Technology

EVERFI from Blackbaud Announces New and Updated Digital Resources and Product Features for K-12 Schools for the New School Year

Published

2 months ago

August 7, 2024

Highlights include updated financial education courses, a new health and wellness course, and new platform features for educators

CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EVERFI® from Blackbaud®, the leader in powering social impact through education, is releasing new and updated K-12 digital resources to its learning platform, just in time for the new school year. Updates include covering important topics like developing smart money habits, the potential benefits of working with a financial advisor, the impact of stress on health and wellness, preparing for taxes, and the use of nonviolent resistance during the Civil Rights Movement.

New and updated resources for the 2024-25 school year include:

EVERFI: Financial Literacy for High School® – EVERFI’s flagship financial education resource, used by more than 786,000 students during the 2023-24 school year, teaches students how to make informed financial decisions that promote financial well-being over their lifetime. Updates for the new school year include aligning the program material to more comprehensively meet national and state financial education standards through expanded learning objectives. Additionally, the program includes bite-sized lessons that provide more flexibility for teachers when assigning content, new interactive elements for increased student engagement, and will provide greater accessibility for all learners.Marketplaces: Investing Basics™ – Sponsored in the United States and Canada by Edward Jones, Marketplaces is an introduction to investing and financial markets resource that provides students with an understanding of how markets work while building their confidence to invest toward their future goals. The resource has been updated to focus exclusively on investing, ensuring students feel confident with both the concepts and skills necessary to participate in today’s market. The resource also has additional investing content, including a brand-new lesson where students learn the potential benefits of working with a financial advisor. Additionally, increased interactivity and accessibility have been built out in this updated resource.Tax Simulation: Understanding Taxes™ – The tax simulation developed in partnership with and sponsored nationwide by Intuit for Education, was previously included within EVERFI: Financial Literacy. Educators are now able to access the tax simulation as a standalone resource, providing greater flexibility in sharing this content with students. To enhance and deepen the learning experience, several videos are featured in the resource covering topics like summarizing a 1099 form, calculating tax requirements, and paying for post-secondary education.Healthier Me: Intro to Wellness™ – The reimagined program is replacing EVERFI’s previous elementary and middle school health curricula. It includes new and improved content to align with current National Health Education Standards. By taking a whole-person approach, the learning experience focuses on overall physical, emotional, and social wellness to guide students toward making healthy choices for their whole selves. The program also features increased technical accessibility for learners using assistive technology.306: Black History – Continuing the Story™– Through a partnership with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, EVERFI is adding a fifth lesson to the 306 program. Using a first-person narrative, the new lesson looks at the development of the philosophy of nonviolence. Learners will explore connections among the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights in India in the early 1900’s, the use of nonviolent resistance during the Civil Rights Movement, and the use of nonviolence in the present day to confront injustices.

“Our goal is to ensure that the digital resources we are designing and delivering to K-12 schools are not just cutting-edge and innovative, but that they integrate teacher feedback and are aligned with current standards,” said Alice Lee, senior vice president, K-12 implementation at EVERFI from Blackbaud. “These new and updated programs cover a range of critical topics that teachers and students alike have been asking for. We are excited to roll these updates out for the new school year and to be able to support teachers and students across the country.”

In addition to program updates, EVERFI is also rolling out new platform features for the upcoming school year. The platform updates are the direct result of educator feedback obtained during the last school year and are designed to improve functionality, flexibility, and answer calls for increased login options.

New platform features available on the teacher dashboard in the 2024-25 school year include a new Financial Literacy for High School Collection, a program lock/unlock feature for teachers, and the addition of Google Single Sign-On (SSO).

The Financial Literacy for High School Collection makes it easier for educators to provide students with a sequence of financial education content aligned to standards. The Collection is a series of resources that pair well together to more comprehensively address state and national standards and provide an enhanced, cohesive learning experience for students. The resources can be taken in whatever order is most suitable for a teacher’s classroom and learning objectives. Teachers can easily assign these complementary resources through a brand-new “+ Add All to Class” button.

The lock/unlock program feature allows educators to control what resources are visible in their Students’ Dashboards. Teachers can shift a program to “locked” to hide it from students until they are ready to teach the content. They can come back to their My Classes tab when they are ready to “unlock” the program for their students. This new feature offers educators added flexibility and is in response to educators’ requests to have more control over their student’s dashboards and to not overwhelm them with the amount of content they may be assigned to work through.

