Author: sHq_LoGiNz

• A global study has recently revealed consistently low ocean literacy levels in 18–24-year-olds across 35 countries.
• 75% of young people are concerned about our ocean’s health, yet 61% believe deforestation and other climate issues should be prioritised over ocean conservation.
• Young people have high expectations for governments, NGOs, and local communities but low expectations for businesses, highlighting a misunderstanding about who holds responsibility for ocean pollution.

NICE, France, June 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — World Ocean Day serves as a vital reminder to protect our oceans. A global study by world-leading ocean health initiative of Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation, Back to Blue, has recently uncovered a concerning disconnect between young peoples’ recognition of the ocean’s vital role in climate change, and the measures required to protect and restore it.

A large majority of young people are concerned about the ocean’s health and believe it can protect us from climate change, yet they place a higher priority on protecting forests, tackling air pollution and freshwater scarcity.

Results from the 3,500 respondents in 35 countries found that 75% of 18-24 year olds are concerned about the state of ocean health. Yet, few acknowledge the jeopardy the ocean is in, nor the ways in which this can be prevented because despite concerns for the ocean, almost half (47%) of young people think the ocean is still healthy. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and The Philippines are among some of the top countries that believe this, when each is struggling with plastic pollution, coral reef degradation and habitat loss.

It strongly indicates that young people do not fully fathom the dire conditions of our oceans. This is also evident in the fact that 50% of young people do not understand how the ocean impacts them and how they, in turn, impact the ocean. Furthermore, 61% prioritise other climate issues, such as deforestation, over ocean conservation. Notably, this perspective is shared by 88% of young people in Panama—a country bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, where the ocean plays a vital role in the economy.

Peter Thomson, UN Ocean Envoy said: “It is surprising and alarming to see so many young people misjudge the ocean’s health. This level of low ocean literacy risks hindering progress and funding for protecting our oceans. We must invest in educating young people about the importance of ocean health and how to safeguard it for the future.”

Strengthened ocean literacy can be argued as pivotal for fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean’s multifaceted role, not only as a driver of local economic prosperity through industries like fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy but also as a critical buffer against climate change impacts. A lack of this foundational knowledge risks delaying urgent policymaking and sourcing of funding as weak citizen or stakeholder pressure to reverse damage, will slow progress, perpetuating a vicious cycle of ocean neglect.

Peter added: “The ocean is one of the most overlooked and underfunded areas in global sustainability, yet its decline directly impacts how we live. We must remember that the ocean is silently dealing with sea level rise, soaring temperatures and acidity levels as well as irreversible threats to biodiversity because of human activity. The least we can do is understand it better and make it a priority to save.”

Limited comprehension of the oceans’ endangered state was also accompanied by little demand amongst young people for significant action or accountability from ocean stakeholders. The study found that less than half (46%) of young people want government action that will ensure the oceans health, and only 17% want to see corporations and businesses take increased responsibility.

The latter finding is increasingly concerning as the study also reveals that young people are significantly concerned about contaminating the ocean – chemical pollution (48%) and plastic pollution (50%) yet they do not know where responsibility lies. Tackling ocean pollution is no easy feat, but private sector accountability will be paramount to its success via increased responsibility for the lifecycle of plastic products and chemical leaks in the process of production.

Emma McKinley, Ocean Literacy expert and Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University said: “It’s incredibly interesting to see that some young people recognise that the ocean can have a role in addressing the impacts of climate change and that damaging ocean health is detrimental to this; yet, this study suggests that not all young people recognise the need to demand more action from governments and  the private sector to do more to prioritise ocean health.”

Emma added: “Given its roots in formal education, many ocean literacy initiatives are grounded in the importance of raising awareness and knowledge about ocean issues. Looking to the future, we must embrace diverse types of ocean knowledge and relationships to deliver ocean literacy as a societal outcome. If the ocean and the issues facing it were included more widely in education systems across the world, the more positive change we would see. Knowledge is one of our most powerful tools.”

