Tag: 3BL

NAMPA, Idaho, March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Idaho FFA Foundation recently received a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support its Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grant Program for Idaho FFA members.

Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) give FFA students meaningful opportunities to apply classroom learning in real settings, including exploring agricultural careers, conducting research, managing projects, and building basic financial skills through budgeting and record keeping. SAEs are a central part of the FFA Three Circle Model, which combines classroom instruction, leadership development, and hands on experience to create a well-rounded approach to agricultural education.

This investment will provide hundreds of FFA members across Idaho with the opportunity to start or expand their SAE projects, allowing them to gain experience in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and project management. Living to serve is a central FFA value, and many students naturally reflect that spirit in their work. Projects range from floral arrangements that bring comfort to families at memorial services to providing locally produced goods that contribute to local life, as well as service-based efforts that often grow into small businesses rooted in rural needs. Through these projects, students put their skills to work in meaningful ways, whether they are mowing lawns for local families, building websites for small farms or ag related entrepreneurs, repairing or fabricating equipment, or taking part in forestry or natural resource activities that strengthen the place they call home.

“The Idaho FFA Foundation is thrilled to receive this support from Wells Fargo. Their leadership in supporting rural schools and FFA programs is truly impactful. We’re grateful to offer expanded opportunities for Idaho FFA members through this program,” shared Carly Jordan, Executive Director of the Idaho FFA Foundation.

Grants will be administered by the Idaho FFA Foundation and are open to Idaho FFA members. Visit GrowIdahoFFA.org for more information.

About Idaho FFA Foundation

Established in 1980, the Idaho FFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and gives companies, organizations and individuals the opportunity to provide financial resources and cooperation in support of Idaho FFA and agriculture education programs. The Idaho FFA Foundation provides financial support to Idaho FFA Association leadership and career development activities helping Idaho FFA members grow and succeed.

To learn more or donate, visit www.GrowIdahoFFA.org.

Media

Carly Jordan, Carly@GrowIdahoFFA.org

Source: Idaho FFA Foundation

March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Biomimicry Institute, a not-for-profit organization co-founded by Janine Benyus in 2005 with the mission to catalyze a nature positive, regenerative, and inclusive future, has opened applications for the 2026 Ray of Hope Accelerator. This global, founder-focused program supports early-stage startups that look to nature’s 3.8 billion years of evolution as a blueprint for solving today’s most urgent challenges. Ten selected companies will receive $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, along with an immersive nature retreat, and virtual programming including a weekly curriculum, expert mentorship, and access to a vibrant network of investors and industry leaders to help scale their impact. Applications are open through April 24, 2026.

Since its launch in 2020, the Ray of Hope Accelerator has supported nearly 60 early-stage startups ranging from pre-seed through Series A from 19 countries, 35% of which are women-led. Today over 90% of the portfolio companies remain in operation, and collectively they have raised more than $250 million in investment.

Building on this momentum, the Institute is seeking the world’s most promising and impactful nature-inspired startups for its 2026 cohort.

“Last year’s cohort was one of our strongest yet,” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute. “We witnessed founders not only refining breakthrough technologies inspired by nature, but also bringing to life solutions that address climate change and biodiversity loss. They reaffirmed that nature-inspired innovation is not a niche approach, it is a powerful pathway to regenerative systems change. We are excited to welcome the next ten visionary teams who are ready to learn from life itself how to address the challenges of our time.”

The Institute is focused on ventures that address the polycrisis of climate change and biodiversity loss, and eliminate the linear “take, make, waste” paradigm. In addition, solutions should be grounded in deep scientific research, informed by biological principles, processes or systems, or are enabling bio-inspired innovation.

The selected companies will participate in a six-month accelerator starting in August valued at more than $50,000 in in-kind services. The program includes industry mentorship, science-based storytelling expertise, and connections to corporate leaders and mission-aligned investors. Founders will also gather for a four-day immersive Nature Retreat, where they will deepen their leadership skills, build community, and cultivate a biomimicry-driven philosophy to guide their companies.

