Tag: 3BL

We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with PGA WORKS—a strategic initiative of PGA of America and PGA REACH to help diversify the golf industry’s workforce.

For the next six years, Kohler will sponsor the PGA WORKS’ Collegiate Championship (PWCC) and its corresponding Beyond the Green career event, designed to educate and inspire talent from historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in the business of golf and beyond.

In 2025 and 2029, we’ll have the honor of hosting the PWCC at our very own Whistling Straits, as well as providing scholarship grants to the PGA WORKS’ HBCU Golf Scholarship endowment for golf programs at minority serving institutions across the country.

“We are committed to providing opportunities for all who want to become more—in the sport of golf, their chosen professions, and personal lives,” said David Kohler. “We recognize that transitioning from college to the workforce is a significant step in one’s life. Together with PWCC, PGA WORKS and Beyond the Green, Kohler Co. is steadfast in our approach to provide students with guidance and resources to help them on their journeys with confidence and setting them up for success.”

Check out our team in action at this year’s Beyond the Green event at TPC Sawgrass!

Learn more about PGA WORKS: https://www.pgareach.org/pgaworks/beyond-the-green

June 4, 2024 /3BL/ – The T. Rowe Price Foundation announces $550K in grants to key areas of impact in Colorado Springs’ nonprofit sector. In 2024, the $550K commitment will be distributed among Colorado Springs nonprofits in support of three focus areas: food and housing insecurity, behavioral health and youth suicide, and education. T. Rowe Price’s Colorado Springs office is its second largest office in the U.S. and has been in the area for 25 years.

To inform the grantmaking strategy and identify areas with the greatest potential impact, the Foundation worked with local organizations to advise areas of philanthropy that could make the most impact in the Colorado Springs area. Additionally, the Foundation works with the Colorado Springs office’s associate community engagement volunteer team to help inform key areas that are important in the local community and to associates.

The grants in this series totaling $550K include:

Food and Housing Insecurity: 

Food to Power: The T. Rowe Price Foundation is committed to supporting Food to Power’s mission to reduce food waste while increasing food access. Food to Power achieves this through multifaceted programming to cultivate a healthy, equitable food system in the greater Colorado Springs community.

Behavioral Health and Youth Suicide:

Children’s Hospital Colorado Youth Suicide: With high suicide rates in the country and state, the T. Rowe Price Foundation is proud to support the crucial programming at Children’s Hospital Colorado dedicated to addressing youth suicide prevention. The funds are directed toward the patient-centered medical home program, which plays a pivotal role in early identification, intervention, and prevention of suicide among young individuals.

Education:

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (CSPM): The T. Rowe Price Foundation is honored to support the CSPM, a free-access museum dedicated to research on the history of the local population. The CSPM received a grant in 2021 from the T. Rowe Price Foundation, dedicated to addressing racial injustice. The Foundation will continue to support the museum’s work to address the history of social change in the Pikes Peak region and other programming related to social/racial inequities.University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS): This grant will support the T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center at UCCS to provide robust career support for all students. With this additional funding, the center will continue to utilize partnerships to connect students in underrepresented groups with valuable business communities.

Quotes

“At T. Rowe Price, our mission is centered on seizing opportunities that empower communities globally and especially within the communities that our associates call home, such as Colorado Springs,” said Susan Nakai, Colorado Springs site manager and head of Individual Investor Operations at T. Rowe Price. “With a goal to expand opportunities, enrich lives, and enable equitable solutions to help lift people and communities, this grant series is an example of the T. Rowe Price Foundation’s commitment to local nonprofits and a testament to how we harness our collective power.”

“Food to Power is incredibly grateful for our partnership with T. Rowe Price as we work together to create a healthy and equitable food system in Colorado Springs. The Impact Grant invested into Food to Power by T. Rowe Price is supporting the work done at the Hillside Hub, Colorado Springs’ first and only neighborhood food center,” said Slade Custer, interim development director/development manager of Food to Power. “It helps enable all of the impact created there, whether it be growing hyperlocal fresh food on the urban farm, turning food scraps into finished compost, providing educational workshops to the community, or even hosting our paid summer internship for high school-age youth. We’re excited to continue our partnership and track the impact it makes throughout this next grant cycle!”

“As a nonprofit, Children’s Hospital Colorado relies on the generosity of the communities we serve. Our work would not be possible without donors who believe that all children should have the chance for a healthy, hopeful future,” said Jennifer Roe Darling, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. “With T. Rowe Price’s grant, we can be catalysts for change in pediatric mental health. Thank you for partnering with us to create a brighter future for every child.”

