Tag: 3BL

PITTSBURGH, June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Wesco International (NYSE:WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, has published its annual sustainability report today.

Wesco’s 2026 Sustainability Report outlines progress toward long-term goals, demonstrates how sustainability shapes business decisions, and provides transparent information on governance, risk management, and data assurance in line with global reporting frameworks and standards. Wesco continues to focus on responsible operations, ethical business practices and solutions that help customers build, connect, power and protect the world.

“At Wesco, sustainability is embedded in the way we operate, how we support our customers and how we create long-term value,” said John Engel, Chairman, President and CEO. “Our recent addition to the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and our 2026 Sustainability Report underscores our commitment to operate responsibly and to deliver solutions that help our customers build a more resilient and sustainable future.”

About Wesco

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information:

Corporate Communications
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
717-579-6603

 

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NEW YORK and LONDON, June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – AccountAbility today announced an extension of the public consultation period for the draft AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard v3 (AA1000SES v3), providing stakeholders around the world additional time to review the proposed revisions and contribute feedback. The consultation will now remain open through June 26, 2026.

The AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard is the world’s most widely used framework for stakeholder engagement. Since its original publication in 2005, the Standard has helped organizations strengthen accountability, improve decision-making, and build more effective relationships with stakeholders.

The forthcoming AA1000SES v3 reflects significant developments in stakeholder engagement practice over the past decade, including the growing influence of digital communication, social media, artificial intelligence (AI), evolving sustainability expectations, and expanding disclosure requirements.

“The strong interest we’ve received from stakeholders across sectors and geographies reinforces the importance of ensuring the next generation of the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard reflects a truly diverse range of perspectives,” said Mr. Udaya Nanayakkara, Acting Head of Standards at AccountAbility. “By extending the consultation period, we hear the voices of these stakeholders and provide an additional opportunity for organizations, practitioners, investors, policymakers, and civil society representatives to share their insights and help shape the future of stakeholder engagement.”

The draft AA1000SES v3 introduces a number of key enhancements, including greater emphasis on impact-driven engagement, continuous stakeholder dialogue, collaborative governance models, digital engagement tools, and interoperability with leading sustainability and reporting frameworks.

The development of AA1000SES v3 is being conducted through AccountAbility’s multi-stakeholder standards-setting process, incorporating input from businesses, investors, assurance providers, regulators, academics, civil society organizations, and sustainability practitioners from around the globe.

AccountAbility encourages all interested stakeholders to review the draft Standard, participate in the consultation process, and share the opportunity with their networks.

The consultation will remain open until June 26, 2026. Following the consultation period, feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final Standard, which is expected to be released in Q4 2026.

To access the draft Standard and participate in the consultation, visit the link here. 

About AccountAbility 

AccountAbility is a leading global standards and consulting firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organisations to innovate and advance the global sustainability agenda by improving the practices, performance, and impact of organizations. We focus on delivering practical, effective, and enduring results that enable our clients and standards users to succeed. AccountAbility operates globally from offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai, through a highly qualified team that has received awards and recognition by the Financial Times, Forbes, and Capital Finance International. Learn more at www.accountability.org.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Mr. Lev Novak 
Head of Marketing & Communications 
AccountAbility

Phone: +1 617-276-6348

Email: Lev.novak@accountability.org

Website: www.accountability.org

NEW YORK and LONDON, June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – AccountAbility today announced an extension of the public consultation period for the draft AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard v3 (AA1000SES v3), providing stakeholders around the world additional time to review the proposed revisions and contribute feedback. The consultation will now remain open through June 26, 2026.

The AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard is the world’s most widely used framework for stakeholder engagement. Since its original publication in 2005, the Standard has helped organizations strengthen accountability, improve decision-making, and build more effective relationships with stakeholders.

The forthcoming AA1000SES v3 reflects significant developments in stakeholder engagement practice over the past decade, including the growing influence of digital communication, social media, artificial intelligence (AI), evolving sustainability expectations, and expanding disclosure requirements.

