NEA receives Microsoft grant to expand AI literacy and leadership

NEA president: This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEA, the largest provider of education micro-credentials in the United States, announced on Wednesday that it has received an initial $325,000 grant from Microsoft Elevate to expand its ongoing efforts to support educators as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The partnership will also provide opportunities for educators to inform the development of Microsoft AI tools.

“Understanding AI goes far beyond tools and apps. This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn, and the ways we interact with the world and each other,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Our students and educators cannot be passive users; they must have agency with this technology and an appreciation for the uniquely human assets we bring to learning and to our professions.”

“Educators prepare every generation to meet the future — and today, they’re shaping how AI becomes a tool for confidence, creativity and critical thinking,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. “Our partnership with NEA is rooted in a simple truth: Technology is only as valuable as the people empowered to use it. Through Microsoft Elevate, we’re investing in AI literacy and leadership, so educators and students stay at the center of AI in the classroom.”

Last year, NEA partnered with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to deliver an AI learning series that reached thousands of members. Building on that success, the new Microsoft grant will enable NEA to engage an additional 10,000 members with fresh content and micro-credentials, further strengthening the knowledge and fluency of both educators and leaders in this emerging field. The grant will also support a dedicated focus on policy and leadership development for NEA’s state affiliates.

“By preparing educators and leaders with the knowledge to lead and innovate educational practices and policies, and by providing avenues of practitioner input into the design of AI tools, we strive to ensure AI technologies are used in human-centered ways that promote equity, mitigate potential harms, and enrich both teaching and learning,” said Pringle.

Through this grant, NEA reaffirms its commitment to elevating professional excellence, amplifying educator voice, and guaranteeing that every student has access to safe, equitable and high-quality learning opportunities amid rapid technological change.

Last July, nearly 7,000 educator delegates gathered at the Philadelphia Convention Center for the National Education Association’s 103rd Representative Assembly (RA), where they approved a policy statement to address the emerging phenomenon of AI and its impact on public schools. 

At the heart of the new policy is the principle that the student-educator connection must always be the center of the teaching and learning experience and must play a significant role in every consequential education decision. 

“Decades of research tell us that student success relies on our ability to build healthy and effective relationships with students. Their sense of feeling supported and valued predicts their success and their love of learning,” said Pringle. “The work we will do together with Microsoft is intended to enhance — not diminish — that relationship by giving educators the tools and voice they need to use AI in ways that deepen learning, foster trust and keep students at the heart of everything we do.”

Read NEA’s full NEA’s full Policy Statement on AI in education.

Visit NEA AI hub page for guidance, tools and professional learning opportunities to help educators navigate the evolving role of artificial intelligence in schools and classrooms.

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About The National Education Association

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

 

 

 

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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

Lennox Invests in AI Agents to Enhance Technician Support and Customer Experience

More than 7,000 technicians have registered for the Lennox Technical Support AI agent, saving valuable time in the field.

DALLAS, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lennox (NYSE: LII), a leading provider of innovative climate control solutions, is accelerating its digital transformation through strategic investments in AI-powered tools designed to enhance the customer experience.

As part of this strategy, Lennox Residential HVAC has launched two AI agents: one tailored for HVAC technicians and dealers, and another designed for homeowners.

The Technical Support AI agent helps dealers and HVAC technicians troubleshoot, service, and repair Lennox equipment more efficiently. Trained on Lennox data and built with a conversational interface, the tool offers on-demand access to essential support functions including warranty lookups, repair parts finder, error code explanations, and step-by-step troubleshooting. It currently recognizes and interprets more than 250 error codes and provides guidance for common service issues.

Available in English, Spanish, and French through LennoxPros.com and accessible via SMS for registered users, the tool ensures immediate support is available even when internet access is limited.

“This investment is part of our digital transformation, which starts by addressing the needs of our customers,” said Lennox Chief Technology Officer Prakash Bedapudi. “The Technical Support AI agent gives dealers and technicians instant access to information that would otherwise require a call or a manual search, saving valuable time in the field. It is a meaningful step in our ongoing strategy to strengthen the overall customer experience.”