“The generous support from the T. Rowe Price Foundation’s Impact Grant has enabled the CSPM to center community voices in the museum’s ongoing work to rectify the erasure of historically marginalized communities, provide resources that empower community members to tell their own stories, accurately represent complex histories, and ultimately to help foster a civil rights and social justice dialogue in the museum and beyond,” said Diane Barber Stine, development director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.

“With the support of T. Rowe Price and the T. Rowe Price Foundation, UCCS has expanded career exploration and services to provide students, alumni, and industry partners career resources to meet the needs of our larger community,” said Melinda Hagemann, assistant vice-chancellor of Advancement at UCCS. “Prior to the expansion, UCCS was limited in our career outreach capacity, which required us to focus efforts on students just as they were graduating. Today, nearly 200 outreach efforts take place through direct classroom initiatives; expanded employer partnerships; and new career networking and employer trainings, such as an inaugural diversity networking event. Through the stronger career development pathway programing offered at the T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center at UCCS and with the direct volunteerism of T. Rowe Price associates at the center, the larger workforce needs of the Pikes Peak region and the state of Colorado are supported, thanks to this innovative partnership.”

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE

Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ – GS: TROW) helps individuals and institutions around the world achieve their long-term investment goals. As a large global asset management company known for investment excellence, retirement leadership, and independent proprietary research, the firm is built on a culture of integrity that puts client interests first. Clients rely on the award-winning firm for its retirement expertise and active management of equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset investment capabilities. T. Rowe Price has $1.48T in assets under management as of April 30, 2024, and serves millions of clients globally. News and other updates can be found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and troweprice.com/newsroom.

ABOUT THE T. ROWE PRICE FOUNDATION 

Founded in 1981, the T. Rowe Price Foundation is steadfastly committed to its mission of pursuing the long-term success of the communities in which T. Rowe Price associates live and work. The Foundation offers direct grants, a generous matching gift program, pro bono opportunities, and robust capacity-building programs for grantees and partners. The Foundation is one of the largest corporate philanthropies in Baltimore and Maryland, contributing more than $182.3M since its inception to support local organizations dedicated to creating positive change.

The T. Rowe Price Foundation aims to support community leaders and organizations, and networks grow stronger, by using its unique assets to fulfill their goals, and we believe that our partner organizations are best equipped to decide how their resources should be utilized. The Foundation champions trust-based philanthropy principles and partners with communities to measure impact through grantmaking. Recognizing that meaningful, lasting change cannot happen overnight, the Foundation is deeply committed to the long-term success of its grantees and partners. The Foundation partners with colleagues from across T. Rowe Price to advance the firm’s corporate social responsibility and equity goals. Learn more by visiting troweprice.com/foundation.

T. ROWE PRICE CONTACTS: 

Arminta Plater

410-577-2813 
arminta.plater@troweprice.com

Molly Molloy

630-815-9765

molly@profilespr.com 

June 4, 2024 /3BL/ – The T. Rowe Price Foundation announces $550K in grants to key areas of impact in Colorado Springs’ nonprofit sector. In 2024, the $550K commitment will be distributed among Colorado Springs nonprofits in support of three focus areas: food and housing insecurity, behavioral health and youth suicide, and education. T. Rowe Price’s Colorado Springs office is its second largest office in the U.S. and has been in the area for 25 years.

To inform the grantmaking strategy and identify areas with the greatest potential impact, the Foundation worked with local organizations to advise areas of philanthropy that could make the most impact in the Colorado Springs area. Additionally, the Foundation works with the Colorado Springs office’s associate community engagement volunteer team to help inform key areas that are important in the local community and to associates.

The grants in this series totaling $550K include:

Food and Housing Insecurity: 

Food to Power: The T. Rowe Price Foundation is committed to supporting Food to Power’s mission to reduce food waste while increasing food access. Food to Power achieves this through multifaceted programming to cultivate a healthy, equitable food system in the greater Colorado Springs community.

Behavioral Health and Youth Suicide:

Children’s Hospital Colorado Youth Suicide: With high suicide rates in the country and state, the T. Rowe Price Foundation is proud to support the crucial programming at Children’s Hospital Colorado dedicated to addressing youth suicide prevention. The funds are directed toward the patient-centered medical home program, which plays a pivotal role in early identification, intervention, and prevention of suicide among young individuals.