“As I see it, the biomimicry startup community has reached critical mass. As a category, it has more than enough companies that are successfully scaling to prove the merit of nature-inspired design” says John A. Lanier, Executive Director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and founding funder of the Accelerator, “we are heartened that more companies are starting with biomimicry as a central tenet, and that more investors are actively seeking them out as a result.”

To explore the full portfolio of Ray of Hope Accelerator alumni, Visit the Portfolio page on Biomimicry.org to explore the full list of Ray of Hope Accelerator alumni.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit biomimicry.org/innovation/accelerator/.

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About the Biomimicry Institute

The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by Janine Benyus in 2005, on a mission to create a nature positive, inclusive, and regenerative world inspired and guided by nature’s genius. The Biomimicry Institute is embarking towards a ten-year vision to dramatically scale the impact that biomimicry is having on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Since its founding 20 years ago, the Institute has worked to spread the practice of looking to the solutions developed by living organisms over billions of years to provide insight and inspiration for effective, efficient, and sustainable innovations and approaches to addressing our own challenges. As the Institute embarks on their third decade, they are fully committed to work across sectors and disciplines to spread the wisdom of nature-inspired, actionable solutions across our world. For more information, visit biomimicry.org.

Media Contact:

Anna Konstantinova
Biomimicry Institute, Director of Strategic Communications
anna.konstantinova@biomimicry.org

Technology is transforming how we live and work, and artificial intelligence is reshaping Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) in profound ways. In this episode, host Angelique Dickson, President of the Inogen Alliance and EVP of Antea Group USA, is joined by Charlotte Buffoni, EHS Practice Director at Antea Group UK, Julie Kreger King, Senior Consultant and Technology Segment Leader at Antea Group USA, and Karl Huntzicker, Global VP of Health and Safety at Salesforce. Together they discuss how AI is being integrated into EHS practices, the challenges of trust and accuracy, the impact on the workforce, and the evolving role of EHS professionals in this new era.

 

Listen now on:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

 

Time Stamps

01:02 Introducing Guests and Setting the Stage

02:54 How EHS Teams Are Using AI Today

06:09 Practical Applications and Early Wins in Tech

09:40 Regulatory Research and Policy Challenges

15:23 Impacts of AI on the Workforce

20:26 New Skills and Mindsets for EHS Professionals

26:28 Benefits, Risks, and Emerging Industry Practices

30:26 Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in EHS

 

Guest Quotes

“AI is not the end all, be all… it needs to be guided, trained, and managed by humans consistently in order for it to be effective and accurate.” – Karl“Using AI can allow EHS teams to move away from repetitive tasks… freeing them up to focus more on strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement.” – Charlotte“It’s an iterative process. The more time you spend engaging with AI, the more comfortable and effective you become. Every EHS professional needs to start that journey now.” – Julie

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – Discovery Education today announced the appointment of Kara Schlageter as the organization’s first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing investment in secure, responsible AI innovation that protects educator and student privacy.

Schlageter brings more than 25 years of experience with expertise in leading cybersecurity, enterprise risk, and large-scale transformation across complex, highly regulated environments. She is widely recognized as a transformational executive who bridges the human and technical aspects of cybersecurity. She has a proven record of helping global organizations translate cyber risk into confident, business-aligned decisions.

As digital learning accelerates, district needs around privacy and protection are evolving—prompting Discovery Education to expand its investment in strong, transparent, and educator-centered data practices. The creation of the CISO role reflects the company’s commitment to meeting these evolving needs proactively and responsibly.

As CISO, Schlageter will lead Discovery Education’s information security, governance, and risk management strategy, guiding how every solution is built on rigorous, secure-by-design principles.

“Kara’s appointment as our first Chief Information Security Officer reflects Discovery Education’s unwavering commitment to responsible innovation. Security, privacy, and trust must be built into every product we create, especially as we accelerate our innovation with AI,” said Brian Shaw, Discovery Education’s Chief Executive Officer. “Kara’s people first approach and deep experience strengthening cybersecurity in complex environments will ensure we continue delivering solutions educators can rely on.”

“Digital learning is evolving rapidly, and the opportunity to reinforce trust has never been greater,” said Kara Schlageter, Discovery Education’s CISO. “Protecting educators and students is a shared responsibility, and I look forward to partnering across Discovery Education to embed secure-by‑design practices into every capability we build to provide the strongest possible foundation for teaching and learning.”