Designed to be the first stop for support in the field, the tool complements existing Lennox support services. Since its launch earlier this year, the Technical Support AI agent has logged over 15,000 sessions, with as many as 760 sessions occurring weekly. More than 7,000 technicians have registered for the tool providing positive session feedback 96 percent of the time. Built to learn and improve through usage and feedback, the agent will continue to evolve and improve with planned updates that expand its capabilities.

Lennox is also enhancing consumer support through a dedicated AI agent on Lennox.com. Designed for both desktop and mobile use and available in English, Spanish, and French, this tool helps homeowners find local Lennox dealers, register products, access warranty information, and troubleshoot Lennox smart thermostats. It allows homeowners to resolve basic support needs quickly and independently, streamlining access to essential information.

Through investments in AI-driven support solutions, Lennox is equipping its partners and customers with tools that improve service speed, reduce downtime, and enhance the customer experience.

ABOUT LENNOX

Lennox (NYSE: LII) is a leader in energy-efficient climate-control solutions. Dedicated to sustainability and creating comfortable and healthier environments for our residential and commercial customers while reducing their carbon footprint, we innovate with our cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and refrigeration systems. Additional information on Lennox is available at www.lennox.com.

Media Contact
pr@lennox.com

Investor Contact
investor@lennox.com

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SOURCE Lennox International Inc.

Barge Design Solutions Named to 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces List

The company was recognized on the Consulting & Professional Services™ List, as well as for its growth and innovation in 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Barge Design Solutions (Barge), an engineering and architecture firm with diverse in-house multidisciplinary practice areas, has been named to the 2025 Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™ list by Fortune and Great Place To Work®. This marks Barge’s first year on the list, reflecting the employee-owned firm’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive company culture rooted in shared purpose, vision, and values.

The ranking is based on nearly 149,000 employee survey responses from Great Place To Work Certified™ companies in the consulting and professional services industry. Earning a spot means that Barge is one of the country’s best companies to work for.

Barge has been Great Place to Work certified seven times, beginning in 2017, with 92% of employees agreeing that it’s a great place to work in the company’s most recent certification.

“It’s an honor to be included on this year’s Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services list,” said Carrie Stokes, CEO and President of Barge Design Solutions. “We strive to create an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to do their best work, making an impact for our clients and in our communities. At Barge, we are aligned on our future, providing opportunities for growth and supporting the whole person, working to meet their needs both inside and outside the office.”

With more than 650 employees and 70 years of experience shaping the spaces and infrastructure that impact everyday life, the Nashville-based company continues to build on its legacy of improving the lives of its people, clients, and communities through exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a culture of care.

Other recent accolades for the company include:

  • Nashville Business Journal’s 2025 Fastest-Growing Companies: Ranked no. 14 on the inaugural list, recognizing rapid revenue growth among Middle Tennessee’s private companies. Barge’s expansion has included new regions, new services, and the acquisitions of Environmental Consulting & Design and Core Engineering Group in Florida, and Carlisle Associates Inc. in South Carolina, in the last few years, strengthening its capabilities in the environmental, transportation, and industrial sectors. The company has also grown its employee count by 60% since 2020 as a result of strategic acquisitions and enhanced recruitment practices to attract top talent.
  • Forbes 50 Over 50 – Innovation: CEO Carrie Stokes was named to the 2025 list, honoring women over 50 making significant impacts in their fields. Stokes, who stepped into the CEO role in March 2025, was recognized for her leadership in driving Barge’s continued growth and for her vision and willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

“I’m proud of what Barge has accomplished so far together,” Stokes added. “Our people make these achievements possible. Their drive to deliver great work for our clients, strengthen our communities, and support each other inspires me every day.” 

To learn more and stay updated about Barge Design Solutions, visit https://www.bargedesign.com/ 

About Barge Design Solutions 
Barge Design Solutions, Inc., is an engineering and architecture firm focused on improving the lives of its people, clients, and communities. With diverse, in-house, multidisciplinary practice areas, the 650+ person employee-owned company serves clients nationwide from multiple U.S. locations. Barge is ranked No. 160 on Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2025 Top 500 Design Firms list. Learn more at bargedesign.com and stay connected on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.