Education:

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (CSPM): The T. Rowe Price Foundation is honored to support the CSPM, a free-access museum dedicated to research on the history of the local population. The CSPM received a grant in 2021 from the T. Rowe Price Foundation, dedicated to addressing racial injustice. The Foundation will continue to support the museum’s work to address the history of social change in the Pikes Peak region and other programming related to social/racial inequities.University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS): This grant will support the T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center at UCCS to provide robust career support for all students. With this additional funding, the center will continue to utilize partnerships to connect students in underrepresented groups with valuable business communities.

Quotes

“At T. Rowe Price, our mission is centered on seizing opportunities that empower communities globally and especially within the communities that our associates call home, such as Colorado Springs,” said Susan Nakai, Colorado Springs site manager and head of Individual Investor Operations at T. Rowe Price. “With a goal to expand opportunities, enrich lives, and enable equitable solutions to help lift people and communities, this grant series is an example of the T. Rowe Price Foundation’s commitment to local nonprofits and a testament to how we harness our collective power.”

“Food to Power is incredibly grateful for our partnership with T. Rowe Price as we work together to create a healthy and equitable food system in Colorado Springs. The Impact Grant invested into Food to Power by T. Rowe Price is supporting the work done at the Hillside Hub, Colorado Springs’ first and only neighborhood food center,” said Slade Custer, interim development director/development manager of Food to Power. “It helps enable all of the impact created there, whether it be growing hyperlocal fresh food on the urban farm, turning food scraps into finished compost, providing educational workshops to the community, or even hosting our paid summer internship for high school-age youth. We’re excited to continue our partnership and track the impact it makes throughout this next grant cycle!”

“As a nonprofit, Children’s Hospital Colorado relies on the generosity of the communities we serve. Our work would not be possible without donors who believe that all children should have the chance for a healthy, hopeful future,” said Jennifer Roe Darling, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. “With T. Rowe Price’s grant, we can be catalysts for change in pediatric mental health. Thank you for partnering with us to create a brighter future for every child.”

“The generous support from the T. Rowe Price Foundation’s Impact Grant has enabled the CSPM to center community voices in the museum’s ongoing work to rectify the erasure of historically marginalized communities, provide resources that empower community members to tell their own stories, accurately represent complex histories, and ultimately to help foster a civil rights and social justice dialogue in the museum and beyond,” said Diane Barber Stine, development director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.

“With the support of T. Rowe Price and the T. Rowe Price Foundation, UCCS has expanded career exploration and services to provide students, alumni, and industry partners career resources to meet the needs of our larger community,” said Melinda Hagemann, assistant vice-chancellor of Advancement at UCCS. “Prior to the expansion, UCCS was limited in our career outreach capacity, which required us to focus efforts on students just as they were graduating. Today, nearly 200 outreach efforts take place through direct classroom initiatives; expanded employer partnerships; and new career networking and employer trainings, such as an inaugural diversity networking event. Through the stronger career development pathway programing offered at the T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center at UCCS and with the direct volunteerism of T. Rowe Price associates at the center, the larger workforce needs of the Pikes Peak region and the state of Colorado are supported, thanks to this innovative partnership.”

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE

Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ – GS: TROW) helps individuals and institutions around the world achieve their long-term investment goals. As a large global asset management company known for investment excellence, retirement leadership, and independent proprietary research, the firm is built on a culture of integrity that puts client interests first. Clients rely on the award-winning firm for its retirement expertise and active management of equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset investment capabilities. T. Rowe Price has $1.48T in assets under management as of April 30, 2024, and serves millions of clients globally. News and other updates can be found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and troweprice.com/newsroom.

ABOUT THE T. ROWE PRICE FOUNDATION 

Founded in 1981, the T. Rowe Price Foundation is steadfastly committed to its mission of pursuing the long-term success of the communities in which T. Rowe Price associates live and work. The Foundation offers direct grants, a generous matching gift program, pro bono opportunities, and robust capacity-building programs for grantees and partners. The Foundation is one of the largest corporate philanthropies in Baltimore and Maryland, contributing more than $182.3M since its inception to support local organizations dedicated to creating positive change.

The T. Rowe Price Foundation aims to support community leaders and organizations, and networks grow stronger, by using its unique assets to fulfill their goals, and we believe that our partner organizations are best equipped to decide how their resources should be utilized. The Foundation champions trust-based philanthropy principles and partners with communities to measure impact through grantmaking. Recognizing that meaningful, lasting change cannot happen overnight, the Foundation is deeply committed to the long-term success of its grantees and partners. The Foundation partners with colleagues from across T. Rowe Price to advance the firm’s corporate social responsibility and equity goals. Learn more by visiting troweprice.com/foundation.