• Role: First Chief Information Security Officer at Discovery Education
• Executive Leader: Kara Schlageter, cybersecurity and risk expert with 25+ years of experience.
• Mandate: Lead information security, governance, and risk management strategy and implementation.
• Objective: Build and maintain secure-by-design K-12 teaching and learning solutions.
• Impact: Strengthen the foundation for responsible AI innovation and data practices that safeguard educators and students, and reinforce trust across districts, schools, and partners.

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

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

DP World has placed Chile’s first fully electric container Reach Stacker into operation at its multipurpose terminal in Lirquén Port — a move that will eliminate approximately 60,000 liters of diesel annually, equivalent to preventing around 160,000 kilograms of CO₂ emissions each year.

The milestone marks a significant step forward in decarbonizing heavy-duty port equipment — a category traditionally reliant on diesel due to its size, power demands, and lifting capacity.

Reach Stackers — specialized cranes used to lift and stack shipping containers — have historically been difficult to electrify. But advances in battery autonomy and fast-charging systems have now made it possible to power equipment of this scale efficiently and reliably.

The new SANY SRSC45E3 model features a telescopic boom capable of lifting up to 45 tons, modernizing Chile’s port equipment fleet while strengthening renewable-powered operations.

Eliminating Diesel Through Next-Generation Battery Technology

Electrifying heavy port machinery was once constrained by battery limitations. Older lead-acid systems required extended charging times — often sidelining equipment for an entire shift — or cumbersome battery swaps that were impractical given the size and weight of industrial units.

Today, modern lithium-ion batteries have transformed what is possible.

The new Reach Stacker features a fast-charging system that allows rapid recharging and opportunity for charging during downtime or shift changes. This eliminates the need for battery swaps while maintaining operational continuity and productivity.

By replacing diesel combustion with renewable-powered electricity, the unit not only reduces emissions but also operates more quietly — lowering noise pollution within the terminal and surrounding community.

Importantly, the 60,000 liters of diesel savings and 160,000 kilograms of avoided CO₂ refer to just one unit. As additional diesel-powered equipment is replaced over time, emissions reductions will continue to scale.

Powered by 100% Renewable Energy in Chile

The Reach Stacker operates exclusively on certified renewable electricity. All DP World operations in Chile are powered by 100% renewable energy sourced from hydroelectric plants.

In 2021, Chilean energy company Colbun recognized DP World as the first port operator in South America to receive renewable energy certification — laying the foundation for equipment electrification across its terminals.

To support this transition, DP World carried out electrical infrastructure upgrades at Lirquén, including enhancements to one of its substations to ensure sufficient on-site charging capacity for heavy-duty electric machinery. These upgrades align with the company’s long-term investment strategy to further modernize and decarbonize operations.

Building on Sustainable Logistics Leadership in Chile

The launch builds on DP World’s broader sustainability efforts across Chile’s logistics network.

At its San Antonio terminal, DP World has supported Chile’s electric mobility transition by facilitating the arrival of hundreds of electric buses — including one of the largest electric bus shipments in the country’s history.

At Lirquén, DP World has also handled major renewable energy cargo operations, including the unloading of some of the largest wind turbine components ever managed at the terminal, supporting the country’s expanding clean energy infrastructure.

Together, these initiatives reflect a consistent strategy: integrating sustainability not only into cargo handling and logistics operations, but into the very equipment that powers port activity.

Advancing Port Decarbonization at Scale

The commissioning of Chile’s first electric Reach Stacker signals a new phase in port modernization aligned with DP World’s global decarbonization goals.

As battery technologies continue to evolve and supporting infrastructure expands, electrification is becoming increasingly viable for heavy-duty applications once considered out of reach. Ports — as critical nodes in global supply chains — have a central role to play in reducing emissions across trade networks.

By eliminating 60,000 liters of diesel and preventing 160,000 kilograms of CO₂ annually with this first unit alone, DP World is demonstrating how trade infrastructure can evolve to meet both economic and environmental objectives.

From enabling electric mobility to handling renewable energy infrastructure and now electrifying core port machinery, DP World is helping power Chile’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable trade.

