Month: January 2026

Cummins

COLUMBUS, Ind., January 21, 2026 /3BL/ – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), a global leader in power technology, announced its selection for a $2.1M grant from the Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board to support the continued development and testing of hybrid haul truck systems at the Proving Grounds – Centralia (PGC) in Washington State. The funding, which will support activities through 2027 – including technology development and validation, training, documentation, and customer engagement – will accelerate Cummins’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the global mining industry through its subsidiary, First Mode.

Cummins acquired First Mode assets in February 2025, continuing its mission to decarbonize heavy industry. Since 2022, First Mode has operated at the TransAlta Centralia Coal Mine, transforming the site into a hub for clean energy innovation. The newly awarded grant will fund critical testing, training, documentation, and customer engagement activities at PGC over the next two years, supporting both trial and limited production releases of hybrid haul truck systems.

“Cummins is proud to continue our mission of delivering impactful, sustainable solutions to the mining industry,” said Molly Puga, general manager of First Mode. “This grant enables us to accelerate product development and showcase Centralia as a global center for clean technology innovation.”

The hybrid system developed by First Mode captures energy from braking events and redeploys it to reduce diesel consumption and enhance truck productivity. With potential fuel savings of up to 30%, the technology presents a compelling business case for mine operators aiming to lower emissions without sacrificing performance.

In addition to advancing product development, the grant will support training programs for mine site personnel and regional maintainers, development of installation and maintenance manuals, and customer demonstrations – all designed to build trust and ensure safe, effective deployment of the hybrid systems worldwide.

“This investment not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens the local economy,” said Mickey Dreher, Centralia Coal Transition Grants board member. “Cummins’ commitment to community engagement and workforce development in Centralia aligns perfectly with our vision for a sustainable future.”

Cummins plans to deliver up to five trial units and approximately 30 limited production units as part of this initiative, with a full production release targeted for late 2027. The company is also exploring opportunities to expand hybrid technology into other heavy industries, including freight rail.

For more information, visit https://firstmode.com.

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is committed to powering a more prosperous world. Since 1919, we have delivered innovative solutions that move people, goods and economies forward. Our five business segments—Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera™ by Cummins—offer a broad portfolio, including advanced diesel, alternative fuel, electric and hybrid powertrains; integrated power generation systems; critical components such as aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls, transmissions, axles and brakes; and zero-emissions technologies like battery and electric powertrain systems and electrolyzers. With a global footprint, deep technical expertise and an extensive service network, we deliver dependable, cutting-edge solutions tailored to our customers’ needs, supporting them through the energy transition with our Destination Zero strategy. We create value for customers, investors and employees and strengthen communities through our corporate responsibility global priorities: education, equity and environment. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins employs approximately 70,000 people worldwide and earned $3.9 billion on $34.1 billion in sales in 2024.

About Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards

• Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;
• Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;
• Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

Media Contact

Cat Dillon Lyons
External Communications Manager

Cummins

COLUMBUS, Ind., January 21, 2026 /3BL/ – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), a global leader in power technology, announced its selection for a $2.1M grant from the Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board to support the continued development and testing of hybrid haul truck systems at the Proving Grounds – Centralia (PGC) in Washington State. The funding, which will support activities through 2027 – including technology development and validation, training, documentation, and customer engagement – will accelerate Cummins’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the global mining industry through its subsidiary, First Mode.

Cummins acquired First Mode assets in February 2025, continuing its mission to decarbonize heavy industry. Since 2022, First Mode has operated at the TransAlta Centralia Coal Mine, transforming the site into a hub for clean energy innovation. The newly awarded grant will fund critical testing, training, documentation, and customer engagement activities at PGC over the next two years, supporting both trial and limited production releases of hybrid haul truck systems.

“Cummins is proud to continue our mission of delivering impactful, sustainable solutions to the mining industry,” said Molly Puga, general manager of First Mode. “This grant enables us to accelerate product development and showcase Centralia as a global center for clean technology innovation.”

The hybrid system developed by First Mode captures energy from braking events and redeploys it to reduce diesel consumption and enhance truck productivity. With potential fuel savings of up to 30%, the technology presents a compelling business case for mine operators aiming to lower emissions without sacrificing performance.