T. ROWE PRICE CONTACTS: 

Arminta Plater

410-577-2813 
arminta.plater@troweprice.com

Molly Molloy

630-815-9765

molly@profilespr.com 

As climate change impacts escalate, relying only on California to produce the majority of fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops is no longer sustainable.WWF’s new report, “The Next California — Phase II: Preparing for Action” details outcomes of extensive research and next steps to transition appropriate specialty crops to the Mid-Mississippi Delta region.

June 4, 2024 /3BL/ – A collaborative effort of dozens of farmers, producers, scientists, and other experts is poised to launch an agricultural renaissance in the Mid-Mississippi Delta region across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Foodwise, the first project to test the concepts outlined in WWF’s Next California initiative, is working with Black and women farmers across the Delta to build a more nutritious, farmer-strong, consumer-centric, and climate-friendly rice industry. The project will invest in research and development to improve rice varieties and create seed stock, which it will sell to farmers to build a pipeline of supply. It will also provide technical assistance, storage, processing, and market contracts.

“We are determined to capture a significant opportunity for women and minority farmers to participate in larger specialty rice contracts,” said Hallie Shoffner, the sixth-generation Arkansas farmer who created Foodwise and serves on the Next California Advisory Council. “While we still face significant hurdles, we’ve already hit some major milestones, including securing our first wholesale buyer contract. You’ll be able to buy Delta-produced specialty rice in stores next year.”

As impacts of climate change require us to find new places to grow our food, WWF proposes proactively shifting production of some specialty crops—fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nutritious grains—to existing farmland well-suited to these crops. WWF identified the Mid-Mississippi Delta region as an ideal candidate, due to its rich agricultural history and expertise, along with plentiful resources and agricultural lands.

“Climate change is putting increased pressure on our already tenuous food supply chain. If we don’t have a plan now, we’re going to see more conversion of natural spaces like forests, grasslands, and wetlands. And that will only make the climate and biodiversity crises worse,” said Julia Kurnik, senior director of innovation start-ups at WWF. “But here’s the thing—as we rethink where we grow our food we should also rethink how. We can build a better system from the ground up, ensuring that growers who have traditionally been shut out of markets can benefit along with the rest of the region.”

The Mid-Delta region currently focuses mainly on large-scale production of commodity row crops like cotton, white rice, and soy and corn for animal feed. But these crops yield low profit margins, making it increasingly difficult for small farmers to make a living. By shifting land to specialty crops and employing innovative finance and production mechanisms, small farmers—particularly Black farmers who face challenges resulting from centuries of racist and inequitable policies—will have greater access to national and more profitable markets.

“For farmers who are already living on the thinnest of margins, we know this is a risky proposition. If they grow it and no one buys it, that’s a year’s worth of work and income lost,” said Pete Nelson, President of AgLaunch and co-host of the Advisory Council. “We’re working to take as much of the risk out as possible, creating a robust support network, plus market and financing connections. And we’re pairing that with research to address practical concerns, like meeting labor requirements and determining which seed varietals are best suited to our climate.”

WWF outlines all work on the project to date in its comprehensive Next California: Phase II report, providing context on farming in the region today and a vision for the future. It candidly discusses potential hurdles to and unintended consequences of large-scale implementation. The report also explores proven successes of innovative business and finance models, and opportunities to break into large markets, concluding with next steps for Phase III of the project.

“There are already small farmers growing specialty crops in the Delta, and we are proof that the basis of the idea is sound. What I’m most interested in are the opportunities that will come along with small farmers joining together to grow these crops at scale,” said Matthew Robinson, Advisory Council member and owner of The Produce Tribe. “Together we can access new markets, attract investors, and build up the infrastructure to benefit all of us. We have the potential to transform farming in the Delta and make it a fundamental, prosperous occupation for future generations.”

###

Media Contact: Lorin.Hancock@wwfus.org

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in nearly 100 countries for over half a century to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat the climate crisis. Visit http://www.worldwildlife.org to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following @WWFNews on Twitter and signing up for our newsletter and news alerts here.

As climate change impacts escalate, relying only on California to produce the majority of fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops is no longer sustainable.WWF’s new report, “The Next California — Phase II: Preparing for Action” details outcomes of extensive research and next steps to transition appropriate specialty crops to the Mid-Mississippi Delta region.

