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NMSI Launches GM New Teacher Academy Houston to Empower First-Year STEM Teachers of Color

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Initiative aims to enhance diversity and excellence in STEM education through critical training and resources for 120 early-career STEM educators of color.

HOUSTON, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and General Motors (GM), in collaboration with teachHOUSTON, announce the launch of the GM New Teacher Academy Houston. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by a generous $500,000 contribution from GM and an additional $100,000 from CenterPoint Energy, will provide essential professional development and support for up to120 early career STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) teachers of color.

“Initiatives like the GM New Teacher Academy are crucial for investing in the future of education, ensuring that all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the opportunity to thrive in STEM fields.”

“Through our partnership with General Motors and CenterPoint Energy, we are committed to fostering diversity and excellence in STEM education,” said Jeremy Anderson, CEO of NMSI. “Initiatives like the GM New Teacher Academy are crucial for investing in the future of education, ensuring that all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the opportunity to thrive in STEM fields.”

In the U.S., more than 50% of students in public schools identify as non-white, yet only 21% of public school teachers are from diverse backgrounds. This disparity is even more pronounced in STEM fields, which are projected to grow faster and offer higher-paying jobs than other occupations. Teachers of color play a critical role in advocating for students from similar backgrounds, helping to bridge this representation gap and fostering inclusive educational environments.

“At GM, we understand the pivotal role educators play in shaping the future of technology and innovation,” said Kelsey Gaines (she/her), Senior Manager, STEM Education at GM. “By supporting the GM New Teacher Academy, we are investing not only in teachers, but also in a diverse and talented workforce that will propel our industry forward. We are proud to partner with NMSI on this essential initiative.”

This initiative is a critical milestone in NMSI’s strategic commitment to enhancing diversity and excellence in STEM education. It aligns with the broader goals of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance and the You Belong in STEM initiatives by the White House. Through this effort, NMSI is dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based professional development to 4,800 STEM teachers identifying as Black, Latino, or Indigenous by 2027.

June Deadrick, CenterPoint Energy Vice President of Community Relations, emphasized the importance of supporting new teachers in STEM. “CenterPoint Energy Foundation is proud to contribute to advancing STEM education through the GM New Teacher Academy. This initiative aligns with our commitment to educational equity and community empowerment.”

The GM New Teacher Academy Houston training will be held from June 25-28, 2024, at the University of Houston campus. This event will feature esteemed speakers and hands-on training sessions designed to equip new teachers with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers and positively impact their students.

Event Highlights:

Date: June 25-28, 2024Locations: Hilton, University of Houston, Melcher Hall, Classrooms & Business Building, and Science Teaching Lab at The University of Houston.Opening Keynote: Rebecca Peterson, 2023 National Teacher of the Year, will set the stage with an inspiring address about creating a connected STEM classroom.Training Sessions: NMSI’s expert facilitators will conduct comprehensive professional development workshops on innovative teaching strategies and mastery of STEM content.Closing Dinner: The academy will include a celebratory dinner at Space Center Houston, featuring a keynote by Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., former NMSI CEO and astronaut.Media Availability: Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., and Rebecca Peterson will be available for interviews. Media representatives are encouraged to RSVP to secure interview slots.

Amanda Campos, executive director of the New Teacher Academy at the University of Houston, teachHOUSTON expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the event. “The University of Houston is honored to host the GM New Teacher Academy. Our Houston program is dedicated to developing the next generation of STEM educators, and this partnership with NMSI and GM perfectly aligns with our mission to support and uplift teachers of color.”

For more information on how to support early-career STEM teachers in your community, contact NMSI or visit https://www.nms.org/.

About the National Math and Science Initiative
(NMSI) The National Math and Science Initiative is dedicated to improving student outcomes in math and science, particularly in underserved communities. By providing educators with high-quality professional development and support, NMSI ensures that all students have access to the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information, visit http://www.nms.org.

About General Motors
General Motors is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, and energy services operations. We are committed to enabling the future of energy and dedicated to the communities we serve. More information is available at http://www.centerpointenergy.com.

About the University of Houston and teachHOUSTON
The University of Houston, a designated Hispanic-serving institution, is a public research university committed to providing a world-class education to a diverse student body. The teachHouston program in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics prepares traditionally and alternatively certified teacher candidates seeking to become secondary STEM teachers for the greater Houston area and beyond who can inspire and educate the next generation of innovators. Learn more at https://uh.edu/nsm/teachhouston/ and @uhteachhouston.

