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THRIVE SCHOLARS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF ITS SIGNATURE COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION PROGRAM TO NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES

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11 months ago

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Thrive Academies program will advance Thrive Scholars’ mission to broaden the corporate talent pipeline and enhance economic mobility for low-income, first-gen college-goers nationwide

LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Thrive Scholars, a national nonprofit that helps high-achieving, first-gen students prepare for and graduate from top colleges to support their success in careers that lead to economic mobility, today announced that its signature program has expanded to New York and Los Angeles. The launch of Thrive Academy – New York Sponsored by Citadel at Mercy University, Manhattan Campus, and BMO Thrive Academy – Los Angeles at the University of Southern California (USC) marks the first major step in the nonprofit’s plan to establish 10 regional Thrive Academies nationwide over the next four years.

The launch of Thrive Academies stems from the success of Summer Academy, Thrive Scholars’ flagship six-week program that provides rising high school seniors and rising college first-year students with more than 350 hours of college-level academic preparation in calculus, coding, and writing, in addition to college admissions counseling and career development programming.

Now, thanks to the support of Citadel, Citadel Securities, and BMO, 5,000 more high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds will have the opportunity to experience transformative higher education opportunities and impactful careers.

“The funding we’ve received from our strategic plan investors will make an immediate impact and kickstart our first two regional Thrive Academies,” said Tyra Montina, President and Chief Operating Officer of Thrive Scholars. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have already raised more than $25 million of our $60 million fundraising goal. This milestone advances our plan to launch 10 regional Thrive Academies over the next four years, giving 5,000 more academically talented first-gen students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience transformative higher education opportunities and impactful careers.”

Partner Contributions and Impact

Citadel and Citadel Securities have contributed $7.5 million to support the launch of Thrive Academy – New York Sponsored by Citadel, reflecting their steadfast commitment to empowering Thrive Scholars. This commitment builds on a years-long relationship between the financial firms and Thrive Scholars, which to date has included an annual sponsorship of 120 Thrive Scholars, annual lead sponsorships of Chicago Summer Academy 2, and the opportunity to participate in an externship to enhance the technical skills of the Scholars. 

BMO Thrive Academy—Los Angeles is made possible by BMO, whose significant $3 million donation underscores their commitment to eliminating barriers to access higher education and to creating progress in underserved communities across Los Angeles. BMO will also collaborate closely with Thrive Scholars to develop the Career Pathways curriculum, crafting customized programs, company-specific training, and tailored student exercises.

The new Thrive Academy – New York Sponsored by Citadel and BMO Thrive Academy – Los Angeles will each host an inaugural cohort of over 150 students for six intensive weeks of academics. This cohort boasts an impressive 3.9 average GPA and comprises 83% first-generation college-goers. They come from an average annual family income of $51,000.

The Impact of Thrive Academies

Thrive Scholars has been supporting high-achieving, economically under-resourced students since 2002. Initially, despite a 90% college graduation rate among Scholars, many were not securing competitive internships, gaining admission to top graduate schools, or graduating with degrees necessary for desired careers. These students, often from under-resourced high schools, lacked adequate preparation for the rigorous coursework at top colleges, particularly in math and writing, leading to lower college GPAs and high dropout rates from STEM majors.

In response, Thrive Scholars revamped its program in 2012 to include Summer Academy, providing intensive academic preparation and holistic support. This shift was enormously effective: Summer Academy participants not only achieved higher grades but were also 33% more likely to persist in STEM and 10% more likely to graduate compared to their peers. These results underscore the importance of Thrive Academies in bridging educational gaps and fostering academic and career success.

“Being given an opportunity to attend Thrive Academy has to be the greatest thing that has happened to me since high school,” said Wilson Zheng, a high school senior and Thrive Academy – New York Scholar. “The 2-year college program is truly amazing and to think I got accepted means a lot. Not only do I get to prepare and thrive in college, I also get to learn a lot of new things, socialize, and find a passion. With that said, this summer means a lot. I am looking forward to making connections and friends during this summer experience and I hope to succeed and thrive along with all the other Scholars.”

The curriculum for Thrive Academies will retain the core academic elements of college-level calculus, writing, and critical thinking from Thrive’s Summer Academy and introduce new components of non-academic programming with the help of outside partner organizations to provide holistic college preparation.

Transforming Opportunity and Addressing Inequities

The launch of Thrive Academies supports Thrive Scholars’ vision for transforming opportunities for students from under-resourced backgrounds by addressing systemic barriers that restrict access to higher education and career success. Thrive Academies are a critical addition to the suite of impactful programs Thrive Scholars provides, including its 6-Year Program, which extends support through college graduation to early career.