June 4, 2024 /3BL/ – A collaborative effort of dozens of farmers, producers, scientists, and other experts is poised to launch an agricultural renaissance in the Mid-Mississippi Delta region across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Foodwise, the first project to test the concepts outlined in WWF’s Next California initiative, is working with Black and women farmers across the Delta to build a more nutritious, farmer-strong, consumer-centric, and climate-friendly rice industry. The project will invest in research and development to improve rice varieties and create seed stock, which it will sell to farmers to build a pipeline of supply. It will also provide technical assistance, storage, processing, and market contracts.

“We are determined to capture a significant opportunity for women and minority farmers to participate in larger specialty rice contracts,” said Hallie Shoffner, the sixth-generation Arkansas farmer who created Foodwise and serves on the Next California Advisory Council. “While we still face significant hurdles, we’ve already hit some major milestones, including securing our first wholesale buyer contract. You’ll be able to buy Delta-produced specialty rice in stores next year.”

As impacts of climate change require us to find new places to grow our food, WWF proposes proactively shifting production of some specialty crops—fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nutritious grains—to existing farmland well-suited to these crops. WWF identified the Mid-Mississippi Delta region as an ideal candidate, due to its rich agricultural history and expertise, along with plentiful resources and agricultural lands.

“Climate change is putting increased pressure on our already tenuous food supply chain. If we don’t have a plan now, we’re going to see more conversion of natural spaces like forests, grasslands, and wetlands. And that will only make the climate and biodiversity crises worse,” said Julia Kurnik, senior director of innovation start-ups at WWF. “But here’s the thing—as we rethink where we grow our food we should also rethink how. We can build a better system from the ground up, ensuring that growers who have traditionally been shut out of markets can benefit along with the rest of the region.”

The Mid-Delta region currently focuses mainly on large-scale production of commodity row crops like cotton, white rice, and soy and corn for animal feed. But these crops yield low profit margins, making it increasingly difficult for small farmers to make a living. By shifting land to specialty crops and employing innovative finance and production mechanisms, small farmers—particularly Black farmers who face challenges resulting from centuries of racist and inequitable policies—will have greater access to national and more profitable markets.

“For farmers who are already living on the thinnest of margins, we know this is a risky proposition. If they grow it and no one buys it, that’s a year’s worth of work and income lost,” said Pete Nelson, President of AgLaunch and co-host of the Advisory Council. “We’re working to take as much of the risk out as possible, creating a robust support network, plus market and financing connections. And we’re pairing that with research to address practical concerns, like meeting labor requirements and determining which seed varietals are best suited to our climate.”

WWF outlines all work on the project to date in its comprehensive Next California: Phase II report, providing context on farming in the region today and a vision for the future. It candidly discusses potential hurdles to and unintended consequences of large-scale implementation. The report also explores proven successes of innovative business and finance models, and opportunities to break into large markets, concluding with next steps for Phase III of the project.

“There are already small farmers growing specialty crops in the Delta, and we are proof that the basis of the idea is sound. What I’m most interested in are the opportunities that will come along with small farmers joining together to grow these crops at scale,” said Matthew Robinson, Advisory Council member and owner of The Produce Tribe. “Together we can access new markets, attract investors, and build up the infrastructure to benefit all of us. We have the potential to transform farming in the Delta and make it a fundamental, prosperous occupation for future generations.”

###

Media Contact: Lorin.Hancock@wwfus.org

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in nearly 100 countries for over half a century to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat the climate crisis. Visit http://www.worldwildlife.org to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following @WWFNews on Twitter and signing up for our newsletter and news alerts here.

DES MOINES, IOWA, June 4, 2024 – Principal® Foundation, a global nonprofit organization committed to helping people and communities build financially secure futures, and EVERFI® from Blackbaud®, the leader in powering social impact through education, announce the second and biggest year of DataSetGo, a first-of-its-kind interactive digital curriculum that teaches high school students the fundamentals of data science and its value in daily life, the workforce, and the world.

Since its inception in 2022, DataSetGo has reached over 26,000 high school students in over 400 schools throughout the U.S. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the program reached over 17,000 new students and 200 additional schools across ten states, including New York, Texas, and California.

Last fall, DataSetGo expanded to include DataSetGo Distinguished Scholars, a new national program that equips students to explore postsecondary education and workforce opportunities, including those in the rapidly growing field of data science.

Data science roles can be found in nearly every industry and according to the World Economic Forum, there could be up to 1.4 million new jobs created in data science and data analytics between 2023 and 2027.