Learn more about DP World’s “Our World, Our Future” global sustainability work.

Originally published by Mastercard

Back from Taipei – inspired by what’s next for urban mobility 

I recently returned from Taipei, where our teams and partners took an important step forward in making everyday travel simpler. Together with Taishin International Bank, we launched contactless payments on the Taipei Metro, a great example of how we’re focused on transit and bringing the benefits of open-loop experiences to riders: tap in with the card or wallet you already carry, no extra transit card or top-ups needed. 

We’ve paired this with our Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition – tap, ride, plant – so each tap contributes to our reforestation efforts and makes sustainability part of daily routines in a simple, tangible way. 

Proud of the collaboration behind this milestone and energized by what we’ll continue to build with our partners.

Continue reading here

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

GENEVA, March 3, 2026 /3BL/ – The Tire Industry Project (TIP) announced today the release of the End-of-Life Tire Toolkit 2.0, a comprehensive, practical guide to implementing more sustainable end-of-life tire (ELT) management systems, reducing waste and fostering circularity within the sector worldwide.

The latest Toolkit outlines approaches for developing resilient, transparent and effective ELT management systems amid diverse regulatory and market conditions. It is designed for policymakers, industry associations and tire manufacturers, while also offering valuable insights to the sector’s recyclers, recovery operators, retailers, researchers and civil society organizations. Building on the first edition published in 2021, this Toolkit is the only known consolidation of the latest knowledge, real-world case studies and insights from ELT experts on the evolving challenges and opportunities across the ELT value chain.

Globally, more than one billion tires reach the end of their usable life every year. While ELTs and their materials represent a valuable resource for the circular economy, management systems remain highly fragmented, with uneven collection, recovery and recycling outcomes across regions.

The latest Toolkit builds on years of work by TIP and its member companies as well as the collective effort of experts from organizations across the tire value chain who are committed to circularity. It offers an array of tools for assessing existing systems, identifying gaps and implementing improvements, including:

• Maturity assessment tools: Step-by-step frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of ELT management systems across key stages in the ELT process.
• Concrete examples: Case studies of ELT management systems from nine countries, illustrating a range of regulatory approaches and system maturities.
• Practical guidance for improvement: Action-oriented recommendations tailored to core audiences, covering the full ELT value chain from collection and sorting to processing and management.

The Toolkit also supports progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including improved resource efficiency in consumption and production (8.4), the sustainable management and use of natural resources (12.2) and substantially reducing waste generation (12.5).

“Effective ELT management is both an environmental imperative and a source of long-term value creation,” said Tania Paratian, Director of Action and Engagement at TIP. “We developed the ELT Toolkit 2.0 to offer stakeholders, no matter where they are in the world or in their ELT management journey, a strong practical foundation for building their sustainability efforts. The initiative supports our commitment to advancing more sustainable ELT management worldwide, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

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-ENDS-

xxxx- Notes to Editors -xxxx

About TIP 

Formed in 2005, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) is a voluntary CEO-driven initiative with a mission to anticipate, understand and address global environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues relevant to the tire industry and its value chain.​ 

TIP acts by commissioning independent research of the highest standards, collaborating on sectoral solutions and engaging with external stakeholders. ​ 

TIP is part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), bringing together 10 leading tire companies that represent more than 60% of the world’s tire manufacturing capacity. ​ 

In 2025, TIP marked its 20th anniversary—a milestone that reflects its long-term commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collective industry action to improve sustainability across the tire value chain.​ 

For more information, visit The Tire Industry Project. 

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

CVS Health/Morning Consult survey reveals patients trust and prefer local pharmacy care, want expanded services in community pharmacy

Number of pharmacy technicians who want to become pharmacists has increased significantly since 2024

WOONSOCKET, R.I., — CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) recently released the 2025 Rx Report: Community Pharmacy Reimagined, which explores how community pharmacies are adapting to meet patient demand while supporting pharmacy teams and addressing industry challenges with sustainable models of care.

“As one of the most trusted health care brands, CVS Pharmacy® is committed to delivering personalized, accessible care that meets patients where they are,” said Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. “Our latest Rx Report shows that patients want more care from their local pharmacies, and pharmacy teams are ready to provide it. By combining the power of human connection with innovative digital tools and a more sustainable reimbursement model, we’re building the future of community pharmacy today.”