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SOURCE Barge Design Solutions

SLB's Methane LiDAR Camera Receives EPA Approval for Enhanced Methane Leak Detection

Global energy technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB) announced its Methane LiDAR Camera has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an alternative test method (ATM) for methane detection under the OOOO family of regulations. This part of the regulation is aimed at stopping fugitive methane emissions.

The SLB Methane LiDAR Camera is an autonomous measurement tool with component-level spatial resolution capabilities that clearly distinguish between fugitive leaks and permitted emissions, without requiring secondary measurements. The ATM approval will enable oil and gas operators to use the Methane LiDAR Camera as a standalone methane detection solution, eliminating the need for labor-intensive traditional methods such as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) surveys.

“Advanced technology solutions are crucial to address the industry’s emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a near-term warming impact up to 80 times that of CO2,” said Ravi Peddibhotla, Emissions Business Manager, SLB. “Unlike other EPA-approved technologies, the Methane Lidar Camera’s spatial resolution allows it to identify emissions sources precisely, preventing false alarms from permitted methane vents. This will enable our U.S. customers to improve their compliance and more efficiently mitigate fugitive emissions from their operations.”

Approved at all leak resolution thresholds under the regulation, SLB’s Methane LiDAR Camera operates effectively in diverse conditions, including daytime, nighttime, and in the presence of other gases. Unlike OGI cameras, it is not affected by the temperature difference between the gas and the surrounding environment — a crucial factor for accurate detection. Built-in laser imaging technology visualizes and quantifies emission rates, duration, location, persistence and timing. Operators can access measurements and images remotely via a digital platform, facilitating efficient management of Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) activities and reporting.

To date, 100 LiDAR Cameras have been deployed by SLB’s customers across four continents.

For more information, visit slb.com/LiDAR

About SLB

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

Media

Josh Byerly – SVP of Global Communications
Moira Duff – Director of External Communications
SLB
Tel: +1 (713) 375-3407
Email: media@slb.com

Investors

James R. McDonald – SVP of Investor Relations & Industry Affairs
Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations
SLB
Tel: +1 (713) 375-3535
Email: investor-relations@slb.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws — that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Such statements often contain words such as “expect,” “may,” “can,” “estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “will,” “potential,” “projected” and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as forecasts or expectations regarding the deployment of, or anticipated benefits of, SLB’s new technologies and partnerships; statements about goals, plans and projections with respect to sustainability and environmental matters; forecasts or expectations regarding energy transition and global climate change; and improvements in operating procedures and technology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inability to achieve net-negative carbon emissions goals; the inability to recognize intended benefits of SLB’s strategies, initiatives or partnerships; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change; the timing or receipt of regulatory approvals and permits; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in SLB’s most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and SLB disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Trane Expands Its Digital Ecosystem To Enhance Data Center Energy Efficiency and Uptime

DAVIDSON, N.C., September 10, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane®—by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, has extended its chiller plant control facility programming application, specific to the unique operating needs and conditions of modern data centers, through Trane’s Tracer SC+ system controller. Harnessing Trane’s deep systems knowledge and expertise, chiller plant control converts complex programming into a simplified, efficient solution that can be customized to meet unique needs.

As AI pushes data centers to new extremes, Trane is uniquely positioned to lead with whole-system thermal management solutions, helping to achieve peak performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. Tracer chiller plant control runs sophisticated strategies that dynamically manage the rotation, staging and sequencing of multiple chillers, simplifying system control and expediting startup and commissioning.

“Thermal management is a performance multiplier, separating peak performance from failure,” said Steve Obstein, Vice President and General Manager, Data Centers, Trane Technologies. “It’s not just about components — it’s about how the whole system performs under pressure, and that’s where chiller plant control comes in.”

Unlike other variable, custom solutions that address pieces of the system, Trane designs and delivers high-quality and configurable solutions throughout the entire thermal management lifecycle. Tracer chiller plant control plays a key role in Trane’s full-service approach for achieving and maintaining efficient and effective data center cooling, across installation, operation and long-term system maintenance.  Through precise control algorithms and actionable insights, chiller plant control orchestrates greater efficiency throughout the entire data center and helps reduce wear and tear for extended equipment lifespan.