“The strong interest we’ve received from stakeholders across sectors and geographies reinforces the importance of ensuring the next generation of the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement Standard reflects a truly diverse range of perspectives,” said Mr. Udaya Nanayakkara, Acting Head of Standards at AccountAbility. “By extending the consultation period, we hear the voices of these stakeholders and provide an additional opportunity for organizations, practitioners, investors, policymakers, and civil society representatives to share their insights and help shape the future of stakeholder engagement.”

The draft AA1000SES v3 introduces a number of key enhancements, including greater emphasis on impact-driven engagement, continuous stakeholder dialogue, collaborative governance models, digital engagement tools, and interoperability with leading sustainability and reporting frameworks.

The development of AA1000SES v3 is being conducted through AccountAbility’s multi-stakeholder standards-setting process, incorporating input from businesses, investors, assurance providers, regulators, academics, civil society organizations, and sustainability practitioners from around the globe.

AccountAbility encourages all interested stakeholders to review the draft Standard, participate in the consultation process, and share the opportunity with their networks.

The consultation will remain open until June 26, 2026. Following the consultation period, feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final Standard, which is expected to be released in Q4 2026.

To access the draft Standard and participate in the consultation, visit the link here. 

About AccountAbility 

AccountAbility is a leading global standards and consulting firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organisations to innovate and advance the global sustainability agenda by improving the practices, performance, and impact of organizations. We focus on delivering practical, effective, and enduring results that enable our clients and standards users to succeed. AccountAbility operates globally from offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai, through a highly qualified team that has received awards and recognition by the Financial Times, Forbes, and Capital Finance International. Learn more at www.accountability.org.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Mr. Lev Novak 
Head of Marketing & Communications 
AccountAbility

Phone: +1 617-276-6348

Email: Lev.novak@accountability.org

Website: www.accountability.org

Spokesperson available. 

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

NEW YORK, June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Action Against Hunger today announced that it has activated its global Emergency Response Fund to support prevention and containment of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Uganda, an addition to the organization’s ongoing frontline response in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The funds will help support Action Against Hunger’s work to strengthen local health systems, including efforts to provide infection prevention and control support, personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers, risk communication, and surveillance assistance across affected and at-risk areas.

“Ebola outbreaks can have devastating consequences in communities already affected by high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity,” said Rotimy Djossaya, Chief Impact Officer, Action Against Hunger. “We activated our emergency response fund to support immediate preventative action to avoid the potential collision of two deadly forces: a virus with no cure hitting a population without enough food. In this context, community health workers, water and sanitation services, nutrition programs, and basic surveillance capacity are not overhead costs to be trimmed; they are essential foundations of an effective Ebola response.”

Diseases like Ebola can pose a greater risk for people who are malnourished. In addition, outbreaks often disrupt access to health, nutrition, water and sanitation services, increasing the risk of preventable illness and death among vulnerable populations.

Action Against Hunger is working to maintain essential health and hunger-related programming while taking action to minimize potential risks. It has implemented distancing protocols at health and nutrition sites, deployed personal protective equipment, and in some places is preparing communities for the cultural challenges unique to an Ebola outbreak, including the deeply sensitive issue of traditional burial practices, which can accelerate the spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of the EVD.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Spokesperson available. 

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

NEW YORK, June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Action Against Hunger today announced that it has activated its global Emergency Response Fund to support prevention and containment of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Uganda, an addition to the organization’s ongoing frontline response in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The funds will help support Action Against Hunger’s work to strengthen local health systems, including efforts to provide infection prevention and control support, personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers, risk communication, and surveillance assistance across affected and at-risk areas.

“Ebola outbreaks can have devastating consequences in communities already affected by high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity,” said Rotimy Djossaya, Chief Impact Officer, Action Against Hunger. “We activated our emergency response fund to support immediate preventative action to avoid the potential collision of two deadly forces: a virus with no cure hitting a population without enough food. In this context, community health workers, water and sanitation services, nutrition programs, and basic surveillance capacity are not overhead costs to be trimmed; they are essential foundations of an effective Ebola response.”

Diseases like Ebola can pose a greater risk for people who are malnourished. In addition, outbreaks often disrupt access to health, nutrition, water and sanitation services, increasing the risk of preventable illness and death among vulnerable populations.

