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E-rate Trends Report Highlights Need for Enhanced Funding and Support in Education

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Findings unveil the program’s impact on internet connectivity and digital learning in U.S. schools and libraries

EDMOND, Okla., Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Funds For Learning, a leading advocate for educational technology funding, has released its 14th annual E-rate Trends Report, revealing the current successes and challenges of the E-rate program. The annual report evaluates how the program can most effectively support schools and libraries. School and library input is compiled and delivered directly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to inform program administration.

“We must prioritize expanding funding eligibility for cybersecurity services to protect our students and educators in an increasingly complex digital landscape.”

The report underscores E-rate funding’s essential function in bridging the digital divide, particularly for rural and underserved communities. More than 21,000 applicants and 3,700 vendors participate in the E-rate program, emphasizing its vital role in providing internet access for U.S. educational institutions. The 2024 E-rate survey, conducted in June, garnered 2,355 responses, about 11% of all applicants, offering valuable insights into stakeholder experiences and needs.

Key takeaways and comments from the report include:

E-rate’s Vital Role: Over 88% of respondents affirmed that E-rate funding is essential in ensuring equitable access to internet services, particularly for underserved and rural communities.

“The E-rate program is crucial for modern education. This program ensures schools can access vital technology for student learning. From broadband to Wi-Fi, this funding bridges the digital divide, empowering students with equitable access to educational resources, fostering innovation, and ultimately, shaping a brighter future for students.” – California School District

“We are a very small rural library. My county has very poor connectivity options. My library’s Wi-Fi is used on a daily basis by people just sitting in their cars. The E-rate program has allowed a whole new group to be able to connect.” – Rural Virginia Library

Cybersecurity Remains a Top Concern: With the launch of the FCC’s $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program, protecting school networks is more critical than ever. Many respondents emphasized the increasing need for E-rate support in this area.

“Cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a greater part of our budgeted dollars, and we could definitely use E-rate dollars to support our endpoint protection, network monitoring, firewalls and filtering.” – Wisconsin School District

“On the current times, the cybersecurity issue is top priority for almost any industry, but for a school is almost impossible to pay for this matter with their limited resources.” – Puerto Rico School

Rising Costs and Service Eligibility: As technology evolves, applicants are advocating for an expanded list of eligible services, with a significant focus on funding for cybersecurity and advanced networking tools.

“Our school district’s goal is to take full advantage of eligible services and would greatly benefit from cybersecurity services/software eligibility.” – Texas School District

“Our schools could not operate or exist without E-rate Cat 1 and Cat 2 funding. This funding is essential for our schools to survive!” – California School

“The findings in this report highlight the critical role of the E-rate program in bridging the digital divide for schools and libraries,” said Brian Stephens, Director of Stakeholder Engagement of Funds For Learning. “However, we must prioritize expanding funding eligibility for cybersecurity services to protect our students and educators in an increasingly complex digital landscape.”

To request a complimentary copy of the 2024 E-rate Trends Report and accompanying resources, click here. Join Funds For Learning Webinar October 31 at 11:00 am ET for an in-depth discussion of the report; register here.

About Funds For Learning

Funds For Learning, LLC, is a compliance firm specializing in the federal E-rate funding program for schools and libraries. Funds For Learning supports E-rate stakeholders in all 50 states, helping them navigate the application process to receive support for internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity. To deliver applicant feedback to the Federal Communications Commission and Congress, Funds For Learning coordinates the annual E-rate Trends Report. For more information, please visit https://www.fundsforlearning.com.

Media Contact

Funds For Learning, Funds For Learning, +1 608 216 7300, jon.kannenberg@finnpartners.com, https://www.fundsforlearning.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/e-rate-trends-report-highlights-need-for-enhanced-funding-and-support-in-education-302288504.html

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Verse and Arcadia Partner to Empower Organizations with Unprecedented Energy Insights

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Collaboration enables data-driven decisions that reduce costs, deliver more accurate budgets, and streamline sustainability reporting.

Key Highlights:

Verse and Arcadia have partnered to provide unparalleled insight into corporate energy cost and usePartnership combines Arcadia’s industry-leading utility data platform with Verse’s intuitive design and advanced emissions data Available as the Verse Utility Bill Management app on Verse’s Aria™ platform, the integrated solution helps organizations:
Centralize energy reportingTransform data into actionable insights Diagnose cost deviations to identify ways to reduce energy spend and avoid billing errorsEnhance power procurement planning and more accurately forecast energy spend

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In an era of volatile energy costs and increasingly stringent sustainability reporting rules, Verse and Arcadia are joining forces to transform how organizations reduce, forecast, and report on their energy costs and consumption. 

Verse and Arcadia are partnering to provide unparalleled insight into corporate energy cost and use.

Verse’s Utility Bill Management app now integrates with Arcadia’s utility data platform, unlocking global data access for unparalleled visibility into corporate energy use and costs. Available on Verse’s Aria software platform, the app combines Arcadia’s extensive utility billing data and interval meter coverage — spanning thousands of providers in more than 50 countries — with Verse’s intuitive user interface and advanced emissions forecasting. By eliminating fragmented manual data entry in spreadsheets, Verse and Arcadia support data-driven decisions that can reduce costs, enable more accurate budgeting, and streamline sustainability reporting.

“We’re excited to partner with Arcadia to make corporate utility data even more accessible and usable,” said Seyed Madaeni, CEO of Verse. “We’ve heard from Fortune 500 companies that they aren’t always able to confidently forecast and reconcile their energy spend. This partnership builds trust between energy, sustainability, and finance teams by providing a platform for data-driven expectations management.”