Educators and policymakers have a unique opportunity to address the low levels of ocean literacy among young people. By incorporating ocean literacy into school curriculums—and with greater support from governments—they can equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our oceans and address the challenges they face.

 

Notes to Editors

About the survey
The survey was created by Economist Impact and issued to 35 countries in September 2024. It was in the field for three weeks and acquired 3,500 responses from young people aged 18-24. Countries involved were: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Ocean literacy definition
Ocean literacy is the understanding of the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean. It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and communicate the ocean’s essential role in our environment, climate, and everyday lives. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and take responsible actions to protect the ocean and its resources.

About Back to Blue
Back to Blue is an initiative by Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation tackles ocean challenges with evidence-based solutions. Addressing gaps in understanding plastic and chemical pollution and ocean acidification, it leverages both organizations’ strengths in research and program development to drive progress in ocean health.

About Economist Impact
Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. With framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, Economist Impact provides creative storytelling, events expertise and market-leading media products.

About The Nippon Foundation
Established in 1962, The Nippon Foundation is Japan’s largest philanthropic foundation. In ocean affairs, the Foundation aims to cultivate human resources who will chart a course for the ocean’s future and to pass on the ocean’s riches to future generations. Other primary areas of activity include support for children, persons with disabilities and disaster relief.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/an-alarming-disconnect-global-study-by-back-to-blue-reveals-urgent-need-for-ocean-literacy-302475601.html

SOURCE Back to Blue

Newly restored park delivers safer access, greener infrastructure, and an expansive “front porch” on the Chattahoochee River for 270,000+ annual visitors

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CUMBERLAND, Ga., June 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hundreds of residents, elected officials, business and civic leaders, and park enthusiasts gathered this morning as the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), nonprofit One Cumberland, and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) cut the ribbon on the renewed Paces Mill in the Palisades Unit of the CRNRA. The celebration marked the completion of Phase One of New Day Palisades, a two‑phase, $15.8 million project to rehabilitate 22 acres of greenspace and riverfront trails along the Chattahoochee River.

“When we launched the New Day Palisades project, we envisioned more than just fresh pavement – we imagined a front porch on the Chattahoochee in the national park that belongs to everyone,” said Bob Voyles, board chair of the Cumberland CID. “Today, that vision springs to life. The redesigned circulation system, resilient native landscapes, and direct river touchpoints mean every school bus, wheelchair, kayak trailer, and pair of hiking boots can arrive safely, move easily, and experience the river up close. This milestone reflects years of collaboration among the Cumberland CID, the National Park Service, our federal delegation, commercial property owners, and thousands of residents who asked us to re‑imagine their backyard national park.”

Phase One Highlights

• A newly engineered parking hub and bus‑drop loop untangle traffic and separate pedestrians from vehicles, creating a welcoming destination for more than 270,000 annual visitors.
• Space for a sweeping native meadow, bioswales and precision grading now capture and filter stormwater before it reaches the river, stabilizing soils and enhancing ecological resilience across the 22‑acre site.
• Rebuilt boardwalks, gently graded paths guide every visitor – regardless of ability – directly to the water’s edge within minutes, turning the Chattahoochee into an immersive classroom and playground.

The $6.3 million phase one was funded with $4.3 million provided by the Cumberland CID and $2 million in federal appropriations championed by Georgia’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and U.S. Representatives Barry Loudermilk, Lucy McBath, and David Scott.

“Today’s ribbon cutting is a celebration of partnerships and a representation of what is possible when federal, state, and local leaders work together in service to our community,” said U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06). “The reopening of Paces Mill shows how smart investments in public land improve our health, strengthen our economy, and preserve Georgia’s natural treasures for generations to come. As your Congresswoman, I was proud to help secure federal funding for Phase One of this project, and I look forward to remaining engaged as we look ahead to the next stage of development for this wonderful community asset.”