Trane controls serve as the backbone of intelligent systems, enabling advanced thermal management through seamless data flow to help detect issues early, maintain performance and operate within a secure digital framework that meets the demands of modern data centers. Through Trane Autonomous Control, connected tools, and smart services, Trane equips thousands of local Trane service experts across North America and our customers with the tools needed to resolve issues fast and efficiently.

Trane continues to strengthen its comprehensive thermal management systems portfolio for data centers through a series of custom innovations that include scalable liquid cooling platforms, an efficient fan coil wall platform, larger capacity and higher operating ambient temperature air-cooled chillers, and a modern Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH) solution, engineered for AI workloads, sustainability, and future growth. For more information about Trane’s services for data centers, visit www.trane.com/datacenterwww.trane.com/datacenter.

About Trane 

Trane®—by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator—creates comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments through a broad portfolio of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and controls, services, parts and supply. For more information, please visit www.trane.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

© 2025 Trane. All Rights Reserved.  
All trademarks referenced in this document are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Trane does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material is for informational purposes only and it should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax law is subject to continual change. All decisions are your responsibility and you should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors. Trane disclaims any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented. 

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B… for Building Operating System, a Saint-Gobain Podcast

With nearly 40% of carbon emissions coming from the built environment, the construction industry is building and renovating more and more sustainably. With innovative solutions and new construction methods, we have a whole new vocabulary that this podcast is going to decipher for you!

Building Operating Systems (BOS) are truly intelligent systems, guaranteeing the comfort of building occupants and providing invaluable support for proper maintenance. They are also important allies in reducing energy consumption in buildings. So, how do they work, where are they installed, and what is their development potential?

Listen here B…for Building Operating System, a Saint-Gobain Podcast

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

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Wesco and Habitat for Humanity Mexico (HPHM) Deliver Sustainable Homes for a Tzotzil Community in Chiapas

Habitat for Humanity Mexico (HPHM) partnered with families in the Monte Sion community of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, to build 11 new homes. Working together with the homeowners, these homes will benefit 42 community members, 19 adults and 23 children. Part of the Lekil’Na project, a name given by the community meaning “sustainable housing” in Tzotzil, the homes reflect a shared commitment to stronger, healthier living spaces.

The homes are sustainable, affordable, and adequate, with legal certainty of ownership, and utilize solar panels and energy-efficient wood-burning stoves. They were built with sustainable materials such as concrete blocks using RESIN8™, a technology that transforms non-recyclable plastic waste into concrete blocks and floors, demonstrating greater durability and reliability in the construction process.

The homes are being certified under the EDGE system, thanks to 3Lotus Consulting and GBCI Mexico. EDGE is an innovation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This certification demonstrates that it is possible to develop social housing that meets international standards of sustainability, efficiency, and well-being.

This project was made possible thanks to the partnership between Habitat for Humanity Mexico and CRDC Mexico, which secured investment from Wesco International and Dow. Together, they made this replicable sustainability model a reality. It seeks to inspire the public, private, and social sectors to rethink how we build and for whom we build. It is hoped that more companies will soon join these types of social investment initiatives so that we can all live with dignity without compromising the future of the planet.

 

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Built for Resilience: How Cummins Supports the Wastewater Industry

Cummins

A backup power failure at a wastewater facility can lead to immediate and severe consequences. Pumps stop, tanks overflow, leaving contaminants easy access to our waterways. What started as a brief outage, then turns into a major public health and environmental emergency. Though rare, such failures can trigger a chain reaction: beach closures, boil water advisories, infrastructure damage, and loss of public trust.

When it comes to safeguarding critical infrastructure like wastewater facilities, reliability doesn’t start and stop with installation; it requires a trusted partner who understands the full lifecycle of standby power. That’s where Cummins stands apart.

Cummins provides top-quality generator systems along with the expert support that wastewater facilities rely on— like technical know-how, regular maintenance, and fast service. Brian Pumphrey, Director of Sales Application, has over 20 years of experience with power systems. He says Cummins builds trust by delivering reliable performance, staying proactive with service, and truly understanding the industry.