In addition to advancing product development, the grant will support training programs for mine site personnel and regional maintainers, development of installation and maintenance manuals, and customer demonstrations – all designed to build trust and ensure safe, effective deployment of the hybrid systems worldwide.

“This investment not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens the local economy,” said Mickey Dreher, Centralia Coal Transition Grants board member. “Cummins’ commitment to community engagement and workforce development in Centralia aligns perfectly with our vision for a sustainable future.”

Cummins plans to deliver up to five trial units and approximately 30 limited production units as part of this initiative, with a full production release targeted for late 2027. The company is also exploring opportunities to expand hybrid technology into other heavy industries, including freight rail.

For more information, visit https://firstmode.com.

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is committed to powering a more prosperous world. Since 1919, we have delivered innovative solutions that move people, goods and economies forward. Our five business segments—Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera™ by Cummins—offer a broad portfolio, including advanced diesel, alternative fuel, electric and hybrid powertrains; integrated power generation systems; critical components such as aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls, transmissions, axles and brakes; and zero-emissions technologies like battery and electric powertrain systems and electrolyzers. With a global footprint, deep technical expertise and an extensive service network, we deliver dependable, cutting-edge solutions tailored to our customers’ needs, supporting them through the energy transition with our Destination Zero strategy. We create value for customers, investors and employees and strengthen communities through our corporate responsibility global priorities: education, equity and environment. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins employs approximately 70,000 people worldwide and earned $3.9 billion on $34.1 billion in sales in 2024.

About Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards

• Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;
• Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;
• Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

Media Contact

Cat Dillon Lyons
External Communications Manager

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Olympians Association (WOA) will further increase their joint support for Olympians. The two organisations have just renewed their partnership by signing a new Cooperation and Licence Agreement.

International Olympic Committee news

Building on the IOC’s longstanding support of the WOA, the Agreement is aimed at:

• enhancing the engagement and support for Olympians
• strengthening the collaboration between the two organisations; and
• strengthening the good governance which underpins the partnership.

The Agreement also focuses on maximising the impact of joint initiatives and resources to ensure that Olympians continue to be empowered to serve as role models and ambassadors of the Olympic Movement.

IOC President and Double Olympic Champion Kirsty Coventry said: “As Olympians, we share a lifelong bond through the values and experiences that define the Olympic Movement. This renewed partnership between the IOC and the WOA strengthens our collective commitment to support Olympians — not only during their sporting careers but throughout their lives. Together, we will continue to empower Olympians as role models, community leaders and ambassadors of the Olympic ideals around the world.”

WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY, Olympic bronze medallist and World Champion, said: “ We are delighted that our relationship with the IOC is being strengthened so that we can best serve the needs of our National Associations and individual Olympians with more resources and more support from the IOC. We have achieved much over the last three Olympic cycles, including the creation of the OLY post-nominal letters and our grants and scholarship programmes, and we look forward to working hand in hand with the IOC to deliver even more services and opportunities for Olympians. ”

About the WOA

The IOC has supported the World Olympians Association since its foundation, which was led by former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch in 1995.

The WOA supports Olympians worldwide and helps over 100 National Olympians Associations spread the spirit of Olympism in their country. It unites Olympians from all Games and generations, empowering them to make the world a better place through the values of sport.

For more information, visit www.olympians.org.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Olympians Association (WOA) will further increase their joint support for Olympians. The two organisations have just renewed their partnership by signing a new Cooperation and Licence Agreement.

International Olympic Committee news

Building on the IOC’s longstanding support of the WOA, the Agreement is aimed at:

• enhancing the engagement and support for Olympians
• strengthening the collaboration between the two organisations; and
• strengthening the good governance which underpins the partnership.

The Agreement also focuses on maximising the impact of joint initiatives and resources to ensure that Olympians continue to be empowered to serve as role models and ambassadors of the Olympic Movement.

IOC President and Double Olympic Champion Kirsty Coventry said: “As Olympians, we share a lifelong bond through the values and experiences that define the Olympic Movement. This renewed partnership between the IOC and the WOA strengthens our collective commitment to support Olympians — not only during their sporting careers but throughout their lives. Together, we will continue to empower Olympians as role models, community leaders and ambassadors of the Olympic ideals around the world.”