“Having learned more about the possible job opportunities has opened several possibilities I had no idea existed. It would be a dream to learn more about data analysis and science to eventually make a profession out of it one day,” wrote Jarod Story, a Distinguished Scholar who attends Irving High School near Dallas, Texas.

All the schools that use the DataSetGo curriculum are in low to moderate income communities, where educators have given the program high marks. The research-backed curriculum was designed to align with national educational standards and is provided at no cost to educators through a strategic partnership between Principal Foundation and EVERFI.

“This program [DataSetGo] is totally awesome. I’m so overwhelmingly proud of my students,” said LaTara Meyers, a teacher at H.D. Woodson High School in Washington, D.C., whose student Amaya Bostic is among the Distinguished Scholars.

The full list of ten Distinguished Scholars was announced in May. Each student received a $5,000 award, for a total of $50,000.

“These impressive students seized the opportunity to learn about data science and the doors it could open for them,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director, Principal Foundation and Community Relations, Principal. “We’re thrilled to provide awards that will help them continue to pursue their dreams.”

“In nearly every industry, data science skills are in high demand. DataSetGo ensures that students are aware of the opportunities and equipped to pursue them – because then, their career options are endless,” said Ray Martinez, co-founder and President of EVERFI.

Six of the ten Distinguished Scholars (“national award winners”) were selected from a national pool of essay submissions that detailed how students plan to apply what they learned through DataSetGo in their careers and lives.

The other four Scholars (“local award winners”) were selected from schools in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Washington, D.C.; and Dallas, Texas who participated in DataSetGo virtual or in-person learning sessions. Three of these local award winners were selected throughout the school year.

The final local 2023-2024 Distinguished Scholar was announced at an in-person event in Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday, May 13. Hosted by EVERFI and Principal Foundation, the event celebrated the DataSetGo program and featured sessions with guest speakers who rely on data science in their careers in professional sports, artificial intelligence, and entertainment.

Below are the 2023-2024 DataSetGo Distinguished Scholars. The entry window for the 2024-2025 competition will open September 15.

National award winners

Tanasia Kennedy, NC, Sugar Creek Charter (Teacher – Tony Brantley)Adnrew Chun, NY, Benjamin N. Cardozo High School (Teacher – Travis Malekpour)Valeria Tamayo, TX, Fossil Ridge High School (Teacher – Sandra McCorkle)Jenna Wrinkler, TX, Irving High School (Teacher – Denovias Mack)Rico Lane, GA, East Coweta High School (Teacher – Laura Colley)Fareeha Naaz, NC, Hickory Ridge High School (Teacher – Bernie Thompson)

Local award winners:

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Ashlee Bailey, Brooklyn Prep High School (Teacher – Diana Isern)Minneapolis, Minn. – Mohamed “Ali” Ali, Hiawatha High School (Teacher – Gwendolyn Fortune)Washington, D.C. – Amaya Bostic, H.D. Woodson High School (Teacher – LaTara Meyers)Dallas, Texas – Jarod Story, Irving High School (Teacher – Denovias Mack)

For more information about DataSetGo or the DataSetGo Distinguished Scholars award program, visit https://principal.everfi.com.

About Principal® Foundation 
Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so. Established in 1987, Principal Foundation works with organizations that are helping to shape and support the journey to financial security by ensuring access to essential needs, fostering social and cultural connections, and promoting financial inclusion.. 3609043-052024

About EVERFI® from Blackbaud® 
EVERFI from Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is an international technology company driving social impact through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to mental health to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI’s Impact-as-a-ServiceTM solution and digital educational content have reached more than 45 million learners globally. In 2020, the company was recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and was featured on Fortune Magazine’s Impact 20 List. The company was also named to the 2021 GSV EdTech 150, a list of the most transformative growth companies in digital learning. Blackbaud acquired EVERFI in December 2021. To learn more about EVERFI, please visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter @EVERFI.

Blackbaud Forward-looking Statements 

Except for historical information, all the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc. 

Media Contact: Taylor Madigan, taylor.madigan@ruderfinn.com

For the first time in decades, the world’s population is facing increases in the number of people living in extreme poverty, rather than annual decreases which had, according to a major global report, become the norm over several decades. The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023, published by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme, reports that more than 1 billion people globally are currently experiencing poverty, with over half (566 million) being children under age 18.The United Nations projects that the global goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030 will not be achieved in time and that almost 600 million people will still be living in extreme poverty.