“Reliability is everything,” said Pumphrey. “It’s not just about having a generator, it’s about knowing it will work when you need it. That’s why planned maintenance, quality fuel and healthy batteries are so important.”

With decades of experience supporting municipalities and engineering teams, Cummins helps design systems that reflect how wastewater managers really operate: with high stakes, limited resources, and zero tolerance for failure. From remote pumping stations to major treatment plants, Cummins supports:

  • Customized system design to match infrastructure needs
  • Preventive maintenance plans tailored to usage and location
  • Fuel testing and polishing services to ensure performance
  • Portable power solutions for emergency response
  • 24/7 service and support that prioritizes uptime and trust

“While many of these systems will be considered a NFPA 110 Level 2 application in the eyes of the code… in the eyes of the people running the wastewater treatment plant, they’re going to see it as a NFPA 110 Level 1 system,” Pumphrey said. “They don’t care what the code says, they care that it starts and runs when needed. They want it designed like it is a life safety application.”

Designing for resilience means thinking beyond codes and into real-world conditions. That’s why Cummins works closely with facility managers, consulting engineers and municipal leaders to ensure every system is engineered for performance, not just on paper but in practice. Whether it’s ensuring quiet operations near residential neighborhoods, preparing for wildlife-related outages in California or meeting strict emissions requirements, Cummins delivers solutions built for the environments they serve.

For a standby power solution built for your infrastructure, environment and peace of mind, visit cummins.com/customer-assistance to learn how Cummins can support your wastewater facility — from design to deployment and beyond.

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Discovery Education Unveils New Resource Collection To Boost Student Engagement in Career Exploration During Workforce Development Month

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 10, 2025 /3BL/ – Discovery Education is now offering a new collection of high-quality digital content, immersive learning resources, and virtual field trips to boost student engagement in career exploration during Workforce Development Month and beyond. Discovery Education is the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world.

Created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, Workforce Development Month raises awareness about the importance of the workforce industry to the economy. The resources now available from Discovery Education include:

Careers Hub: The Careers Hub on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged K-12 classrooms, is a curated collection of resources aligned to 14 career clusters. The profiles, virtual field trips, and immersive tools within the Careers Hub inspire students by connecting learning to real-world goals. Educators can easily find career resources, skill-building activities, and more in this easy-to-use center.

Career Connect: Available to all users of Discovery Education Experience, the award-winning Career Connect fosters student engagement by connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and potential careers. Through Career Connect, educators request virtual classroom visits from industry professionals, selecting from an array of job types, industries, languages, and locations. Career Connect now features the IF/THEN® STEM video collection, through which classrooms can view career profiles of dynamic STEM careers and extend the learning by connecting directly with virtual speakers in similar roles.

Immersive Learning

  • In Operation Communication, a new immersive game from the STEM Careers Coalition, students in grades 6-12 experience a day in the life of an employee in a simulated workplace, navigating production schedules, team dynamics, and customer satisfaction. Players practice a wide range of active skills with a focus on effective communication in the workplace to keep the production line running smoothly and create happy customers. Students can then use the new Career Finder tool to explore career pathways based on their interests. Powered by the STEM Careers Coalition, these resources help students find out about new careers and discover how classroom learning connects to real-world possibilities. The STEM Careers Coalition is an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations providing 11M+ students with equitable access to STEM resources and career connections since its launch in 2019.
  • The cutting edge Haul! Learning Experience is designed to provide students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to discover how copper ore makes its way into the items that power our day. A part of Dig Into Mining – The Story of Copper, the educational program created in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan that uncovers the use of metals such as copper in our everyday life, HAUL!  challenges students to navigate their way through a 3D copper mine to earn their Haul Truck Operator’s Scorecard while learning how STEM is used in this larger-than-life operation.
  • HARVEST: From Seed to Success empowers students to step into the role of a farmer and discover what it takes to grow a successful harvest. In the experience, students consult agricultural professionals to analyze a soil sample, select crops and fertilizers, identify the right moment to harvest, and simulate operating a combine to harvest crops. An accompanying educator guide and ready-to-use student activities make it easy for educators to integrate the resource into any lesson plan. This resource is from Cooperative Minds, an educational initiative from Discovery Education and the CHS Foundation.

