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Students in the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, are getting new learning experiences outside the classroom that support workforce development.High school students in engineering courses recently explored interactive exhibits about subjects such as robotics at the city’s new science and learning center.The visit came through the district’s partnership with Marathon Petroleum’s El Paso refinery, which has also provided internships and equipment for job-based classes.

The Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) in El Paso, Texas, is providing new learning experiences outside the classroom to build upon career-oriented programs for high school students. The district recently leveraged its educational partnership with Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s (MPC) El Paso refinery for a visit by more than 30 students and teachers to the city’s La Nube (pronounced noo-beh) STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Discovery Center.

“We invited some of the engineering students, since we have been working with Marathon on workforce development and engineering is one of the main careers of focus,” said YISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator of Workplace Learning Cecy De La O. “Some of the instructors said that the exhibits gave them ideas for future lessons, activities or projects.”

“We have been working with Marathon on workforce development, and engineering is one of the main careers of focus.”

The students who toured La Nube are enrolled in courses that are part of Engineering Foundations, one of several professional development curricula available at high schools in YISD.  Among other advantages, these programs of study can help students acquire industry certifications, earn college credit and pursue work-based learning opportunities.

“Hosting the students was an extension of our continuing partnership with YISD’s CTE Department,” said MPC Principal ESG and Stakeholder Engagement Representative V.J. Smith. “Our support includes grants to fund participation in skills competitions, purchases of industrial equipment for CTE classes, employee volunteers helping stage academic contests, and summer internships at the refinery.”

MPC representatives coordinated the visit as part of celebrating Flow, an interactive exhibit the refinery funded. This exhibit focuses on the science behind water, how machinery harnesses its power and the importance of conservation. Along with Flow, the students spent time at La Nube’s eight other learning zones that offer hands-on activities for exploring subjects such as robotics, geometry, 3D printing and acoustics.

“Our involvement with the school district reflects MPC’s commitment to strengthen the communities where we operate and help make people’s lives better,” Smith said. “Our core value of collaboration motivates us to work with stakeholders to find ways of making a positive, measurable impact.”

At Tapestry, we believe great design and an exceptional customer experience must come first. With this foundation, we then focus on producing quality products through material efficiency, embracing circularity and innovation across our supply chain.

CREATE PRODUCTS WITH CARE GOALS FOR 2025 AND BEYOND

95% traceability and mapping of our raw materials by 2025.90% of leather used in our products comes from Silver- and Gold-rated Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries by 2025.95% of polyamide (nylon) will be from preor postconsumer recycled sources by 2025.90% of cotton will be organic- or regenerativecertified by 2025.75% recycled content in consumer packaging by 2025.95% of polyester will be from pre- or post-consumer recycled sources by 2027.10% of leather will be from farms using regenerative agriculture practices, made with recycled inputs or made with “next-generation” materials by 2030.

Tapestry’s circularity strategy is centered on supporting the three principles of the circular economy, all driven by design: eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials and regenerating nature. We categorize our projects into three workstreams that support these principles:

Fabric of Change targets: Our sustainability targets serve as the foundational work underpinning our circular economy strategySystem initiatives: Establish and invest in partnerships, infrastructure and innovations needed to implement circular business models and circular economy principlesProduct initiatives: Empower our brands to create products that are designed to flow through multiple lives, utilizing recycled and regenerative materials

Through these workstreams, we aim to scale circular business models that extend product lifecycles and value.

Tapestry is a Network Partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity that develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy. The Foundation’s Fashion Initiative is leading international efforts working with businesses, governments and NGOs to fundamentally redesign both the products of the future, and the services, supply chains and business models that deliver them and keep them in use. The program seeks to inspire the fashion industry to ensure products are used more, are made to be made again, and are made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs in order to create a resilient and thriving industry.

We continue to prioritize the education of our employees on circular business principles. For more information see the section Upskilling our Employees and our Supply Chain.

Read more about our commitment to circularity in our Corporate Responsibility Report, The Fabric of Change

Picture a university where the digital landscape is as dynamic as the students it serves—where every classroom is a gateway to global learning and every network is a fortress of security. At Delaware State University (DSU), this is not merely a dream but a realized vision, thanks to a bold digital transformation and a strategic partnership with Cisco.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

When Darrell McMillon joined DSU in 2020 as the Vice President and CIO, he encountered significant challenges. The existing technology infrastructure was outdated, stifling potential and progress. McMillon, alongside Russell Weaver, the Executive Director of Network Services, envisioned a complete overhaul of DSU’s technological landscape to propel the university into the future.

A Strategic Partnership with Cisco

Recognizing the critical need for modernization, DSU built a powerful partnership with Cisco following network outages in 2017. Together, they embarked on an ambitious project to revamp the university’s IT infrastructure. The outcome was a state-of-the-art network featuring 300 new switches, 1500 advanced wireless access points, and robust security appliances. This transformation has not only fortified the campuses but has positioned DSU as a leader in technological innovation.

Enhancing Cybersecurity

In an era where cyber threats are ever evolving and a national mandate in which all Institutions must pass the NIST (National Institue of Standards and Technology) assessment to continue receiving governmental funding, DSU is taking a proactive stance. In partnership with Cisco’s Community Enablement team, DSU received a $3.37 million-dollar donation from Cisco. This donation allowed the university to revolutionize its approach to network security. By transforming physical firewalls into logical virtual ones, DSU has achieved unparalleled protection for its networks. As McMillon highlighted, “Our infrastructure is reliable, scalable, and redundant, supporting multiple campuses across the state.” DSU is not just meeting cybersecurity standards; it is setting the bar higher.

“Over the past five years, I have observed Delaware State University’s remarkable evolution in leveraging technology to create exceptional growth opportunities for its students. I am proud that Cisco has played a pivotal role in supporting DSU’s transformation, positively impacting its students.” —Rick Scatchard, Account Manager, Cisco

Revolutionizing Educational Technology

The pandemic underscored the need for flexible learning solutions, and DSU responded with agility and foresight. By integrating Cisco Webex into 125 classrooms, DSU has created vibrant learning environments equipped with the latest technology. Imagine classrooms with speaker tracking and 4K presenter cameras that support seamless hybrid learning. At DSU, educational continuity is guaranteed, no matter the circumstances. McMillon expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “We felt that the Cisco Webex platform delivered the flexibility and reliability needed for both in-person and virtual learning.”

Empowering Student Success

DSU’s transformation is about more than technology—it’s about empowering students. Through Cisco’s Networking Academy, DSU offers groundbreaking opportunities in cybersecurity and IoT. These programs provide students with industry certifications and hands-on experience, paving the way for successful careers. One recent graduate has already secured a full-time network support role, showcasing the tangible benefits of these initiatives.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

While significant strides have been made, DSU’s journey is far from over. The university remains committed to continuous improvement, driven by a desire to enhance services and expand capabilities. With Cisco as a trusted partner, DSU is poised to maintain its leadership in educational technology and ensure an even more robust future.

Looking Ahead

Delaware State University is not just an educational institution; it is a beacon of innovation and excellence. The partnership with Cisco has been instrumental in DSU’s transformation, and the future holds exciting possibilities. As DSU continues to evolve, it invites others to explore how technology can drive innovation and success in their institutions.

DSU’s journey of digital transformation is not just about upgrading technology; it’s about shaping the future of education, one innovation at a time.

To hear more about this journey, watch the video below featuring Darrell McMillon and Russell Weaver from DSU.

For more information:

Delaware State University Information Technology

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