Action Against Hunger is working to maintain essential health and hunger-related programming while taking action to minimize potential risks. It has implemented distancing protocols at health and nutrition sites, deployed personal protective equipment, and in some places is preparing communities for the cultural challenges unique to an Ebola outbreak, including the deeply sensitive issue of traditional burial practices, which can accelerate the spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of the EVD.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Polyester is the most widely used fiber in the world — but the environmental data needed to fully understand its production has been incomplete. Today, Textile Exchange and SCS Consulting Services released a life cycle assessment (LCA) designed to close that gap, providing new publicly available data on virgin polyester produced in Southeast Asia and recycled polyester production in China, Europe, and the United States.

Virgin polyester is widely used because of its low cost, durability, and versatility. However, its production depends on fossil-based inputs and is associated with GHG emissions, air and water pollution, and other environmental impacts. It is also not biodegradable, and can persist in the environment for decades. While a small percentage of textile waste is reused or recycled, most of it is incinerated or landfilled. Recycling is one important strategy for reducing these impacts by diverting textile waste from landfill or incineration and decreasing demand for virgin fossil-based polyester production.

LCA studies are a universal tool used to assess the environmental impacts of material production — but their reliability depends on the quality and representativeness of the underpinning data. Publicly available data has remained limited for thermomechanical and chemical polyester recycling, as well as for virgin polyester production in Asia, which produces over half of the world’s polyester. Inspired by a prior SCS study for the UN Fashion Industry Charter that identified these gaps, this study provides the first known publicly available primary data on virgin polyester production in Asia, along with updated data on thermomechanical recycling and emerging chemical recycling technologies.

Beth Jensen, Chief Impact Officer at Textile Exchange, said: “We are pleased to have worked with SCS Consulting Services on this LCA study, which marks a significant update to existing polyester LCA data and advances our understanding of the impacts of its production for the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. By addressing known data gaps across both virgin and recycled polyester, and by identifying major hotspot impact areas, these findings create a stronger foundation for making informed decisions that support the shift toward preferred production systems.”

Key findings include:

• No single recycling technology is a silver bullet. Thermomechanical recycling is generally less resource-intensive but requires relatively clean, high-quality input materials. Chemical recycling can handle more complex and contaminated waste streams but is more energy and chemical-intensive, and encompasses a wide range of technologies designed for different waste types. Scaling textile circularity will require a portfolio of approaches.
• Continued collaboration across the value chain to improve sorting and preprocessing technologies will be essential to scaling post-consumer textile recycling. Commercial-scale chemical recycling currently focuses primarily on post-industrial waste due to the sorting and logistical challenges associated with post-consumer polyester waste.
• Electricity consumption is a primary driver of environmental impacts across all polyester production systems. A sensitivity analysis found that switching to a renewable energy mix can substantially reduce climate impact, while reliance on coal-intensive grids can significantly increase impact.
• Across all recycling systems, transportation distances for collecting textile wastes can meaningfully influence environmental performance, making local sourcing a viable strategy for reducing overall impact.
• Data gaps have long limited the accuracy of LCA modeling and sustainability decision-making across the polyester industry. This is the first known publicly available LCA data on virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production (melt, chip, and staple fiber) from Southeast Asia.

The underlying data will be made available through Ecoinvent and other industry databases to support more robust LCA-based decision-making across the sector.

“This study builds directly on work SCS conducted for the UN Fashion Industry Charter, which made clear that the industry needed better data to make more informed decisions,” said Keith Killpack, Technical Director, SCS Consulting Services. “By making this primary data publicly available, we’re giving brands, suppliers, and policymakers a shared foundation to work from — one that reflects the actual diversity of how polyester is produced around the world.”

The research was conducted in accordance with ISO 14044 standards and follows the requirements of the Higg Materials Sustainability Index, with primary data collected from seven facilities — including three chemical recycling operations, three thermomechanical recycling operations, and one virgin PET producer — between 2022 and 2024. The report also includes a supplementary social assessment examining human rights risks across polyester supply chains.