WOA President Joël Bouzou OLY, Olympic bronze medallist and World Champion, said: “ We are delighted that our relationship with the IOC is being strengthened so that we can best serve the needs of our National Associations and individual Olympians with more resources and more support from the IOC. We have achieved much over the last three Olympic cycles, including the creation of the OLY post-nominal letters and our grants and scholarship programmes, and we look forward to working hand in hand with the IOC to deliver even more services and opportunities for Olympians. ”

About the WOA

The IOC has supported the World Olympians Association since its foundation, which was led by former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch in 1995.

The WOA supports Olympians worldwide and helps over 100 National Olympians Associations spread the spirit of Olympism in their country. It unites Olympians from all Games and generations, empowering them to make the world a better place through the values of sport.

For more information, visit www.olympians.org.

The automotive industry is entering a pivotal era. Electrification, evolving manufacturing footprints, and rising customer expectations are fundamentally reshaping how vehicles are produced, moved, and supported across global markets. At the same time, familiar pressures — cost containment, labor shortages, and fragmented supply chains — are intensifying, even as EV infrastructure and aftermarket ecosystems continue to lag behind demand.

For automakers and suppliers alike, the next decade will be defined by one central question: how to build supply chains that are resilient, integrated, and competitive in an environment of constant change.

This transformation is unfolding every day across the Americas and beyond. And one conclusion is becoming increasingly clear: end-to-end logistics integration is no longer a differentiator — it is a requirement.

Cost and Competition Are Reshaping Automotive Strategy

Despite rapid innovation, cost pressure remains the automotive industry’s most persistent challenge. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) operating margins have declined more than 40% from their 2021 peak, even as competition intensifies from new global entrants and low-cost manufacturing regions. Automakers are being forced to rethink everything from plant location strategies to how finished vehicles and parts move across borders.

Many OEMs are responding by investing in new manufacturing facilities closer to end markets. While nearshoring and regionalization can reduce transit times and exposure to geopolitical risk, they also introduce new challenges — particularly around labor availability, infrastructure readiness, and logistics coordination in greenfield locations.

Compounding these pressures is the continued fragmentation of automotive supply chains. Even within the same corporate groups, brands often operate separate logistics networks, warehouses, and distribution strategies. This duplication drives up costs, reduces visibility, and limits the ability to scale efficiently.

EV Supply Chains Are Being Built in Real Time

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating — but the logistics ecosystems that support EV production, distribution, and aftermarket service are still catching up.

Battery logistics, in particular, represent one of the most complex challenges facing the industry. EV batteries are heavy, hazardous, and high-value, requiring specialized handling, storage, and transportation solutions. Reverse logistics and recycling networks are also becoming increasingly critical as circular economy principles gain traction.

At the same time, charging infrastructure across North America remains uneven. While the number of EV charging stations continues to grow, gaps in charging availability (i.e., “charging deserts”) create downstream challenges for vehicle distribution, dealer networks, and customer confidence. These infrastructure constraints are not just an energy issue—they are a supply chain issue.

For automakers, this means developing EV logistics strategies while vehicles are already on the road. Increasingly, OEMs are turning to logistics partners to co-design solutions that address battery transport, multimodal distribution, and integrated aftermarket support from day one.

Fragmentation vs. Integration: Unlocking Hidden Value

One of the greatest opportunities in automotive logistics lies in breaking down silos.

Procurement may be centralized, but supply chain execution often remains fragmented across regions, brands, and business units. This lack of integration limits visibility, increases cost, and slows response times when disruptions occur.

An integrated, end-to-end approach enables automakers to consolidate warehousing, streamline transport flows, and gain real-time insight across the entire value chain. Shared infrastructure and unified logistics strategies can unlock efficiencies that are otherwise impossible in siloed models.

DP World’s end-to-end capabilities — spanning ports and terminals, freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, and inland transportation — allow automotive customers to simplify complexity under one global partner. The result is greater agility, resilience, and control from factory floor to dealer and beyond.

Sustainability: Balancing Ambition With Reality

Sustainability has become a defining priority for the automotive sector — but it brings its own set of challenges.

On one level, sustainability means continuity. Automotive supply chains are unforgiving; even brief disruptions can result in significant financial penalties and production delays. Resilient logistics networks are essential to keeping factories running and customers supplied.

