computer Network Technology Faculty at Diablo Valley College, part of the Contra Costa Community College District and a member of the Bay Area Community College Consortium. “It confirmed the college’s decision to offer the course as part of their academic offerings beginning this coming school year. The credential proved to be a very good entry-level introduction to cybersecurity. While most of the participants enhanced their academic credentials and are pursuing further study, several of the course “career-changers” used their success in the class to gain employment in technical support positions with local companies. The rich course content and approach, with a strong focus on oral and written communication skills, was a key factor in building the confidence that helped the students land those jobs.” 

“Front Range Community College is thrilled to have been selected as one of four colleges nationally to collaborate in designing and launching the new IBM SkillsBuild data analytics credential,” said Colleen Simpson, EdD, Front Range Community College President. “This collaboration with renowned technology leader IBM provides our students the opportunity to develop critical skill sets in this rapidly growing field.”

“Baton Rouge Community College was excited to work with IBM in piloting this initiative last year,” said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith. “We look forward to continuing this collaboration and working with IBM to expand the initiative and offer it to Louisiana citizens through the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Through this collaboration, we are demonstrating a commitment to equipping our residents with the skills and practical experience required to excel in the high demand fields of cybersecurity and data analytics. Together, we are paving the way for Louisiana to emerge as a national leader in these rapidly growing sectors, ensuring our talent is prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.”

“In an increasingly dynamic economy shaped by fast-evolving technology, employers, learners, and workers need nimble and trusted ways to acquire and validate skills that will lead to quality jobs of the future,” said Joel Vargas, Vice President of JFF’s Education Practice. “JFF is proud to work with IBM and these innovative colleges to lead the charge on creating scalable solutions to meet this growing need.”

IBM’s work with community colleges is an important component of the company’s pioneering skills-first approach and part of IBM’s commitment to providing 30 million people with new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030. 

About IBM SkillsBuild

IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. Through the program, IBM supports adult learners, and high school and university students and faculty, to develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform that is complemented by customized practical learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global network of partners.

The open version of IBM SkillsBuild is an online platform offering over 1,000 courses in 20 languages on AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and many other technical disciplines — as well as in workplace skills such as design thinking. Participants can earn IBM-branded digital credentials that are recognized by the market.

The enhanced version of IBM SkillsBuild may also include workshops, expert conversations with IBM coaches and mentors, project-based learning, access to IBM software, specialized support from partners through the learning process, and connection to career opportunities. Visit skillsbuild.org to learn more.

Media Contact:

Estefania Sanchez
IBM Media Relations
estefania.sanchez@ibm.com

SOURCE IBM

Alabama Community College System, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Colorado Community College System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System will offer students access through IBM SkillsBuild this fallCredentials have been piloted and designed with community college experts, and have ACE recommended college credits

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2024  /3BL/ – IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled two new IBM SkillsBuild certificates in cybersecurity and data analytics, which have been piloted and designed with community colleges. These new IBM SkillsBuild certificates will be available to students across the Alabama Community College System, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Colorado Community College System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System this fall.

Cybersecurity and data analytics skills are essential for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, enabling professionals to extract insights, secure critical information, drive informed decisions, and create value across industries in an increasingly data-centric and security-conscious world. According to a global study conducted by IBM Institute of Business Value, executives estimate that implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over the next three years, mostly those in entry-level positions. This underscores the importance of creating public-private partnerships to help close the skills gap.

“Community colleges play a critical role in advancing the adoption of essential technology skills for the workforce,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President for Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM Corporate Social Responsibility. “With these new credentials, IBM is helping learners gain the in-demand skills employers are seeking in a new AI-enabled workplace.”

The certificates are designed to meet the needs of learners and have been developed with academic and industry experts. Community college programs can integrate them into existing curriculums for students to earn credits.

Designed to meet the needs of learners: These certificates are accessible for first-time degree seekers, upskillers, or career changers who hold a high school degree or GED, associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in a non-technical field. Self-paced, experiential learning across all levels helps effectively prepare learners for potential job opportunities such as junior information security analyst, network security technician, data visualization specialist, and entry-level marketing analyst.Developed together with academic and industry experts: Jobs for the Future (JFF) and a coalition of industry experts contributed to and validated the new competency-based IBM SkillsBuild certificates to align coursework and learnings with current employer demand as well as trends and expectations in the market to maximize job opportunities for students upon completion. The experts included representatives from employers including banks and tech firms, as well as schools and education nonprofits nationwide.Integrate into existing community college programs for college credits: Each certificate learning plan is 60-65 hours in length and can be integrated into a community college’s curriculum. The American Council on Education (ACE) has conducted a Learning Evaluation Review of the certificates and recommends 12 credits for completion of the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate and 8 credits for the IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate. The coursework also aligns with CompTIA SEC+ certification topics and skills and is recognized by potential employers.