The full report, Life Cycle Assessment of Virgin and Recycled Polyester Production Systems, is available here: https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/polyester-life-cycle-assessment/

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving beneficial impact on climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production right from the start of the supply chain.

Its goal is to help the industry achieve a 45% reduction in the emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030. To get there, it is keeping its focus holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too.

For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to beneficial impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community.

At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit textileexchange.org.

About SCS Consulting Services

SCS Consulting Services helps companies implement transformative sustainability solutions that drive meaningful change. Our experts leverage over four decades of deep experience in sustainability and an unwavering commitment to scientific rigor, credibility, and transparency. We work closely with clients to navigate the rapidly changing climate and business environment. We offer dozens of services including climate strategy, food safety, sustainable finance, emissions accounting and reporting, sustainability reporting, sustainable supply chains, ESG management, due diligence, and regulatory compliance services. SCS Consulting Services is the independent sustainability consulting arm of the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) organization.

Media Contact 

Rachel Barnhart  
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations  
SCS Global Services  
Email: rbarnhart@scsglobalservices.com

EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Polyester is the most widely used fiber in the world — but the environmental data needed to fully understand its production has been incomplete. Today, Textile Exchange and SCS Consulting Services released a life cycle assessment (LCA) designed to close that gap, providing new publicly available data on virgin polyester produced in Southeast Asia and recycled polyester production in China, Europe, and the United States.

Virgin polyester is widely used because of its low cost, durability, and versatility. However, its production depends on fossil-based inputs and is associated with GHG emissions, air and water pollution, and other environmental impacts. It is also not biodegradable, and can persist in the environment for decades. While a small percentage of textile waste is reused or recycled, most of it is incinerated or landfilled. Recycling is one important strategy for reducing these impacts by diverting textile waste from landfill or incineration and decreasing demand for virgin fossil-based polyester production.

LCA studies are a universal tool used to assess the environmental impacts of material production — but their reliability depends on the quality and representativeness of the underpinning data. Publicly available data has remained limited for thermomechanical and chemical polyester recycling, as well as for virgin polyester production in Asia, which produces over half of the world’s polyester. Inspired by a prior SCS study for the UN Fashion Industry Charter that identified these gaps, this study provides the first known publicly available primary data on virgin polyester production in Asia, along with updated data on thermomechanical recycling and emerging chemical recycling technologies.

Beth Jensen, Chief Impact Officer at Textile Exchange, said: “We are pleased to have worked with SCS Consulting Services on this LCA study, which marks a significant update to existing polyester LCA data and advances our understanding of the impacts of its production for the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. By addressing known data gaps across both virgin and recycled polyester, and by identifying major hotspot impact areas, these findings create a stronger foundation for making informed decisions that support the shift toward preferred production systems.”

Key findings include:

• No single recycling technology is a silver bullet. Thermomechanical recycling is generally less resource-intensive but requires relatively clean, high-quality input materials. Chemical recycling can handle more complex and contaminated waste streams but is more energy and chemical-intensive, and encompasses a wide range of technologies designed for different waste types. Scaling textile circularity will require a portfolio of approaches.
• Continued collaboration across the value chain to improve sorting and preprocessing technologies will be essential to scaling post-consumer textile recycling. Commercial-scale chemical recycling currently focuses primarily on post-industrial waste due to the sorting and logistical challenges associated with post-consumer polyester waste.
• Electricity consumption is a primary driver of environmental impacts across all polyester production systems. A sensitivity analysis found that switching to a renewable energy mix can substantially reduce climate impact, while reliance on coal-intensive grids can significantly increase impact.
• Across all recycling systems, transportation distances for collecting textile wastes can meaningfully influence environmental performance, making local sourcing a viable strategy for reducing overall impact.
• Data gaps have long limited the accuracy of LCA modeling and sustainability decision-making across the polyester industry. This is the first known publicly available LCA data on virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production (melt, chip, and staple fiber) from Southeast Asia.

The underlying data will be made available through Ecoinvent and other industry databases to support more robust LCA-based decision-making across the sector.