On another level, sustainability means decarbonization. OEMs and logistics providers alike have set ambitious net-zero targets, driving demand for electric fleets, low-emission warehouses, and alternative fuels. Yet adoption often slows when cost premiums and infrastructure limitations come into play.

The path forward requires collaboration. Pilot projects — such as electrified terminals, renewable-powered warehouses, and low-carbon transport corridors — demonstrate what is possible. Scaling those solutions, however, requires shared investment and clear alignment between environmental goals and commercial value.

Technology, Visibility, and the Role of AI

Automotive supply chains are among the most complex in the world, and visibility remains a persistent challenge. Disruptions can cascade quickly across global networks, making real-time insight essential.

Digital platforms and AI-driven analytics are increasingly being deployed to improve forecasting, optimize routing, and anticipate bottlenecks before they escalate. When integrated across ports, warehouses, and transport networks, these tools enable automakers to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive risk management.

For logistics providers, end-to-end visibility is no longer optional. It is a prerequisite for serving an industry where precision, timing, and reliability are non-negotiable.

Why End-to-End Logistics Matters More Than Ever

What differentiates DP World is not just scale, but integration.

Through decades of automotive logistics expertise — strengthened by strategic investments in contract logistics and freight forwarding — DP World offers automakers a single, coordinated partner across the full supply chain. This reduces fragmentation, simplifies procurement, and ensures alignment from inbound materials to finished vehicle distribution and aftermarket support.

Equally important is long-term stability. In an industry experiencing rapid consolidation and disruption, automakers value partners with the financial strength, infrastructure investment, and global footprint to support growth over decades — not just quarters.

Logistics as a Strategic Enabler for the Next Century

The automotive industry’s transformation is far from over. EV adoption will continue to accelerate, sustainability expectations will intensify, and competition will only grow more complex.

In this environment, logistics is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic enabler of growth, resilience, and competitiveness.

By breaking down silos, integrating end-to-end solutions, and aligning cost efficiency with sustainability, automakers can turn supply chains into a source of advantage rather than risk.

The future of automotive logistics is not just about moving vehicles. It is about building the resilient, sustainable, and intelligent supply chains that will carry the industry into its next century.

Learn more about DP World’s Automotive Logistics solutions.

The automotive industry is entering a pivotal era. Electrification, evolving manufacturing footprints, and rising customer expectations are fundamentally reshaping how vehicles are produced, moved, and supported across global markets. At the same time, familiar pressures — cost containment, labor shortages, and fragmented supply chains — are intensifying, even as EV infrastructure and aftermarket ecosystems continue to lag behind demand.

For automakers and suppliers alike, the next decade will be defined by one central question: how to build supply chains that are resilient, integrated, and competitive in an environment of constant change.

This transformation is unfolding every day across the Americas and beyond. And one conclusion is becoming increasingly clear: end-to-end logistics integration is no longer a differentiator — it is a requirement.

Cost and Competition Are Reshaping Automotive Strategy

Despite rapid innovation, cost pressure remains the automotive industry’s most persistent challenge. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) operating margins have declined more than 40% from their 2021 peak, even as competition intensifies from new global entrants and low-cost manufacturing regions. Automakers are being forced to rethink everything from plant location strategies to how finished vehicles and parts move across borders.

Many OEMs are responding by investing in new manufacturing facilities closer to end markets. While nearshoring and regionalization can reduce transit times and exposure to geopolitical risk, they also introduce new challenges — particularly around labor availability, infrastructure readiness, and logistics coordination in greenfield locations.

Compounding these pressures is the continued fragmentation of automotive supply chains. Even within the same corporate groups, brands often operate separate logistics networks, warehouses, and distribution strategies. This duplication drives up costs, reduces visibility, and limits the ability to scale efficiently.

EV Supply Chains Are Being Built in Real Time

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating — but the logistics ecosystems that support EV production, distribution, and aftermarket service are still catching up.

Battery logistics, in particular, represent one of the most complex challenges facing the industry. EV batteries are heavy, hazardous, and high-value, requiring specialized handling, storage, and transportation solutions. Reverse logistics and recycling networks are also becoming increasingly critical as circular economy principles gain traction.