Lastly, EVERFI is rolling out Google SSO as another option for educators and students to log in during the upcoming school year. This additional login option will provide users with increased ease of access to EVERFI’s learning platform and library of courses.

“Providing teachers with an educational platform that meets their needs and is easy to use is always top of mind for us and the features we are rolling out for the 2024-25 school year are some of the most requested updates from teachers,” said Dan Grace, head of product, EVERFI from Blackbaud. “Both the Collection and lock/unlock features provide teachers greater control and flexibility when assigning programs to students and we’re excited to hear how these platform updates improve the overall experience for both teachers and students.”

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

Media Inquiries
Jennifer Edgerly
EVERFI from Blackbaud
jedgerly@everfi.com

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

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SOURCE Blackbaud

Technology

Supreme Court Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin Joins Elementary Students for Live Virtual Q&A and Chapter One Storybook Reading on Sep. 24

Published

7 hours ago

September 21, 2024

The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET, following a reading of the children’s storybook, “Daanis the Judge.” This event is hosted by Chapter One, a children’s literacy charity, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Lawyer Victoria Perrie, writer of “Daanis the Judge,” will read aloud the inspiring story, which is based on Justice O’Bonsawin’s remarkable journey. Illustrator EJ Miller-Larson will join Justice O’Bonsawin and Perrie in a moderated Q&A session with over 1900 elementary students.

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A following a live online reading of the original children’s storybook “Daanis the Judge,” on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET. The event will be hosted by Chapter One to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Chapter One is a children’s literacy charity that provides 1:1 high-impact reading tutoring and co-creates original storybooks with participating communities nationwide.

“I am very humbled and proud to be a part of the book, “Daanis the Judge.” My hope is that this book will inspire youth to dream big and know that anything is possible. I am evidence of that!” – Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin

Métis-Cree lawyer Victoria Perrie, who wrote “Daanis the Judge,” will lead the live reading. Students will ask questions during a moderated Q&A with Justice O’Bonsawin, Perrie, and illustrator EJ Miller-Larson, of the Fond du Lac Band and Oneida Nation.

“Daanis the Judge” was inspired by Justice O’Bonsawin’s trailblazing career. It tells the story of a young student, Daanis, who dreams of becoming a judge after learning about Justice O’Bonsawin’s achievements.

The story is part of Chapter One’s growing collection of original children’s e-storybooks, co-created with Indigenous writers, illustrators and communities. The e-storybooks celebrate Indigenous experiences and perspectives, and feature audio clips of Elders pronouncing foundational words in their communities’ first languages. All e-storybooks are provided for free through the Global Free Library.

About Chapter One

Chapter One (chapterone.org/ca) is a global nonprofit and registered Canadian charity that provides one-on-one early literacy tutoring programs to 2,300 children in eight provinces and territories across Canada. Its proven “short burst” high-impact tutoring approach—five-minute sessions, three to five times a week—is ideally suited to young children’s attention spans and aligns with the Science of Reading. In one of the largest randomized control trials conducted on early literacy instruction, researchers from Stanford University found that 7 out of 10 students receiving Chapter One high impact tutoring achieved phonics benchmarks by the end of Kindergarten, compared to 32% in the control group.

Children at risk of reading failure receive 1:1 reading support from trained, paid paraprofessional tutors through Chapter One’s online reading platform and custom software. Programs are delivered in-person and virtually in classrooms through agreements with schools and school boards, and at home on families’ smartphones, connecting struggling readers with individualized reading support—regardless of location and circumstance, even in some of the most geographically remote communities in Canada.

In addition to its tutoring programs, Chapter One collaborates with Indigenous communities to co-create children’s stories that represent the communities’ priorities and experiences and advance language revitalization efforts. The e-storybooks are provided for free online, as part of the Global Free Library.

Event details

The Live Virtual Q&A and Reading of “Daanis the Judge” with the Honourable Justice O’Bonsawin takes place on Tuesday, September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET via Zoom. The event is open to elementary classes (Grades 1-6). Teachers/principals must register their classes in advance using this link.

Media Contact

Denise Orosa, Chapter One Canada, 1 4374224825, denise.orosa@chapterone.org, chapterone.org/ca

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SOURCE Chapter One Canada

Technology

PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

Published

9 hours ago

September 21, 2024

24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

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SOURCE Pause for Peace

Technology

Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

Published

10 hours ago

September 21, 2024

The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

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SOURCE Global Times