“This study builds directly on work SCS conducted for the UN Fashion Industry Charter, which made clear that the industry needed better data to make more informed decisions,” said Keith Killpack, Technical Director, SCS Consulting Services. “By making this primary data publicly available, we’re giving brands, suppliers, and policymakers a shared foundation to work from — one that reflects the actual diversity of how polyester is produced around the world.”

The research was conducted in accordance with ISO 14044 standards and follows the requirements of the Higg Materials Sustainability Index, with primary data collected from seven facilities — including three chemical recycling operations, three thermomechanical recycling operations, and one virgin PET producer — between 2022 and 2024. The report also includes a supplementary social assessment examining human rights risks across polyester supply chains.

The full report, Life Cycle Assessment of Virgin and Recycled Polyester Production Systems, is available here: https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/polyester-life-cycle-assessment/

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving beneficial impact on climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production right from the start of the supply chain.

Its goal is to help the industry achieve a 45% reduction in the emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030. To get there, it is keeping its focus holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too.

For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to beneficial impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community.

At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit textileexchange.org.

About SCS Consulting Services

SCS Consulting Services helps companies implement transformative sustainability solutions that drive meaningful change. Our experts leverage over four decades of deep experience in sustainability and an unwavering commitment to scientific rigor, credibility, and transparency. We work closely with clients to navigate the rapidly changing climate and business environment. We offer dozens of services including climate strategy, food safety, sustainable finance, emissions accounting and reporting, sustainability reporting, sustainable supply chains, ESG management, due diligence, and regulatory compliance services. SCS Consulting Services is the independent sustainability consulting arm of the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) organization.

Media Contact 

Rachel Barnhart  
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations  
SCS Global Services  
Email: rbarnhart@scsglobalservices.com

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

HARTFORD, Conn., June 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Aetna®, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS) today announced Aetna Mental Health On Demand to broaden access to care and give members greater control over their mental health journey. Beginning in 2027, Aetna members enrolled in the service will have real time access to care and a plan to receive ongoing support via the member website.

“Navigating the mental health system can be difficult. Individuals may not even know how to get started or how to find the right provider. That’s one reason why about 1 in 4 adults report an unmet need for mental health treatment in the past year1,” said Miriam Ferriera, Vice President, Aetna Mental Well-being. “We’ve simplified the experience for members to help them access care and take the next steps with our ongoing support and coordination.”

In the inaugural Aetna Provider Survey, 37% of Behavioral Health providers said improved access to care for patients would be the one thing they would change about the health system today – their top choice. In addition, 1 in 4 said the most important action payers could take to address their challenges would be programs to help patients navigate the health care system.

Introducing Aetna Mental Health On Demand, providing real-time access to care

With Aetna Mental Health On Demand, members aged 13 and older have real-time access to a licensed clinician through chat, phone or video via the Aetna member website. Aetna clinicians are trained on a clinically-proven single session intervention model, which is designed to provide members with both immediate impact – including crisis management – and a personalized plan. They also advocate for members, helping to connect them to additional resources, assist with scheduling follow-up appointments and help coordinate their ongoing care. AI-powered tools embedded within this dynamic platform streamline note-taking and administrative tasks, allowing clinicians to remain fully focused on each member and their immediate needs.

“Reaching out for mental health support takes courage,” said Nathan Frank, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Aetna. “The last thing someone in that moment should face is friction. We designed Aetna Mental Health On Demand so that when a member takes that step, our clinicians are already there — ready in seconds.”

During the initial launch, Aetna clinicians engaged in hundreds of chats and demonstrated the immediate impact of Aetna Mental Health On Demand by answering members in just 13 seconds.

Advanced predictive tools identify members with acute needs

Aetna has also enhanced its clinician-led care management program with advanced predictive tools that identify members at risk of future inpatient admissions, as well as those with immediate, acute needs, in near real time. Through proactive outreach, care managers connect members to individualized resources and provide ongoing support throughout their treatment – helping to improve outcomes and reduce avoidable hospitalizations.

Available in January 2027

Aetna’s updated mental health approach, which includes Aetna Mental Health On-Demand and proactive care management, is currently available for self-insured customers for a January 1, 2027 launch.

1. Mental Health America. The 2025 State of Mental Health in America.

###

About Aetna

Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an estimated 37 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers’ compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care professionals, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit Aetna.com (e.g., clinical diagnoses, eligibility criteria, participation in a disease state management program).