“The completion of Phase One marks an exciting time in the effort to revitalize Paces Mill, so the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year can continue to enjoy this area for decades to come,” said Congressman Barry Loudermilk (GA-11). “I’m especially proud of the hard work Cumberland Community Improvement District and the nonprofit One Cumberland have done to make this vision a reality, and for the funds Congress was able to appropriate to help complete Phase One.”

“The New Day Palisades project is more than a transformation – it’s a strategic investment in Cumberland’s ecological assets,” said Rob Garcia, board chair of One Cumberland. “Through careful planning, we are ensuring Paces Mill remains a cherished destination for outdoor recreation while strengthening our community’s identity with improved accessibility, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship. We look forward to engaging the community to help move forward the vision of Phase Two.”

As funding allows, the $9.5 million Phase Two will begin in 2026 with an expected completion in spring 2027. One Cumberland will work to help raise funds for Phase Two. Phase Two will feature a new Visitor Information Center with enhanced restrooms and changing facilities, an open-air pavilion, and additional elements that will provide greater access to the Chattahoochee River.

Looking ahead: Phase Two (2026‑2027)
Planning is already underway for a $9.5 million second phase that will crown Paces Mill with:

• A fully ADA‑accessible Visitor Information Center featuring modern restrooms and changing rooms.
• An open‑air pavilion for environmental education and community events.
• Broad river steps beneath the U.S. 41 bridge and additional habitat and trail enhancements.
• River overlooks to increase accessibility to the Chattahoochee River.

When complete in spring of 2027 – timed to coincide with the CRNRA’s 50th anniversary, established in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter signed the enabling legislation – the two‑phase effort will stand as the single largest investment in public access to the Chattahoochee within the national park.

To learn more about the New Day Palisades project, please visit https://newdaypalisades.org/.

About Cumberland CID
The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is one of the nation’s premier models of public-private collaboration. More than 190 Commercial property owners pay additional property taxes, and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, better connectivity, and a more vibrant character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for the community by initiating and leading enhancements to make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Today, Cumberland has a $26.6 billion annual impact on Georgia’s economy. Cumberland is home to leading companies including The Home Depot, Papa Johns, TKE, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company, and more. To learn more about the Cumberland CID, the Cumberland Sweep, and the Cumberland Hopper autonomous shuttle pilot program, please visit cumberlandcid.org.

About One Cumberland
One Cumberland is committed to ensuring Cumberland’s national parkland receives sustainable investment, care, and recognition. Established in 2022 by the Cumberland CID, the nonprofit aims to create a greater sense of ownership, affiliation, and connectivity between Cumberland and the community. One Cumberland’s mission is to protect and conserve the natural resources of Cumberland and establish the district as a vibrant, diverse community through the enrichment of cultural amenities, quality of life, improved access, and environmental stewardship. For more information visit onecumberland.org

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SOURCE Cumberland Community Improvement District

SALT LAKE CITY , June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As part of its ongoing responsibility to care for those in need, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is bolstering its global initiative to improve the well-being of women and children.

During meetings on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson told representatives from eight global humanitarian organizations that the Church is donating another US$63.4 million to this worldwide project first announced in 2023.

Last year, the Church announced a $55.8 million donation as part of this effort.

“Collaboration remains at the heart of this initiative; we create the greatest impact through our united efforts. Together, we look forward to another year of creating healthier futures for women and children and strengthening communities,” President Johnson said.

During the gathering, representatives shared key results from 2024, highlighting significant progress:

• 21.2 million children and mothers received vitamins.
• 1.87 million children were screened for malnutrition and treated if needed.
• 1.6 million mothers were trained in nutrition best practices.
• 219,000 pregnant mothers received prenatal care.
• 141,000 families received seeds, training or now have home gardens with more nutrient-dense foods.
• 41,000 people were trained in improved hygiene behaviors.
• 17,000 government health workers were trained to support maternal and newborn care, child nutrition, breastfeeding, and the administration of vitamins.
• 6,800 people benefited from improved water and sanitation facilities.
• 159 newborns were resuscitated at birth.
• 125 health facilities were trained to track clinical cases of malnutrition and provide treatment.