Thrive Academies are made possible through the donations from more than a dozen generous donors, including BMO, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Ceres Foundation, Citadel and Citadel Securities, Datadog, Deloitte Foundation, General Motors, Google, Howmet Aerospace Foundation, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Takeda, and anonymous donors.

About Thrive Scholars
Thrive Scholars is a national nonprofit that for 20 years has worked hard to help high-achieving, first-gen students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds get into and graduate from top colleges equipped to achieve their full career potential. Thrive Scholars uses data to develop programming that translates to Scholar success through a full suite of academic preparation, mentorship, social-emotional, financial, and career counseling to close the opportunity gap.

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SOURCE Thrive Scholars

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Consensus 2025 Wraps in Toronto With Eric Trump

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4 hours ago

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May 17, 2025

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Crypto‘s “Big Tent” event has wrapped in Toronto as high-profile figures across business, technology and government gathered to discuss crypto‘s regulatory liberalization and rising adoption. In 2026, Consensus will be hosted in Hong Kong (February) and Miami (May).

TORONTO, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consensus 2025, the world’s longest-running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain and AI industries, concluded today at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre bringing together 14,771 attendees from 102 countries. The three-day event serves as the industry’s premier “big tent” event, uniting diverse voices from traditional finance, DeFi, policymaking and more to explore the future of digital assets.

Featuring 500 speakers across six stages, Consensus 2025 provided attendees with unique insights into the crypto landscape, with DeFi, real-world assets (RWAs), decentralized AI, stablecoins, crypto adoption and the evolving regulatory landscape dominating discussions among the biggest players in the crypto ecosystem. The event also featured North America’s largest in-person blockchain hackathon, with over 1,000 developers participating.

Highlights of Consensus Toronto included presentations from industry leaders, financial giants, tech powerhouses and White House representatives, including Coinbase, BlackRock and Google. Eric Trump, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of American Bitcoin featured on two sessions, with other high profile sessions from Kevin O’Leary, chairman of O’Leary Ventures and host of Shark Tank; Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports; Anthony Scaramucci, founder of Skybridge Capital. Toronto was chosen as the location for this year’s event due to its reputation as a financial powerhouse. It was also pinpointed to welcome a high concentration of Canadian crypto leaders, its growing reputation as a crypto innovation hub and status as the birthplace of Ethereum.

“Thanks to our friends at Consensus. They do an amazing job,” said Eric Trump of the CoinDesk conference, which has been running since 2015.

With plans for Consensus 2026 to take place at the iconic Miami Beach Convention Center in May 2026, Miami is considered the crypto capital of North America and a gateway to LATAM. Miami is set to position the event at the strategic crossroads of global capital, talent and innovation. Coming in February 2026, Consensus will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Major sponsors of Consensus Toronto included Stellar, American Bitcoin, BitGo, Fastex, Spacecoin, alongside tech giants Google and AWS and Canadian firms such as WonderFi, Wealthsimple and Coinbase Canada.

Secure your ticket for Consensus Miami or Consensus Hong Kong now.

Media Contact:
Conor McGorry,
Senior Account Executive,
ClearStory International
M: +353 83 805 5747
E: conor@clearstoryinternational.com

About Consensus
Consensus by CoinDesk is the world’s longest-running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain and AI industries. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators, it helps people understand the future of digital assets with discussions on key topics such as DeFi, Web3, AI, the evolving regulatory landscape and more. With a mix of panels, keynotes and networking opportunities, Consensus 2025 provides a platform to explore the latest trends shaping the digital economy. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just entering the space, this event offers valuable insights and connections in a rapidly evolving field.

About CoinDesk
CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension and context. CoinDesk gathers the global crypto, blockchain and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world’s largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data and research to educate and empower investors. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish Group. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. For more information on CoinDesk media and events, please visit CoinDesk.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consensus-2025-wraps-in-toronto-with-eric-trump-302458221.html

SOURCE CoinDesk Inc

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AFRICON 2025 Returns to Atlanta on September 18-20, 2025

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6 hours ago

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May 16, 2025

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AFRICON, the flagship convening for global African changemakers, tastemakers, and innovators, officially returns to Atlanta, Georgia on September 18–20, 2025. Hosted by Amplify Africa, this year’s edition marks a new era of global connection, cultural elevation, and cross-continental collaboration—bringing together thousands of attendees from across Africa, the Diaspora, and the world.

ATLANTA, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Premier Global Gathering Celebrating African Culture, Creativity, and Commerce Expands with New Partnerships

“AFRICON is more than a conference—it’s a cultural and economic movement,” said Timi Adeyeba, COO & Co-Founder of Amplify Africa.

AFRICON, the flagship convening for global African changemakers, tastemakers, and innovators, officially returns to Atlanta, Georgia on September 18–20, 2025. Hosted by Amplify Africa, the 2025 edition, will showcase panels, workshops, pitch competitions, music showcases, fashion bazaars, and a film festival. This year’s edition marks a new era of global connection, cultural elevation, and cross-continental collaboration—bringing together thousands of attendees from across Africa, the Diaspora, and the world.