Media Contact

NMSI, NMSI, 1 608-218-5066, madison.lee@finnpartners.com, https://www.nms.org/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/nmsi-launches-gm-new-teacher-academy-houston-to-empower-first-year-stem-teachers-of-color-302182080.html

SOURCE NMSI

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RedThread Report Reveals 50% Drop in L&D’s Involvement in Strategic Discussions, Offers Framework for Reclaiming Influence

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RedThread Research’s latest report, Hope Isn’t a Plan: Building a Progressive L&D Strategy, highlights a 50% drop in Learning & Development involvement in business strategy discussions over the past two years, signaling a shift from strategic partner to reactive function. The report also provides a comprehensive five-part framework to help L&D leaders articulate their strategy, collaborate effectively across departments, and balance stability with flexibility.

WOODSIDE, Calif., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — RedThread Research has published its latest report, “Hope Isn’t a Plan: Building a Progressive L&D Strategy,” which underscores the declining strategic role of Learning & Development (L&D) functions and offers a comprehensive framework for leaders seeking to recalibrate their strategies.

“L&D needs to rethink its strategy or risk becoming irrelevant. More than just talking about being strategic, they need to align, act on, and operationalize it. That means doing things differently, thinking more strategically, and embedding learning into the heart of the organization.”

The study reveals a sharp 50% drop in L&D’s involvement in business strategy discussions over the past two years, signaling an alarming shift from strategic partner to reactive supporter. The research also shows that L&D’s involvement in workforce planning discussions similarly declined sharply over this same period.

“L&D needs to reclaim its strategic voice or risk becoming irrelevant,” said Dani Johnson, Co-founder and Principal Analyst at RedThread Research. “More than just talking about being strategic, they need to align, act on, and operationalize it. That means doing things differently, thinking more strategically, and embedding learning into the heart of the organization.”

The report highlights several pressing insights, including:

Declining Strategic Influence: L&D’s diminishing role in strategy discussions has led to a more tactical and reactive function in many organizations.The Importance of Articulating Strategy: Many L&D leaders lack a clearly communicated and well-defined strategy, further compounding their inability to respond effectively to changing business needs.Collaboration as a Cornerstone: Successful employee development requires structured collaboration and cooperation across departments, challenging entrenched mindsets about L&D’s role. L&D functions need a plan for how to best collaborate with other business functions.Balancing Stability with Flexibility: While adaptability is essential, the report argues that stability also forms the foundation for long-term success in L&D efforts.A Five-Part Strategic Framework: The study provides a detailed framework comprising five core elements of an L&D Strategy—Organizational Alignment, Employee Impact, Operations and Governance, Tech and Data, and Stakeholder Engagement.

“Learning and Development can’t afford to play it safe,” added Johnson. “They must be prepared to continually evolve— locking down what works while still flexing to meet what comes next. And they need to double down on strategy to show how that connects back to outcomes — and prove that L&D is not just a cost center but a critical driver of success.”

For access to an infographic of the framework and other exclusive research, navigate to https://members.redthreadresearch.com/spaces/12680089/feed and register for a complimentary Starter Tier membership in the RedThread Research community.

For companies and individuals interested in exploring this research more deeply, RedThread offers exclusive membership opportunities. Join the RedThread research community or the Tech Consortium by visiting the RedThread website (https://www.redthreadresearch.com) or reaching out to RedThread by emailing hello@redthreadresearch.com. 

About RedThread Research

At RedThread Research, we get it.

Sure, we’re experts in performance, people analytics, learning, and D&I – and we’re well-versed in the technologies that support them. But we’re also truth-seekers and storytellers in an industry often short on substance, and too full of #!%. Our mission (indeed, our very reason for existing) is to cut through the noise, and amplify what’s good. We look for the connections (or red threads) between people, data, and ideas – even among seemingly unrelated concepts. The result is high-quality, unbiased, transformative foresight that helps you build a stronger business.

To learn more, visit https://www.redthreadresearch.com.

Heather Gilmartin
RedThread Research
646-275-0742
heathergilmartin@redthreadresearch.com

Media Contact

Heather Gilmartin Adams, RedThreadResearch, 6462750742, heathergilmartin@redthreadresearch.com, https://redthreadresearch.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/redthread-report-reveals-50-drop-in-lds-involvement-in-strategic-discussions-offers-framework-for-reclaiming-influence-302306028.html

SOURCE RedThreadResearch; RedThreadResearch

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SONOR INVESTMENTS LIMITED APPOINTS NEW INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER

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TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – Sonor Investments Limited (“Sonor”) announced today that Fanny Chantal Grenier was appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Sonor effective November 12, 2024 to replace Rosabell Chung Hun who resigned from this position as of such date.