The Church has taken a leadership role in convening eight globally recognized nonprofits, and as part of four groups, each focused on projects benefiting women and children. These organizations are: CARE International, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Helen Keller Intl, iDE, MAP International, Save the Children, The Hunger Project, and Vitamin Angels.

The four groups and their areas of focus and objectives are as follows

• Group 1: Helen Keller Intl, Vitamin Angels, iDE

  Objective: Increase access to nutritious foods, vitamins, and medications in 12 countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia).

• Group 2: CRS, The Hunger Project, MAP International

  Objective: Improve maternal newborn care, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and nutrition in Ghana.

• Group 3: Save the Children, MAP International

  Objective: Improve maternal newborn care and nutrition in Sierra Leone and Zambia.

• Group 4: CARE, iDE, MAP International
  Objective: Improve agriculture and nutrition and upgrade medical clinics in Nepal.

“With our global reach, we are uniquely positioned to foster collaboration among these eight organizations. By leveraging our individual strengths and resources, we amplify our collective impact,” said Blaine Maxfield, managing director of Welfare and Self-Reliance Services. “What a blessing it is to come together to serve God’s children around the world.”

The announcement of new funding was part of activities, including an expert panel discussion scheduled for later in the day on Thursday, June 5, led by Bishop L. Todd Budge, Second Counselor in the Church’s Presiding Bishopric. The panel focused on health and nutrition for women and children.

The panelists were President Camille Johnson, Blaine Maxfield, Sharon Eubank (director of Church Humanitarian Services), Sarah Bouchie (CEO of Helen Keller Intl), Ana Céspedes (CEO of Vitamin Angels), Lizz Welch (CEO of iDE), and Abena Amedormey (Ghana country representative for CRS).

In 2023, the First Presidency asked the Relief Society to lead this global effort. President Russell M. Nelson has told women that they have a divine endowment to change lives. He said, “I am inspired by your diligence, dynamic leadership, and your ability to see a need and meet it.”

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in following the Savior’s two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbor. As part of this mandate, we seek to maximize our impact so our efforts bless not only those who receive help but also their families and communities. For more information on the Church’s effort to care for those in need, please visit the most recent “Caring for Those in Need” summary.

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SOURCE The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“We were just walking—and in an instant, everything changed.”

OAKLAND, Calif., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following a powerful community memorial and open-casket viewing this afternoon at Acts Full Gospel Church in East Oakland, the family of Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr.—a beloved educator killed during a police pursuit—is calling for full transparency, accountability, and urgent reform from law enforcement across California.

Dr. Boomer, 40, was killed on May 28 while walking with his partner, Nina Woodruff, near their Oakland home. The couple was struck by a vehicle fleeing California Highway Patrol officers. Dr. Boomer was pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. Woodruff sustained serious physical injuries and remains under medical care.

“This is not just about one family’s unimaginable loss,” said Michelle D. Bernard, a nationally recognized lawyer, political analyst, and spokesperson for the Boomer family. “This is about a growing pattern of reckless police chases over non-violent offenses that too often end in catastrophe—especially in communities of color. Marvin was doing everything right. He was walking in his own neighborhood. Public safety must mean protecting people like Marvin, not endangering them. We demand transparency. We demand accountability. We demand justice.”

On behalf of the family, Marvin’s sister, Ms. Tynesha Boomer, stated:

“My brother’s death is something I will never fully be able to put into words,” said Tynesha Boomer. “Marvin was joy. He was purpose. He was a visionary. And in the hours and days since losing him, I keep coming back to something he texted me in February. In that message, he told me what he wanted for Oakland — his city, his heart. He said he wanted community-based policing, real workforce readiness programs, hourly wages, not just stipends, youth summer programs that lasted the entire summer, not just a few weeks. He called for affordable housing and, ironically, better infrastructure — and he even put ‘potholes, etc.’ in parentheses. It breaks me to say that it was a pothole, a massive one, that the driver who took his life hit just before he struck and killed him. Marvin saw what Oakland needed  and he spoke it with clarity, love, and urgency. Now, we have to carry his vision forward. We owe him that much.”