At the same time, charging infrastructure across North America remains uneven. While the number of EV charging stations continues to grow, gaps in charging availability (i.e., “charging deserts”) create downstream challenges for vehicle distribution, dealer networks, and customer confidence. These infrastructure constraints are not just an energy issue—they are a supply chain issue.

For automakers, this means developing EV logistics strategies while vehicles are already on the road. Increasingly, OEMs are turning to logistics partners to co-design solutions that address battery transport, multimodal distribution, and integrated aftermarket support from day one.

Fragmentation vs. Integration: Unlocking Hidden Value

One of the greatest opportunities in automotive logistics lies in breaking down silos.

Procurement may be centralized, but supply chain execution often remains fragmented across regions, brands, and business units. This lack of integration limits visibility, increases cost, and slows response times when disruptions occur.

An integrated, end-to-end approach enables automakers to consolidate warehousing, streamline transport flows, and gain real-time insight across the entire value chain. Shared infrastructure and unified logistics strategies can unlock efficiencies that are otherwise impossible in siloed models.

DP World’s end-to-end capabilities — spanning ports and terminals, freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, and inland transportation — allow automotive customers to simplify complexity under one global partner. The result is greater agility, resilience, and control from factory floor to dealer and beyond.

Sustainability: Balancing Ambition With Reality

Sustainability has become a defining priority for the automotive sector — but it brings its own set of challenges.

On one level, sustainability means continuity. Automotive supply chains are unforgiving; even brief disruptions can result in significant financial penalties and production delays. Resilient logistics networks are essential to keeping factories running and customers supplied.

On another level, sustainability means decarbonization. OEMs and logistics providers alike have set ambitious net-zero targets, driving demand for electric fleets, low-emission warehouses, and alternative fuels. Yet adoption often slows when cost premiums and infrastructure limitations come into play.

The path forward requires collaboration. Pilot projects — such as electrified terminals, renewable-powered warehouses, and low-carbon transport corridors — demonstrate what is possible. Scaling those solutions, however, requires shared investment and clear alignment between environmental goals and commercial value.

Technology, Visibility, and the Role of AI

Automotive supply chains are among the most complex in the world, and visibility remains a persistent challenge. Disruptions can cascade quickly across global networks, making real-time insight essential.

Digital platforms and AI-driven analytics are increasingly being deployed to improve forecasting, optimize routing, and anticipate bottlenecks before they escalate. When integrated across ports, warehouses, and transport networks, these tools enable automakers to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive risk management.

For logistics providers, end-to-end visibility is no longer optional. It is a prerequisite for serving an industry where precision, timing, and reliability are non-negotiable.

Why End-to-End Logistics Matters More Than Ever

What differentiates DP World is not just scale, but integration.

Through decades of automotive logistics expertise — strengthened by strategic investments in contract logistics and freight forwarding — DP World offers automakers a single, coordinated partner across the full supply chain. This reduces fragmentation, simplifies procurement, and ensures alignment from inbound materials to finished vehicle distribution and aftermarket support.

Equally important is long-term stability. In an industry experiencing rapid consolidation and disruption, automakers value partners with the financial strength, infrastructure investment, and global footprint to support growth over decades — not just quarters.

Logistics as a Strategic Enabler for the Next Century

The automotive industry’s transformation is far from over. EV adoption will continue to accelerate, sustainability expectations will intensify, and competition will only grow more complex.

In this environment, logistics is no longer a back-office function — it is a strategic enabler of growth, resilience, and competitiveness.

By breaking down silos, integrating end-to-end solutions, and aligning cost efficiency with sustainability, automakers can turn supply chains into a source of advantage rather than risk.

The future of automotive logistics is not just about moving vehicles. It is about building the resilient, sustainable, and intelligent supply chains that will carry the industry into its next century.

Learn more about DP World’s Automotive Logistics solutions.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 21, 2026 /3BL/ – High school educators now have access to free professional development credential courses focused on AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free global technology education program. Through the IBM and Discovery Education collaboration, educators gain free access to practical, workforce-aligned learning experiences and industry-recognized credentials designed to support instruction in emerging technologies. Over the next two years, the initiative is expected to reach up to 100,000 high school educators through Discovery Education’s professional learning network, with content structured to integrate seamlessly into existing professional development programs.