“AFRICON is more than a conference—it’s a cultural and economic movement,” said Timi Adeyeba, COO & Co-Founder of Amplify Africa.

“Each year, we’re building bridges across continents and creating a global platform that celebrates who we are while shaping where we’re going,” said Dami Kujembola, CEO & Co-Founder of Amplify Africa.

This year, AFRICON is proud to announce a headline partnership with Fidelity Bank, one of Africa’s most respected financial institutions. As part of this collaboration, AFRICON 2025 will feature the 3rd Annual Fidelity Investment and Trade Creative Connect (FITCC)—a marquee forum designed to spotlight innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border investment opportunities across the African continent.

“Since 2022, when we hosted the maiden edition, the FITCC has evolved beyond a platform for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports to become a veritable showcase of the immense value Nigeria has to offer the global market,” stated Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. “As part of our commitment to developing platforms that promote economic growth, creativity, and sustainable trade both within Nigeria and internationally, we are pleased to collaborate with AFRICON to host FITCC. This initiative stems from AFRICON’s esteemed capability to unite key stakeholders dedicated to integrating Nigerian businesses into global supply chain networks.”

AFRICON 2025 will feature a dynamic lineup of programming including cultural showcases, policy roundtables, business summits, nightlife experiences, and wellness activations. From creative industries and tech innovation to investment, trade, and social impact, the two-day experience positions Africa and its Diaspora as a rising global force.

Projected Impact

It is expected that AFRICON 2025 will attract:Over 3,000 attendees from around the worldMore than 200 exhibitors and businesses across sectorsOver US$200 million in trade, investment, and partnership deals to be concluded

AFRICON 2025 continues to build on its legacy of convening a global network of decision-makers, creatives, executives, and community leaders who are shaping Africa’s future.

For more information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and programming details, visit www.africon.global or follow @africon.global on all platforms.

About Amplify Africa

Amplify Africa is a leading media, events, and cultural agency dedicated to shaping the global narrative of Africa and its Diaspora. With a reach of over 12 million people monthly, Amplify Africa curates impactful experiences, content, and campaigns that celebrate African excellence across entertainment, tech, business, and culture. From landmark festivals to thought leadership summits, the platform serves as a bridge between Africa and the world—empowering the next generation of changemakers and creators.

About Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Media Contact
Amplify Africa, Amplify Africa, 1 2138140719, info@amplifyafrica.org, https://amplifyafrica.co/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/africon-2025-returns-to-atlanta-on-september-1820-2025-302456185.html

SOURCE Amplify Africa

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Movano Health’s Board of Directors Initiates Process to Maximize Shareholder Value

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7 hours ago

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May 16, 2025

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PLEASANTON, Calif., May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Movano Health (Nasdaq: MOVE), a pioneer in health technology, announced today that its Board of Directors has initiated a process to explore strategic alternatives, including a sale, merger or similar transaction involving the Company, to maximize shareholder value.  To support this process, Movano Health’s Board of Directors has engaged Aquilo Partners as its financial advisor and K&L Gates LLP as its legal counsel.

There can be no assurance that this process will result in any transaction or other strategic change or as to the timing of any such potential agreement or transaction. Movano Health does not intend to disclose further developments unless and until the Board of Directors has approved a specific course of action or determines that further disclosure is appropriate or required.  The Company also reported that due to resource constraints, it does not plan to timely file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

About Movano Health 
Founded in 2018, Movano Inc. (Nasdaq: MOVE) dba Movano Health is developing a suite of purpose-driven healthcare solutions to bring medical-grade data to the forefront of wearables. Featuring modern and flexible form factors, Movano Health’s devices offer an innovative approach to delivering trusted data to both customers and enterprises, capturing a comprehensive picture of an individual’s health data and uniquely translating it into personalized and intelligent insights.

Movano Health’s proprietary technologies and wearable medical device solutions enable the use of data as a tool to proactively monitor and manage health outcomes across a number of patient populations that exist in healthcare. For more information on Movano Health, visit https://movanohealth.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs, or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding the Company’s strategic plans and value, plans with respect to the commercial launches of the Evie Ring and EvieMED; our expectations regarding potential commercial opportunities and addressable markets; planned cost-cutting initiatives; anticipated FDA clearance decisions with respect to our products; expected future operating results; product development efforts and product releases; clinical trial and regulatory initiatives; commercial partner activities; our strategies, positioning and expectations for future events or performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the caption “Risk Factors.”  Any forward-looking statement in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/movano-healths-board-of-directors-initiates-process-to-maximize-shareholder-value-302458030.html

SOURCE Movano

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