Discover more free immersive learning resources from Discovery Education and partners here.

Virtual Field Trips

  • Forging Innovation: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip: Journey into the world of steel, one of the most essential and versatile materials in modern society. During this new virtual field trip, students will explore how steel is made from raw materials, how its properties can be altered through different processes, and why it’s a cornerstone of innovation in architecture and structural engineering. Through real-world examples and design challenges, students discover how engineers and architects use steel to solve complex problems. This content is powered by Nucor and available from the STEM Careers Coalition.

This virtual field trip premieres on October 9, 2025, and is designed for students in grades 6-12.

  • Careers at Sea and Shore: A Virtual Field Trip to Maritime Manufacturing Centers: This virtual field trip shows students the world of marine innovation as they explore how submarines are built and the amazing careers behind them. Discover how the healthy, drug-free choices you make today can lead to meaningful and rewarding careers in the future. Students meet engineers, welders, and technicians who are creating future national security systems that can operate underwater. This virtual field trip, funded through the Defense Department’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, is part of Operation Prevention, a program with the Drug Enforcement Administration providing no-cost online tools that support every member of the community with the power of prevention. 

    This virtual field trip premieres on October 29, 2025, and is designed for students in grades 6-12.

Discover more Discovery Education virtual field trips here or on the Virtual Field Trips channel in Discovery Education Experience.

Finally, Discovery Education recently launched the Education Insights 2025–2026: Fueling Learning Through Engagement report, which explores how engagement is defined, observed, and nurtured in classrooms. To further support educators’ efforts to engage students during Workforce Development Month and beyond, on Thursday, October 8 at 2:00 PM ET, Discovery Education is hosting a special, town hall-style webinar during which education leaders from across the nation will share their thoughts and insights on this report and its findings. All educators are encouraged to attend this no-cost event. Discover details and register for this event here.

“Discovery Education is proud to collaborate with its partners to make this new collection of engaging resources available to teachers nationwide,” said Catherine Dunlop, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “With more than 170 million new jobs projected to be created by 2030, engaging students by connecting classroom learning to real-world careers is critical. With these career readiness resources, educators can effectively engage students about workforce opportunities.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedInInstagramTikTok, and Facebook

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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 higher academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com

Contact 
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

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Fidelis Care Rural Health Grant Applications Now Open to Providers and Organizations Across New York State

Grants Aimed at Supporting Innovative Preventive Care Programs in Rural Communities

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, has opened the application process for its 2025 rural health grant program. The grants are aimed at supporting healthcare providers and community-based organizations that imagine and create innovative solutions to increase preventive care in rural communities across New York State. The application is available at fideliscare.org/rural-grant. The deadline to apply is October 3, 2025.

“Fidelis Care understands that rural communities face unique challenges in accessing preventive care,” said Dr. Vincent Marchello, Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer. “By supporting innovative, community-based solutions, we are helping to ensure that rural New Yorkers receive the care they need, when and where they need it most. These grants reflect our commitment to advancing health equity and empowering local providers and organizations to make a lasting impact.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says more than 60 million Americans living in rural areas face significant health disparities, including limited access to care, higher rates of chronic illness, and fewer healthcare providers. In New York State, rural counties experience similar barriers, with fewer hospitals and medical professionals serving geographically isolated populations. To combat these issues, innovative solutions such as telehealth expansion, mobile health units, and community-based care models are being deployed. These efforts aim to improve health equity and ensure that rural residents receive timely, quality care regardless of location.

Recipients of the Fidelis Care rural health grants will be chosen based upon strength of proposal including impact, sustainability, organizational rating, social media verification, and regional location. Fidelis Care plans to announce the recipients of its 2025 rural health grants in conjunction with National Rural Health Day in November.

For more information or to apply, visit fideliscare.org/rural-grant.

About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-care, on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

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MediaInquiries@fideliscare.org

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