The 2025 Rx Report is based on a CVS Health survey of more than 2,200 consumers and more than 1,060 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians¹, revealing several trends:

• Community pharmacies are convenient and accessible. Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. adults report visiting a pharmacy in the past year, with 42% prioritizing personalized, convenient care.
• Trust in pharmacists remains strong. More than three-quarters (77%) of adults trust their local pharmacist, and 84% view pharmacies as credible sources of health care.
• In-person care remains essential. 80% of patients prefer face-to-face pharmacy care, and nearly half (48%) would switch pharmacies if limited to digital-only options. The overwhelming majority of pharmacy professionals (97%) also say in-person interactions remain vital.
• Pharmacy teams want to expand their roles. Seventy-five percent of retail pharmacy professionals aspire to provide more care for their patients.
• Technology can enhance care and support pharmacy teams. 65% of retail pharmacists are interested in integrating technology into their roles to enhance their day-to-day work, creating efficiencies and enabling more time for patient care.
• Future generations need support: 40% of pharmacy technicians are interested in becoming pharmacists, up significantly year over year, underscoring the need for scholarships and training programs.

“Community pharmacy teams do so much more than fill prescriptions and, as patients increasingly rely on them for local access to care, we are reimagining the role they play to have an even greater impact on public health,” said Lucille Accetta, Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, CVS Health. “It’s why we’re continuing to develop new ways to support our colleagues, giving them more time to care for patients, advancing smart public policy that enables them to play an expanded care role, and helping to champion the next generation of community pharmacists.”

A community health destination

The recent CVS Health survey data indicates that patients prefer face-to-face care over digital-only options. CVS Pharmacy’s approach is tech-enabled but powered by colleagues – prioritizing the long-standing trust of pharmacy teams in local communities and using technology in innovative new ways to enhance pharmacist-patient interactions.

To meet growing patient needs in local communities, CVS Pharmacy is also expanding access by opening nearly 100 new community locations this year — including more than 60 acquired from Rite Aid in the Pacific Northwest. The company is also launching new small-format stores in underserved areas, which will offer full prescription services, immunizations, refills and medication support, along with a curated selection of health essentials.

Smart technology supports pharmacy teams and patients

Survey results also highlight the importance of supporting pharmacy teams, with two-thirds of retail pharmacists saying technology integration can improve workflow and patient care. CVS Pharmacy continues to invest in innovations that support its pharmacy colleagues, including a dynamic workload-sharing model, the SmartDUR™ drug utilization review system, and a modernized pharmacy operating system developed with input from colleagues themselves.

Expanding the role of community pharmacy

An expanded scope of practice – such as prescribing certain medications – is among the top changes pharmacy professionals want to see in the industry over the next several years. CVS Pharmacy has expanded the types of care and services it provides – from administering more than a dozen vaccines to testing for certain illnesses and prescribing certain therapies, where allowed by state law, and performing comprehensive medication reviews. But there is still more that both pharmacists and technicians can do to play an expanded role in public health.

It is why the company is also advocating for public policy solutions that support sustainable pharmacy care. This includes supporting the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacy Services Act of 2025 (H.R. 3164/S. 2426), which would help preserve access to pharmacist-led testing and services that have become mainstays since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advancing a sustainable pharmacy model

The report underscores the need for new reimbursement models to stabilize community pharmacies, as traditional market basket approaches have challenged community pharmacies.

CVS CostVantage™, the company’s cost-based pricing framework, establishes reimbursement based on actual drug cost, a defined markup and a dispensing fee, delivering transparency for payors while ensuring fair compensation for pharmacy services. In 2026, the company plans to transition several government services programs to the cost-based pricing model.

Investing in the next generation

CVS Health is also addressing workforce sustainability with investments in tuition assistance, scholarships and partnerships with pharmacy schools. Through programs such as the PharmD Tuition Assistance Program and partnerships with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and Duquesne University, CVS Health is helping to prepare tomorrow’s pharmacy leaders.