Hoping to inspire innovation that can effect change in response to this urgent issue, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and partner Unbound Latin America invite students aged 6-17 to participate in the goIT Monthly Challenge for June. Participants are encouraged to explore the challenges, implications and causes of poverty and to create a digital innovation concept that addresses the concern. Concepts that have the potential to reduce poverty by promoting conditions like equity, access, and improved quality of life can be submitted to TCS by June 30th for the chance to win.

This initiative is part of TCS’ ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for social good. It is intended to help young people gain skills and confidence by tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues through innovation and digital solutions.

TCS urges students, educators, and institutions to join them by taking part in the June goIT Monthly Challenge, and help to create a world where we can all thrive, together.

Learn more about how to enter the June goIT Monthly Challenge at: on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG.

About TCS’ goIT Digital Innovation and Career Readiness Program 
TCS’s Go Innovate Together program (goIT) is TCS’ flagship STEM education program. Focusing on digital innovation and career readiness, goIT engages students from diverse backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects and computer science, design thinking and digital innovation. The program offers an industry-developed, customizable curriculum that teaches students the 21st century skills necessary for a career in technology. Lessons cover topics including design thinking, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more.

Since the launch of the goIT Monthly Challenge in 2020, thousands of students across the globe have used key principles from goIT to design tech-based solutions and submit pitch videos based on a Monthly Challenge theme. Each month, TCS co-hosts the event with a Sustainable Development Goal ambassador, globally minded nonprofit or a TCS client. The Challenge has engaged a growing number of teachers and students every month, exploring topics ranging from gender equality and systemic racism to protecting life under water.

Visit the goIT Monthly Challenge competition website to learn how to enter — or get your students involved — with this or upcoming challenges: https://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

2023 was a historic year for disasters in the United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a record-breaking 28-billion-dollar weather and climate events devastated communities.

The Home Depot Foundation is working with nonprofit organizations across the country to prepare communities, focusing on several hard-to-reach areas ahead of this year’s hurricane season.

“We understand the importance of being ready, especially in remote communities” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “We know that staging supplies ahead of disasters allows our partners to provide immediate on-the-ground assistance, as well as long-term support to communities rebuilding after natural disasters.”

A new partnership with Mercy Corps’ Caribbean Resilience Initiative will equip local organizations throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with supplies and equipment so they can quickly respond to a natural disaster. In Alaska, partnerships with local nonprofits will expand emergency food distribution in Anchorage and surrounding communities.

To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation’s disaster response and long-term recovery efforts click here.

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Covia is an industry-leading provider of innovative mineral solutions for a variety of industrial markets, delivering essential ingredients for a wide range of coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. To better develop a broad portfolio of value-added industrial minerals, Covia constantly strives to improve our processes.

To highlight the products and Team Members behind recent technical advancements, we’re pleased to recognize Scott Van Remortel, Applications & Technology Manager at Covia, and our most recent mineral breakthrough, CRISTOBALEX™ filler. Read on to learn more about Scott and how revolutionary CRISTOBALEX is enhancing the whiteness and performance of paints and coatings.

Profiles in Innovation: Scott Van Remortel

Scott began working in the mineral business in 1992 as a coating scientist. He was initially hired to start the paint and coating lab at Covia. From working on mineral processing projects to technical sales, Scott has worked in several positions since he started over 30 years ago.

In his current role, Scott supports Covia’s technology platform throughout the company’s industrial minerals business. He also provides technical sales support and applications testing within the lab, as well as helping guide the projects in our innovation pipeline. We use a Stage Gate approach to product development, which ensures structured evaluation and decisions throughout the innovation process.

In his personal life, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife of 25 years and two children, one who is in college studying mechanical engineering and one who is training to be a veterinarian.

Scott was one of the Team Members who helped bring CRISTOBALEX to market. We are grateful for his insight and contributions to delivering this innovative additive.

CRISTOBALEX: Ultrawhite Reflective Filler

CRISTOBALEX production begins with high-purity spherical quartz grains, which are thermally treated. Scott explains how Covia’s process takes advantage of cristobalite’s natural properties. “As you heat the silica, it increases in volume and becomes whiter. We take a ground silica material with color impurities, and through this process, the color becomes very, very white, and the structure expands and stays locked in an open position.” After processing, CRISTOBALEX is then micronized into a fine powder that is used in products such as:

Cool roofingRoad markingsArchitectural applicationsSealants and adhesives

Delivering Sustainability Through Innovation

As a highly reflective filler for cool elastomeric roof coatings, CRISTOBALEX can increase a product’s efficiency while reducing its carbon footprint. By cooling urban centers and warm cities, AC units don’t have to work so hard, ultimately resulting in decreased energy consumption and overall emissions. Covia is proud to play a role in reducing energy emissions while making buildings and communities more comfortable and sustainable.