Ms. Nina Woodruff, Marvin’s partner, who survived the crash, added:

“Seconds before impact, Marvin and I saw a police officer chasing the car—on his phone, driving recklessly through our neighborhood. We even had time to ask, ‘Is he seriously on the phone right now?’ Moments later, Marvin was gone, and I was bleeding. I’m in unimaginable pain. I ask the media and public to please respect our privacy and honor Marvin’s legacy with dignity, not headlines.”

Pastor Joseph Cottom, who led the service, offered this message:

“Marvin was a son, a scholar, and a light in this community. His death must awaken city leaders. Faith without works is dead—we must honor him not just with prayer, but with a call to justice. Oakland deserves better.”

Today’s memorial drew educators, advocates, and officials, including Mayor Barbara Lee and Assemblymember Mia Bonta. The Boomer family chose an open-casket viewing to show the devastating human cost of reckless police pursuits.

Michelle D. Bernard, Esq., President & CEO of The Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public Policy, serves as spokesperson and legal counsel for the Boomer family and Ms. Woodruff.

All media inquiries should be directed to:
Michelle D. Bernard, Esq.
Email: mbernard@bernardcenter.org 
Phone: (301) 807-2394

Further updates will be issued solely through Ms. Bernard.

#JusticeForDrMarvinBoomerJr #SayHisName #PoliceReform #CivilRights

Contact:
Michelle D. Bernard, Esq.
President & CEO, The Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public Policy
Email: mbernard@bernardcenter.org 
Phone: (301) 807-2394

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SOURCE The Family of Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr.

OAKLAND, Calif., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Good afternoon, beloved community.

We gather here today not merely in mourning, but in righteous indignation. We gather in remembrance—but also in resistance. Because a son of Oakland, a son of this nation, a brilliant Black man named Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr., has been stolen from us.

Now I stand here today not only as an attorney, but as a sister in the struggle. I speak not only as a legal representative, but as a mother, a daughter, a woman who has seen too many families crushed under the weight of injustice. I speak with a heavy heart and a righteous fire, because Marvin Boomer, Jr. should be alive today.

He was not caught in a storm of his own making. He was not a suspect. He was not a statistic. He was a scholar, a teacher, a lover of justice, a defender of Black dignity. He was walking with his partner, Nina, when he saw death coming and put her safety before his own. He died a hero. And we will not allow that heroism to be silenced by bureaucratic excuses or policy failures cloaked in blue.

So we say his name today: Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr.

And we will keep saying it until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Let me be clear: had this happened in Mill Valley, or Tiburon, or Stanford, or Woodside—if this had happened on streets paved with privilege and protection—Marvin Boomer would be alive. But in East Oakland, where Black and Brown lives are too often deemed expendable, the rules were different. The pursuit policies were different. And the consequences, as always, were deadly.

This family is not only grieving—they are standing tall. They are saying enough is enough. And I am honored—deeply honored—to represent them in their pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice.

So now, I invite you to meet the voices behind the pain and the purpose:

• His mother, a queen among women, Ms. Tina Boomer.
• His father, steadfast and courageous, Mr. Marvin Boomer, Sr.
• His sisters, each a beacon of strength and grace: Tynesha Boomer, Deborah Martin, and Brittany Boomer.
• And the woman who loved him, and whose life he saved with his last breath, Ms. Nina Woodruff.

Hear them. See them. Stand with them. And say his name with us—not just today, but until justice is served.

#JusticeForDrMarvinBoomerJr
#SayHisName
#BlackLivesMatter
#NoMoreRecklessPursuits

May God bless this family. May God bless this movement. And may Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr.’s legacy light the path forward—for all of us.