Community pharmacy is at an inflection point. To meet rising demand and market pressures, the industry must evolve by combining technology that drives convenience with the human connections patients trust most. With more than 9,000 community health destinations and a 60-year legacy of innovation, CVS Pharmacy is reimagining what local pharmacy care can be — because the future starts now.

The full 2025 Rx Report can be downloaded at CVSHealth.com/Rx-Report.

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About CVS Health

CVS Health® is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of June 30, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

 

Stephen Ritz of Green Bronx Machine to visit greater Denver, Colorado area for Great Day Colorado media appearance, public speaking, school visits, teacher training, screening of the award-winning documentary – GENERATION GROWTH – www.generationgrowthfilm.com – and a special teacher meet and greet at the Slate Hotel in partnership with Global Lighthouse Studios.

THESE ARE FREE EVENTS – open to the public and media, complete with Live Q/A, and photo opportunities.

CALLING ALL TEACHERS – Let’s Get Happy, join us at the Slate Hotel, FREE Teacher Engagement Session

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @ 4-7 PM

Where:

The Slate Hotel
1250 Welton Street
Denver, Colorado, 80204

Who and What:

Join Stephen Ritz, Founder of Green Bronx Machine, along with Donna Guerin, Founder & Executive Director of Global Lighthouse Studios, for a happy hour meet and greet, conversations, partnership opportunities, and information about high-impact school sustainability programs, arts integration, and effective fundraising and corporate engagement strategies. Connect with fellow school leaders and teachers, along with local community-based organizations.

Ritz, regarded as America’s favorite teacher, is well regarded as a systems disruptor, highly innovative educator, urban farmer, social entrepreneur, and community advocate. A two-time best-selling author, host of a children’s tv show, he is well-known to educators and to the larger business and sustainability communities across the state of Colorado. Football coach, MLB / NFL All-Star Deion Sanders calls him: “Prime Time.” He is a five-time standing ovation speaker, presenter, and participant for the MBArk Program at the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business – connecting business education to the food business, the first MBA-level executive education program for senior and emerging senior executives.

Ritz has connections to Denver Public Schools, Gotham Greens, Danone, King Soopers, Altius Farms, and many local businesses. He has worked to create fully funded community support events and opportunities to benefit high need communities across the state and has appeared as a keynote speaker for a multitude of organizations successfully helping to raise funds and awareness.

His Colorado friends and supporters include Joe Dobrow, Julie Zagars, Mark Retzloff, Carlotta Mast, Gary Hirshberg, Dr. Alex Marrero, Hunter Lovins, Chef Ann Cooper, DJ Cavem, and a host of other “crunchy, tree-hugging, democracy-loving, renegade hippies” who are determined to change the world and leave it better than they found it.

HE AND THE DOCUMENTARY ARE A TOUR DE FORCE WITH PRIOR STANDING OVATIONS IN COLORADO!

SEE THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY – GENERATION GROWTH – www.generationgrowthfilm.com – along with speaker panel, live Q/A, and meet and greet. This is a free, family-friendly event, open to all including media.

TEACHERS: Earn 2.5 hours of re-licensure credit applicable to DCSD School District.

SEE THE TRAILER HERE: https://greenbronxmachine.org/generation-growth/ 

When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 @ 4-7 PM

Where:

Castle View High School
5254 North Meadows Drive
Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109

Who and What:

Generation Growth is an award-winning film that has had over 1M views and is being used by teaching colleges and universities across the nation and will be integrated into a series of school leadership training programs nationally.

This is more than a film — it’s a movement. Come see how healthy food, education, and community can transform lives. Bring a friend and be part of this conversation of hope, healing, and growth. Generation Growth is a compelling documentary showcasing Ritz’s journey as a Bronx educator tackling food insecurity, poor health and education challenges across the country. Learn how together, we will continue to change lives for the better and HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Logline: Generation Growth tells the story of Stephen Ritz and his organization, Green Bronx Machine, as they grow high performing public schools, happy & healthy children, empowered teachers, and equitable, resilient communities along the way.