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. 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.

Media contact

Phil Blando
Phillip.Blando@CVSHealth.com

Here’s What You Need to Know

Now is the ideal time for companies to partner with a scholarship administrator – here’s why and how to get started before the academic year begins.

Every year, thousands of students head into the fall semester unsure how they’ll pay for it. At the same time, companies across the country are sitting on unused charitable budgets, looking for meaningful ways to invest in their communities, support their employees’ families, and strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

A scholarship program bridges both worlds, but many companies never launch one because they assume it’s too complicated, too costly, or too risky from a compliance standpoint.

It doesn’t have to be.

What Is a Corporate Scholarship Program?

A corporate scholarship is a tax-exempt charitable award paid directly to an accredited educational institution on behalf of a student selected through a competitive application process. Companies can design programs to support:

• Employee dependents pursuing higher education
• Community students in a specific region, field of study, or demographic
• Both combine internal and external applicant pools

Scholarship funds can cover tuition and enrollment fees at accredited colleges, universities, vocational schools, and other qualifying institutions. Unlike bonuses or tuition reimbursement programs, properly structured scholarships are tax-free to recipients and qualify as charitable expenditures for the sponsoring organization.

Why Act Now? The Fall Enrollment Window Is Opening

If your company is considering launching a scholarship program for the upcoming school year, the time to start is now.

Scholarship programs require a structured implementation process: policy design, application site buildout, promotion, application review, and award disbursement. That process takes time – and the academic calendar won’t wait.

Students applying for fall aid need decisions weeks before enrollment deadlines. If you want to make an impact for the 2025-2026 school year, planning needs to start today.

The Biggest Barrier: Administrative Complexity

Most companies that want to offer scholarships never get started because of the operational and compliance hurdles involved:

• IRS compliance – scholarship programs must meet specific requirements to qualify as tax-exempt awards
• Application management – building and managing a fair, documented selection process
• Disbursement – funds must be paid directly to institutions, not individuals
• Reporting – maintaining proper records for each program cycle

Getting any of these wrong exposes your organization to legal and reputational risk. Getting them right in-house requires significant time and expertise that most organizations don’t have on staff.

That’s where a fully managed scholarship partner comes in.

How America’s Charities Makes It Simple

America’s Charities provides end-to-end scholarship administration for companies and organizations, so your team can stay focused on your mission while experts handle the rest.

Here’s what a fully managed program looks like:

1. Policy Design

America’s Charities works with your team to draft scholarship criteria, eligibility rules, and award structure – all designed from the ground up to meet IRS requirements.

2. Application Site Buildout

A branded, secure application portal is built with your organization’s logo, colors, and program name. Language translation support is available for programs serving diverse applicant pools.

3. Promotion & Launch

A coordinated rollout targets your intended applicant pool, whether that’s employees’ families, students in a specific region, or applicants nationwide.

4. Competitive Review

Applications are evaluated using pre-determined, objective criteria. The number of approved applications is limited, ensuring the program meets the IRS standard for a genuine, competitive award process.

5. Award & Disbursement

Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient’s accredited educational institution (not to the individual) in full compliance with IRS best practices.

6. Reporting & Compliance

Every program cycle includes a summary usage report and full IRS-compliant documentation.

Who Can Sponsor a Scholarship?

Almost any organization can and should consider it. America’s Charities works with:

• Corporations looking to invest in their communities or support employee families
• Foundations seeking a managed disbursement partner
• Associations and nonprofits wanting to expand their educational impact

Programs can be structured as one-time or multi-year awards, with national, regional, or local applicant pools. Eligibility criteria are fully customizable – GPA, field of study, financial need, geography, extracurricular involvement, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we limit the scholarship to employees or their dependents?

Yes – with IRS guidelines in place. The program must remain open to outside applicants, and eligibility cannot be tied to an employee’s position or require continued employment as a condition of the award.

What can scholarship funds be used for?

Tuition and enrollment fees at accredited educational or vocational institutions. Funds cannot be used for room and board, books, travel, or optional equipment.