The new certificates from IBM SkillsBuild require completion of the following courses:

IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate: governance, risk, compliance and data privacy, vulnerability management, system and network security, cloud security, security operations management, and incident response and system forensics.

IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate: data classification, data usability for organizations, inferential and descriptive statistics, data collection and analysis, data preparation for analysis, and data visualization and presentation.

Additionally, students will have access to IBM SkillsBuild including other credentials and more than 1,000 free courses such as AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and workplace skills.

The new certificates were piloted successfully with students in Alabama, Colorado, California, and Louisiana in 2023.

“Alabama community college worked with IBM to pilot the Cybersecurity Certificate because of the strong need for entry-level competency-based credentials that help students start on a pathway for an IT career,” said Dr. Courtney Monette, Special Programs Project Director, Alabama Community College System. “In 2021, Alabama adopted a skills-based workforce training program called Mobilizing Alabama Pathways, or MAPs, that allows new and returning adult education and career pathway students an opportunity to earn a credential like the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity or Data Analytics Certificate; thus building confidence and basic employability skills for all high demand high wage career clusters.”

“Using the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity credential for my two community education Cybersecurity Fundamentals courses that I piloted at Diablo Valley College during last fall and spring semesters, proved to be a rewarding experience for the student participants, for me, and for the college,” said Richard Grotegut, Computer Network Technology Faculty at Diablo Valley College, part of the Contra Costa Community College District and a member of the Bay Area Community College Consortium. “It confirmed the college’s decision to offer the course as part of their academic offerings beginning this coming school year. The credential proved to be a very good entry-level introduction to cybersecurity. While most of the participants enhanced their academic credentials and are pursuing further study, several of the course “career-changers” used their success in the class to gain employment in technical support positions with local companies. The rich course content and approach, with a strong focus on oral and written communication skills, was a key factor in building the confidence that helped the students land those jobs.” 

“Front Range Community College is thrilled to have been selected as one of four colleges nationally to collaborate in designing and launching the new IBM SkillsBuild data analytics credential,” said Colleen Simpson, EdD, Front Range Community College President. “This collaboration with renowned technology leader IBM provides our students the opportunity to develop critical skill sets in this rapidly growing field.”

“Baton Rouge Community College was excited to work with IBM in piloting this initiative last year,” said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith. “We look forward to continuing this collaboration and working with IBM to expand the initiative and offer it to Louisiana citizens through the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Through this collaboration, we are demonstrating a commitment to equipping our residents with the skills and practical experience required to excel in the high demand fields of cybersecurity and data analytics. Together, we are paving the way for Louisiana to emerge as a national leader in these rapidly growing sectors, ensuring our talent is prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.”

“In an increasingly dynamic economy shaped by fast-evolving technology, employers, learners, and workers need nimble and trusted ways to acquire and validate skills that will lead to quality jobs of the future,” said Joel Vargas, Vice President of JFF’s Education Practice. “JFF is proud to work with IBM and these innovative colleges to lead the charge on creating scalable solutions to meet this growing need.”

IBM’s work with community colleges is an important component of the company’s pioneering skills-first approach and part of IBM’s commitment to providing 30 million people with new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030. 

About IBM SkillsBuild

IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. Through the program, IBM supports adult learners, and high school and university students and faculty, to develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform that is complemented by customized practical learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global network of partners.

The open version of IBM SkillsBuild is an online platform offering over 1,000 courses in 20 languages on AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and many other technical disciplines — as well as in workplace skills such as design thinking. Participants can earn IBM-branded digital credentials that are recognized by the market.

The enhanced version of IBM SkillsBuild may also include workshops, expert conversations with IBM coaches and mentors, project-based learning, access to IBM software, specialized support from partners through the learning process, and connection to career opportunities. Visit skillsbuild.org to learn more.

Media Contact:

Estefania Sanchez
IBM Media Relations
estefania.sanchez@ibm.com

SOURCE IBM