Michael Gardiner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sonor, stated “we would like to express our gratitude for Rosabell Chung Hun’s significant contributions and dedication to our company”. He went on to say “for the immediate future, Fanny Chantal Grenier is to be appointed as the interim Chief Financial Officer  and Treasurer of the company until we have a permanent replacement. We are in the process of examining our human resources plan that will be discussed and presented at our next board meeting”.

Ms. Grenier presently holds the position of President of Fairwater Capital Corporation, is a qualified CA CPA and brings extensive experience in financial leadership. She has a proven track record in advancing fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Sonor Investments Limited

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Odyssey Impact’s New Grant Opportunity: $2,500 – $25,000 for Local Nonprofits — But Don’t Bother If You JUST Want to Raise Awareness

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Odyssey Impact is awarding grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to nonprofits (or those with a verified nonprofit fiscal sponsor) with creative and unique ideas for tackling local challenges and bringing people together in person. The Connected Communities Grants are simple and streamlined… no epic application process and no weeks-long recap reports. The grants were created to help bring about impactful and meaningful change that connects and strengthens local communities. The deadline to apply is December 11, 2024 and winners will be announced in January 2025.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — If you’re tired of JUST TALKING ABOUT A PROBLEM, WE’RE WITH YOU. WE WANT TO FIND SOLUTIONS. And if you’re also tired of filling out long applications, running “awareness” campaigns, or spending weeks cobbling together post-grant reports, Odyssey Impact® has some great news for you.

Through the simple and streamlined Connected Communities Grants, Odyssey Impact® is offering up to $25,000 to nonprofits (or those with a verified nonprofit fiscal sponsor) who want to help solve problems in their communities and bring people together in person.

We’re ditching all that in our new SIMPLE AND STREAMLINED Connected Communities Grants, offering up to $25,000 to nonprofits (or those with a verified nonprofit fiscal sponsor) who want to help SOLVE PROBLEMS in their communities.

Grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000 for applicants with CREATIVE and UNIQUE ideas for tackling local challenges and bringing people together IN PERSON. You know what your town needs and we want to help you make it happen.

Our Mandate is Simple: We want creative ways to help connect people in real-time, in meaningful ways.

Odyssey Impact Board President, Riaz Patel, and co-founder of ConnectEffect, underscores the critical importance of real, in-person connection:

“We’re facing an unprecedented epidemic of isolation, alienation, and loneliness. We don’t need more awareness or research to know it’s a massive problem. We need bold, innovative solutions from creative thinkers to reignite a sense of community across America.”

Interested in applying? Awesome! But here’s what we don’t want:

We’re not looking for “scalable” projects. We ARE looking for local and connected.No “awareness campaigns.” We want to help you take real action instead.No “virtual” events. We are funding in-person, live human stuff.Skip the epic applications. We don’t have the time for those either.No weeks-long recap reports. We’d rather see your great pics and videos.No galas, golf tournaments, or fundraisers. We want project- and program-focused ideas.

Got something cool and community-focused in mind? Perfect! We want unique ideas that make sense for your community, and we want you to spell it out clearly (without all the fluff) — how your project will connect people, foster innovation, and bring the community together.

We need this now more than ever, and if you agree, you are our kind of grantee applicant.

You can apply now through December 11th at odyssey-impact.org,

Winners will be announced in January 2025.

Together, we can truly create impactful and meaningful change that connects and strengthens our local communities.

About Odyssey Impact®

Odyssey Impact® ignites creative, actionable solutions that drive real transformation and connection at the local level. By teaming up with innovative community leaders and those who care about their communities, we’re funding projects that are not only visionary, but also perfectly tailored to meet each community’s unique needs.

Through these efforts, Odyssey Impact is laying the groundwork for a future where real community-driven initiatives create much-needed impact & change and bring us all closer together.

Media Contact

Erin Carenzo, Odyssey Impact, 1 8183817336, erin@carenzoagency.com, https://odyssey-impact.org/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/odyssey-impacts-new-grant-opportunity-2-500—25-000-for-local-nonprofits–but-dont-bother-if-you-just-want-to-raise-awareness-302305983.html

SOURCE Odyssey Impact; Odyssey Impact

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