Contact:
Michelle D. Bernard, Esq.
President & CEO, The Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public Policy
Email: mbernard@bernardcenter.org
Phone: (301) 807-2394

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SOURCE Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public Policy

Partnership with Calumet Area Industrial Commission prepares area residents for skills needed for modern manufacturing jobs

MANTENO, Ill., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gotion Illinois, a global innovator in next-generation energy storage and batteries, welcomed 15 newly trained area residents to its manufacturing facility in Manteno. They are the first graduating class in a unique partnership that confirms Gotion’s commitment to local hiring.

The program, conducted by the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC), is designed to provide students with foundational and advanced skills in modern manufacturing processes. It emphasizes hand-on experience, safety, production systems and quality control, which are all key components of Gotion Illinois’ operation.

“Gotion Illinois is proud to collaborate with CAIC in building a strong manufacturing workforce in Manteno and the surrounding region,” said Mark Kreusel, General Manager of Gotion Illinois, “Programs like this reflect our shared commitment to creating real pathways to high-tech careers while investing in the future of the communities we call home.”

The training culminated in a graduation ceremony and plant tour, where students were recognized for their achievements. Most significantly, every graduate will have the opportunity to interview directly with Gotion Illinois for employment consideration, turning their training into potential careers.

“As CAIC continues to champion workforce development, partnerships like this illustrate the power of collaboration between community-focused organizations and forward-looking manufacturers,” said Ted Stalnos, President/CEO of CAIC. “When an employer like Gotion Illinois offers the potential for local, high-paying careers for CAIC Program Graduates, the incentive rises to meet the opportunity for our local workforce.”

Gotion Illinois is making a $2 billion investment, converting a large warehouse in Manteno into one of the most advanced energy storage and battery manufacturing facilities in the country. More than 300 are now working there, with up to 2,600 employed at full operations.

Registration for the next CAIC program begins on June 16. For more information visit the CAIC website: calumetareaindustrial.com. 

About Gotion Illinois:
Gotion Illinois is a cutting-edge energy story manufacturer, based in Manteno, Illinois. It specializes in energy storage solutions for home, industrial, transportation, and off-grid applications. With a “Local for Local” strategy, Gotion Illinois hires local talent, sources local materials and produces high-quality and innovative clean energy systems for both domestic and international markets.

About CAIC:
The Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) is a non-profit organization focused on industrial retention and expansion in the Greater Calumet Industrial Area, which covers the Far South Side of Chicago, Southern Cook County, Will County, Kankakee County and Northwest Indiana. CAIC provides programs and services in industrial advocacy, economic development, business development, workforce development and community outreach.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investing-in-people-gotion-illinois-supports-graduates-of-local-workforce-development-program-302475710.html

SOURCE Gotion

Partnership with Calumet Area Industrial Commission prepares area residents for skills needed for modern manufacturing jobs

MANTENO, Ill., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gotion Illinois, a global innovator in next-generation energy storage and batteries, welcomed 15 newly trained area residents to its manufacturing facility in Manteno. They are the first graduating class in a unique partnership that confirms Gotion’s commitment to local hiring.

The program, conducted by the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC), is designed to provide students with foundational and advanced skills in modern manufacturing processes. It emphasizes hand-on experience, safety, production systems and quality control, which are all key components of Gotion Illinois’ operation.

“Gotion Illinois is proud to collaborate with CAIC in building a strong manufacturing workforce in Manteno and the surrounding region,” said Mark Kreusel, General Manager of Gotion Illinois, “Programs like this reflect our shared commitment to creating real pathways to high-tech careers while investing in the future of the communities we call home.”

The training culminated in a graduation ceremony and plant tour, where students were recognized for their achievements. Most significantly, every graduate will have the opportunity to interview directly with Gotion Illinois for employment consideration, turning their training into potential careers.