Research from the Education Insights Report 2025-2026 reveals that only about half (53%) of teachers are optimistic about AI’s potential to support teaching and learning due to lack of clear guidance and professional development. Drawing on IBM’s leadership in technology and workforce development, IBM SkillsBuild offers accessible learning pathways that combine interactive content, real-world applications, and credentials. These pathways enable educators to strengthen their understanding of AI and related technologies while building confidence in applying them in the classroom.

Through this collaboration, educators teaching grades 9-12 will gain access to:

• Free, self-paced learning modules in AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, all intentionally designed to fit into busy schedules.
• Industry‑recognized credentials from Credly and documentable professional development hours.
• Classroom-ready lesson plans grounded in real‑world applications and aligned to educator needs across an array of disciplines.

“IBM SkillsBuild is central to IBM’s commitment to skill 30 million people worldwide by 2030,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President, Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM. “Educators play a critical role in preparing students for the future of work. Through this collaboration with Discovery Education, we’re helping teachers build practical, workforce-aligned skills in AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy that can translate directly into classroom instruction and expanded opportunity for students.” 

The collaboration leverages Discovery Education’s trusted reach and professional learning expertise to help scale access to IBM SkillsBuild across the K–12 ecosystem, expanding opportunities for educators to engage with high-quality, relevant professional development and credentials. 

“Emerging technologies, such as AI, have the potential to support educators in delivering excellent instruction with long-lasting impact for students” said Catherine Dunlop, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “Educators need and want guidance, and that’s why this collaboration offers educators industry‑recognized credentials and practical insights. Together with IBM, we are creating a powerful bridge for educators between transformative technologies and the daily realities of K-12 instruction.” 

To access the IBM SkillsBuild professional development content, please visit skillsbuild.org.

###

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12 digital solutions help educators engage all students and support academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education enables educators to deliver powerful learning experiences in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and across 100+ countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

Contact 
Joseph Brown
IBM 
Email: Joseph.Brown4@ibm.com

Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 21, 2026 /3BL/ – High school educators now have access to free professional development credential courses focused on AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free global technology education program. Through the IBM and Discovery Education collaboration, educators gain free access to practical, workforce-aligned learning experiences and industry-recognized credentials designed to support instruction in emerging technologies. Over the next two years, the initiative is expected to reach up to 100,000 high school educators through Discovery Education’s professional learning network, with content structured to integrate seamlessly into existing professional development programs.

Research from the Education Insights Report 2025-2026 reveals that only about half (53%) of teachers are optimistic about AI’s potential to support teaching and learning due to lack of clear guidance and professional development. Drawing on IBM’s leadership in technology and workforce development, IBM SkillsBuild offers accessible learning pathways that combine interactive content, real-world applications, and credentials. These pathways enable educators to strengthen their understanding of AI and related technologies while building confidence in applying them in the classroom.

Through this collaboration, educators teaching grades 9-12 will gain access to:

• Free, self-paced learning modules in AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, all intentionally designed to fit into busy schedules.
• Industry‑recognized credentials from Credly and documentable professional development hours.
• Classroom-ready lesson plans grounded in real‑world applications and aligned to educator needs across an array of disciplines.

“IBM SkillsBuild is central to IBM’s commitment to skill 30 million people worldwide by 2030,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President, Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM. “Educators play a critical role in preparing students for the future of work. Through this collaboration with Discovery Education, we’re helping teachers build practical, workforce-aligned skills in AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy that can translate directly into classroom instruction and expanded opportunity for students.” 

The collaboration leverages Discovery Education’s trusted reach and professional learning expertise to help scale access to IBM SkillsBuild across the K–12 ecosystem, expanding opportunities for educators to engage with high-quality, relevant professional development and credentials. 

“Emerging technologies, such as AI, have the potential to support educators in delivering excellent instruction with long-lasting impact for students” said Catherine Dunlop, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “Educators need and want guidance, and that’s why this collaboration offers educators industry‑recognized credentials and practical insights. Together with IBM, we are creating a powerful bridge for educators between transformative technologies and the daily realities of K-12 instruction.” 

To access the IBM SkillsBuild professional development content, please visit skillsbuild.org.

###

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12 digital solutions help educators engage all students and support academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education enables educators to deliver powerful learning experiences in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and across 100+ countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

Contact 
Joseph Brown
IBM 
Email: Joseph.Brown4@ibm.com

Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com