Sustainability is critical in our mission to Act Responsibly. We are dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable solutions that empower our customers to address complex environmental challenges without sacrificing material strength and quality. Learn more about Covia’s ESG program, https://www.coviacorp.com/esg/.

Covia: Your Trusted Partner for Mineral Solutions

Covia is already hard at work developing the next generation of performance fillers to further improve our current lineup. We are piloting several next generation materials based on our customer’s needs to help further the industrial coatings industry. Covia is committed to being an industry leader – dedicating resources to rapidly grow, innovate, and plan for the future.

When asked about the future of Covia, Scott remarked, “I’m interested in developing talent in the areas of technology. I’m very excited to hire talented new scientists and chemists who will be a great fit to fulfill Covia’s vision.”

Beyond providing innovative and sustainable solutions, we are also committed to exceptional customer service. Covia is your trusted partner and has been delivering high-quality mineral solutions for more than 25 years. You can rely on our expertise, robust supply chain, strategic distribution network, large-scale production capabilities, impeccable logistics, and reliable delivery.

Looking for a partner for your next project? Contact us today to learn more about our sustainable mineral solutions, including the transformative benefits of CRISTOBALEX for cool roofs and more.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, here at GoDaddy.

I am originally from Illinois and wanted to relocate to Arizona to be with my family. I applied to GoDaddy hoping to make that dream come true but never imagined I would be here almost thirteen years later. I was determined to learn as much as I could and I had amazing support along the way. This helped me build the confidence I needed to succeed. I often reflect on those days as I am now a Supervisor in Care for our Inbound Sales I department. I work with new hires on a daily basis. When chatting with them, I share my previous experience to show that I empathize with them and that I can guide them in their journey. I love that I get to be part of our new hires’ GoDaddy stories! A little bit about me outside of work – I recently got married, have two grown children and five grandbabies! My life is full of excitement these days! I also love to travel. My favorite trip to date was to Kenya to visit an elephant orphanage.

What does it take to succeed on your team?

To succeed within Care, you need the desire to learn and understand our products so you can confidently speak to the benefits of a product and/or troubleshoot an issue effectively. We wear a LOT of hats in our department, so we must have the ability to embrace change and be coachable. Be ready to get outside of your comfort zone!

What has been one of your proudest moments at GoDaddy?

I have had so many proud moments over my tenure. I was not very confident in my tech abilities in the beginning. However, I have always had the drive and passion to keep learning. After two years in Inbound, I started in a new department, and I found myself helping new hires by sharing best practices and offering suggestions to help my peers. Later on, I was asked to help with interviews and then worked with the Director when the department was shifting metrics. One day, I was walking in the hall and the Director of the department asked me where I wanted to go in the company, before I could answer, my supervisor at the time responded for me, by handing me his lanyard. It was at that moment that I thought maybe this IS where I belong. Additionally, I was recognized as a luminary as a Sales Guide and then again as a Sales Supervisor. These have been some of the highlights of my career thus far. However, what I cherish most are the friendships and relationships I have built with my colleagues and Guides. I love being able to support and empower them in their journeys, whether they want to explore other opportunities or advance within our department. I am proud of who I am today and I owe a lot to GoDaddy.

How do you feel that the organization supports you to do things that are important to you?

Working at GoDaddy has given me the chance to pursue my passions beyond work. I have always loved traveling and spending time with my family, and I am grateful for the flexibility and balance that this job offers. I have been able to explore amazing places around the world, such as Aruba, Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Mexico. I have also been able to visit my children frequently and share memorable moments with them. I appreciate the culture of GoDaddy that encourages us to live fully and joyfully outside of work. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity.

What advice would you give to an individual who is starting their career within Care?

When I joined GoDaddy, I was inspired by the stories of people who had transformed their lives through this work. I met people who had overcome challenges and started fresh with this company (just like I did). I learned that working for GoDaddy could be a life-changing opportunity, if I was willing to put in the effort. I committed myself to learning the products, being patient with myself, caring about our customers, and stepping out of my comfort zone. It paid off. This work has genuinely changed my life for the better.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

I think these both represent who I am and how I live my life: When you focus on the good, the good gets even better and my personal favorite; be the main character in your own life’s story!

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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