Synopsis: Poor health, diet-related diseases, food insecurity, and underperforming education continue to plague low-income and marginalized communities across the United States. Stephen Ritz, a Bronx educator who believes teachers change lives, is on a mission to change all that. He developed an incredibly successful whole-school curriculum, aligned to a data-driven indoor academic gardening program that allows children to grow vegetables in school, improving academic performance, changing eating habits, increasing classroom engagement, and providing pathways for 21st century employment. “Generation Growth” follows Ritz as he expands his low-cost, easily replicable program throughout the country, bringing passion, purpose, and hope to the communities, students, and teachers who need it most.

The film is being used in teaching colleges and universities across the country as an exemplar of pedagogy, curriculum, and school leadership including a new, 37-minute cutdown version designed for teacher professional development, highlighting effective pedagogy aligned to cross discipline, project-based learning. The film website is filled with resources, discussion questions, a grant portal, and more. Every public screening to date across the country has brought some level of new and additional funding opportunities, sponsorships, internships, and partners to host districts / schools. Denver Public Schools presently has over 20 schools using the very technology and curriculum featured in the film.

“I am so excited to coming to the great state of Colorado and grateful to Global Lighthouse Studios for working to make it happen,” said Stephen Ritz. “To be here, highlighting the film, appearing on Great Day Colorado, and most importantly, to support local schools, teachers, students, families and to bring free resources and training to all is proof positive of what committed educators and community advocates can do with the support of proactive, community minded school systems and leaders: I’m so grateful to be here!” Adds Donna Guerin, Executive Director, of Global Lighthouse Studios, “I’ve known Stephen for years, to be able to bring him, the film, his curriculum, passion, purpose, hope, and enthusiasm to my home community and beyond is the model of cross collaboration that all educators should aspire to. Our rising tide lifts all boats, and we expect the ripple effect will help all who attend to grow their pedagogy, their impact, their efficacy and skill sets. This event is for all teachers and parents, regardless of grade or subject being taught. It is in support of our entire educator community.”

Ritz goes on to add: “To be very clear, we are here to celebrate AND to grow something greater, for every teacher and for every adult committed to serving children. Donna and I are determined to continue to change lives for the better, to change narratives, and to create new paradigms and solutions together. This film and this moment are not about giving people fish nor about teaching people to fish, it’s about collectively creating new oceans and sustainable ecosystems that nurture all of us.” Ritz went on to say, “For years, Green Bronx Machine has had a successful relationship with Denver Public Schools and other Colorado school districts. This is a state that gets it on both sides of the aisle. Across the state, Coloradans understand that children will never be well read until they are well fed. There is so much respect and appreciation across Colorado for local food and healthy food aligned to high performing public schools and the arts, you see it and feel it everywhere you go. Further, to see the leadership, commitment, progress, inclusivity, and ongoing achievements happening in public education across the state and particularly across and within Denver Public Schools, under Superintendent, Dr. Alex Marrero, is inspiring, game-changing, and setting a new national standard. Folks are taking notice. Best practices are best practices, and I’m excited to see them, share them, and thank everyone committed to them and our children. Donna and I are excited to meet you as well.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Stephen Ritz
Green Bronx Machine
stephen.ritz@greenbronxmachine.org
917.873.6449

Donna Guerin
Global Lighthouse Studios
globallighthousestudios@gmail.com
720.588.0270

About Green Bronx Machine:

Green Bronx Machine is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed non-profit that builds healthy, equitable, and

resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce

development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, their school-based model incorporates urban agriculture and Tower Garden technology supported by their whole-school curriculum aligned to key school performance indicators to grow high performing schools and happy, healthy children. Green Bronx Machine transforms once marginalized communities into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving. For more information, visit www.greenbronxmachine.org.

Reaching over 1,100 schools nationally and serving over 375,000 students daily, Green Bronx Machine was named a 2024 Fast Company Most Innovative Company and also offers an online educational platform, complete with instructional videos, free lesson plans, downloadable teacher resources, and an educational YouTube Channel: Green Bronx Machine KIDS! Learn more at www.greenbronxmachine.org/resources.

About Global Lighthouse Studios:

Global Lighthouse Studios bridges creativity and innovation to cultivate the next generation of changemakers. Through dynamic, arts-integrated programming, we empower students to turn bold ideas into action and vision into real-world impact. https://globallighthousestudios.org

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