How long does it take to launch?

Timelines vary by program complexity. Your implementation team will establish a launch date, application deadline, and award date during an onboarding call.

Is this IRS compliant?

Every program America’s Charities administers is designed to meet IRS requirements for tax-exempt charitable scholarship awards, including competitive selection, direct disbursement to institutions, and compliant eligibility criteria.

Ready to Make an Impact This Fall?

If your organization has been considering launching a scholarship program, there’s no better time to take the first step. Students are preparing for the fall semester, and your investment in their futures can start with a single conversation.
 

Launch a Scholarship Program: Schedule a conversation with our team to discuss your organization’s goals, then learn more about our scholarship administration services and how we help create meaningful educational opportunities.

Originally published on 3M News Center. 

The automotive industry is under pressure from every direction. Electrification, software-defined vehicle architecture, lightweighting, manufacturing transformation, repair and recycling are not isolated challenges. They are interconnected demands that automakers and suppliers are being asked to solve simultaneously, and faster than ever before.

3M’s new digital platform, “The Next Gear,” is designed to help. The interactive online experience brings together 3M science, technologies and materials in one place, allowing customers to explore how 3M supports the automotive industry as it works to build lighter, smarter, and more efficient vehicles.

Solving connected challenges across the vehicle lifecycle

“The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation — one that touches every part of the mobility ecosystem, from manufacturers and suppliers to infrastructure,” said Wendy Bauer, group president of 3M Transportation and Electronics Business Group. “As electrification, lightweighting, software-defined vehicles, advanced manufacturing and next-generation in-cabin experiences reshape mobility, the need for material innovation has never been greater. 3M brings deep expertise across automotive, electronics, manufacturing and advanced materials to help customers solve complex challenges, accelerate development and bring next-generation mobility solutions to market faster. ‘The Next Gear’ provides a comprehensive look at 3M solutions across the mobility ecosystem and demonstrates how we help customers move faster toward what’s ahead.”

The platform highlights the critical role that 3M solutions can play at every stage of the automotive lifecycle, focusing on engineering and design, manufacturing, on-road performance, personalization, and repair and end-of-life applications.

A closer look at automotive innovation

“The Next Gear” features multiple 3M solutions for lighter-weight vehicle design, including materials that reduce weight while supporting durability and performance, as well as noise, vibration and harshness solutions that improve comfort and design flexibility.

Manufacturing efficiency, quality and ergonomics get equal attention. Among the spotlighted technologies is the 3M Finesse-it Robotic Paint Repair System, which automatically detects topcoat defects, recommends a precise repair strategy, and delivers the solution in real-time as the vehicle moves along the line — offering more consistent quality at a faster pace.

Supporting electric, connected and personalized vehicles

This interactive platform also showcases 3M technologies that support electric and connected vehicles, including thermal management and battery-related solutions, as well as products that help protect and enhance displays, camera sensors, driver monitoring systems and other user interfaces.

With growing consumer demand for automotive personalization and repair options, the platform highlights ways 3M supports vehicle appearance, maintenance, repair and resource recovery. These solutions span wrap films, paint protection, collision repair technologies and approaches that can help advance serviceability and recycling.

By bringing together solutions that span design, manufacturing, vehicle performance, personalization, repair and resource recovery, “The Next Gear” provides a holistic view of how 3M helps customers address the interconnected challenges shaping the future of mobility.

Explore “The Next Gear” experience here: https://nextgear.3m.com

FAQ

What is “The Next Gear”? “The Next Gear” is an online interactive platform that showcases how 3M technologies and materials can help address major automotive industry challenges.

Who is the platform for? It is designed to help a broad audience understand the diverse scope of 3M automotive solutions, including auto makers, industry suppliers and others interested in the future of mobility.

What topics does the platform cover? It highlights 3M technologies and solutions for automotive engineering and design, manufacturing, on-road technologies, fueling and charging, personalization, and repair and end-of-life solutions.

Does the platform include electric vehicle solutions? Yes. It highlights 3M technologies related to thermal management, battery materials and connected vehicle interfaces.

Where can I explore the experience? Readers can visit the platform at: https://nextgear.3m.com