“As CAIC continues to champion workforce development, partnerships like this illustrate the power of collaboration between community-focused organizations and forward-looking manufacturers,” said Ted Stalnos, President/CEO of CAIC. “When an employer like Gotion Illinois offers the potential for local, high-paying careers for CAIC Program Graduates, the incentive rises to meet the opportunity for our local workforce.”

Gotion Illinois is making a $2 billion investment, converting a large warehouse in Manteno into one of the most advanced energy storage and battery manufacturing facilities in the country. More than 300 are now working there, with up to 2,600 employed at full operations.

Registration for the next CAIC program begins on June 16. For more information visit the CAIC website: calumetareaindustrial.com. 

About Gotion Illinois:
Gotion Illinois is a cutting-edge energy story manufacturer, based in Manteno, Illinois. It specializes in energy storage solutions for home, industrial, transportation, and off-grid applications. With a “Local for Local” strategy, Gotion Illinois hires local talent, sources local materials and produces high-quality and innovative clean energy systems for both domestic and international markets.

About CAIC:
The Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) is a non-profit organization focused on industrial retention and expansion in the Greater Calumet Industrial Area, which covers the Far South Side of Chicago, Southern Cook County, Will County, Kankakee County and Northwest Indiana. CAIC provides programs and services in industrial advocacy, economic development, business development, workforce development and community outreach.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investing-in-people-gotion-illinois-supports-graduates-of-local-workforce-development-program-302475710.html

SOURCE Gotion

NEW YORK, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Seeds of Fortune Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the economic empowerment of youth, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with award-winning actress and producer Marsai Martin and her Marsai’s Way Foundation. Over the next three years, the organizations aim to empower 10,000 young women through financial education and wealth-building initiatives.

This groundbreaking collaboration will officially launch at the Seed Forum: Women of Color Creating Wealth Summit, a premier event convening financial institutions, industry leaders, and aspiring young women. The summit serves as a launchpad for bold conversations and strategic solutions to close the racial and gender wealth gap—fostering a new generation of financially empowered leaders.

“At Seeds of Fortune, we believe education is the foundation of economic equity,” said Nitiya Walker, Founder & Executive Director of Seeds of Fortune Inc. “Our partnership with Marsai’s Way Foundation allows us to scale this mission and deliver financial literacy, mentorship, and career access to thousands of young women who deserve to build wealth and opportunity for themselves and their communities.”

Key components of the initiative include:

• Wealth-Building Programs: A curriculum focused on budgeting, investing, entrepreneurship, college and career readiness.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Young women will receive support and guidance from finance and business leaders.
• Access to Exclusive Events: Two outstanding students will be selected to attend the Marsai’s Way Foundation Annual BBQ: Sai Summer Cookout, gaining exposure, inspiration, and networking with influential figures across finance and entertainment.

Marsai Martin, known for her groundbreaking work in television and film, created Marsai’s Way Foundation to help young people find confidence and power in their authentic selves.

“This partnership is about more than just finances—it’s about creating freedom,” said Marsai Martin, Founder of Marsai’s Way Foundation. “I want girls who look like me to know they can own their futures, build wealth, and become leaders in every room they walk into.”

Together with leading financial institutions, this initiative will provide young women with tangible tools to grow and manage wealth, pursue higher education, and launch careers across industries where women of color are often underrepresented.

About Seeds of Fortune Inc. 
Seeds of Fortune Inc. is an educational nonprofit that helps youth gain economic empowerment through college access, financial literacy, and career development. Since its founding, the organization has supported students in earning millions in scholarships and early-stage career opportunities.

About Marsai’s Way Foundation 
Marsai’s Way Foundation, founded by actress and producer Marsai Martin, empowers youth to explore their passions, lead with authenticity, and embrace mental wellness. The foundation builds safe spaces for young people to grow, learn, and thrive in creative and professional spaces.

Press Contact: 
Raven Robinson
Director of Communications
raven@pr2politics.com
www.seedsoffortune.org

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SOURCE Seeds of Fortune Inc.