“Structured and accessible utility data is the foundation of any advanced energy management and sustainability strategy,” said Kiran Bhatraju, CEO of Arcadia. “We’re excited to be working with Verse to deliver data and insights to their corporate clients.” 

The partnership marks a significant step forward in providing organizations with the tools they need to manage energy costs effectively and develop strategic power procurement plans. 

About Verse
Verse’s Aria™ software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform helps organizations reduce their energy costs and emissions. Our software and services support corporate energy buyers at all stages of the decarbonization journey — from understanding their current energy costs to managing a complex portfolio of clean energy assets. With unparalleled data and industry expertise, real-time analysis within minutes, and optimization for least cost, Verse helps organizations turn their energy challenges into successes. Visit www.verse.inc to learn more.

About Arcadia
Arcadia is a global utility data platform connecting the clean energy future. Our platform unlocks global energy data for businesses, powering solutions to drive electrification and decarbonization. Founded in 2014 on the belief that everyone deserves access to clean energy, Arcadia also manages the nation’s leading community solar program. Contact our team to learn more about our data platform.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verse-and-arcadia-partner-to-empower-organizations-with-unprecedented-energy-insights-302288745.html

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Fortune Media and Great Place To Work Name Roth Staffing Companies to 2024 Best Workplaces for Women List

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Roth Staffing named one of the Best Workplaces for Women, Ranking #7 in the small and medium category.

ORANGE, Calif., Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine have selected Roth Staffing as one of the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women™. This is Roth Staffing’s ninth time being named to this prestigious list, this year coming in at #7 in the small and medium category. Earning a spot means that Roth Staffing is one of the best companies to work for in the country.

“We are excited and feel so honored to be recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Women,” said Adam Roth, CEO of Roth Staffing Companies. “At Roth Staffing, we believe in empowering every individual to reach their full potential.

To determine the Best Workplaces for Women, Great Place To Work analyzed the survey responses of nearly 600,000 women who work for Great Place To Work Certified™ companies that were eligible for the list. To be considered, a company must employ at least 50 women, have at least 20% of non-executive managers who are women, and at least one female C-suite executive.

“We are excited and feel so honored to be recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Women,” said Adam Roth, CEO of Roth Staffing Companies. “At Roth Staffing, we believe in empowering every individual to reach their full potential. This award is a testament to the culture of inclusivity, support, and opportunity we’ve worked so hard to build. It’s a win for every woman who has been part of our journey, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. Thank you to our incredible team for making this possible.”

The Best Workplaces for Women list is highly competitive. Survey responses reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience. Honorees were selected based on their ability to offer positive outcomes for women regardless of job role, race, sexual orientation, work status, or other demographic identifier.

Great Place To Work analyzed the gender balance of each workplace compared with Bureau of Labor Statistics industry data. Companies were also assessed on how representation changes as women rise from front-line positions to the board of directors.

“The things that create a great workplace for women are the same basic needs that every employee has,” says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. “The best workplaces have closed the experience gap, providing access and opportunity to all regardless of an employee’s gender or background.”

“Fortune congratulates the companies that made the cut for the Best Workplaces for Women,” says Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell. “Based on survey responses of so many women nationwide, these companies clearly demonstrate they have created workplaces where many feel valued, supported, and encouraged to do their best work.”

About Roth Staffing Companies

Roth Staffing Companies is one of the largest privately held staffing firms in the United States, operating from more than 100 locations across 20 states and the District of Columbia. Roth Staffing consists of five specialized business lines: Ultimate Staffing Services for administrative and office positions, Ledgent Finance & Accounting, Ledgent Technology, Adams & Martin Group for legal staffing, and About Talent for workforce solutions.

Roth Staffing Companies, L.P. has locations Arizona: Phoenix; California: Brea, Carlsbad, Century City, Cerritos, Costa Mesa, Fremont, Fresno, Inland Empire, Irvine, La Jolla, Los Angeles, Orange County, Oxnard, Palo Alto, Pasadena, Pleasanton, Roseville, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Torrance, Tustin, Woodland Hills; Colorado: Denver; Connecticut: Hartford, New Haven; Florida: Boca Raton, Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach; Georgia: Atlanta; Massachusetts: Boston; Maryland: Baltimore, Columbia, Frederick, Rockville, Timonium; Michigan: Detroit; Minnesota: Bloomington, Minneapolis; Missouri: St. Louis, Kansas City; North Carolina: Raleigh; New Hampshire: Nashua; New Jersey: Paramus; Nevada: Las Vegas; Oregon: Portland; Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston, North Houston, San Antonio; Virginia: Arlington; Washington: Wisconsin: Milwaukee.

About the Fortune Best Workplaces for Women

Great Place To Work selected the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women List by analyzing the survey responses of nearly 600,000 employees who work for Great Place To Work Certified™ companies that also meet the criteria for this list. To be eligible, a company must employ at least 50 women, have least 20% of non-executive managers who are women, and have at least one female C-suite executive. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index™ Survey.

About Great Place To Work

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and Great Place To Work Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified and receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram or visit http://www.greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more.

About Fortune

Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to make business better. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators, builders, and risk takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts — those who shape industry, commerce, and society – through powerful and prestigious lists, events, and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative, and Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit http://www.fortune.com.

Media Contact

Samantha Cabot, Roth Staffing Companies, 714.939.8600, scabot@rothstaffing.comwww.rothstaffing.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/fortune-media-and-great-place-to-work-name-roth-staffing-companies-to-2024-best-workplaces-for-women-list-302286989.html

SOURCE Roth Staffing Companies

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Give the Gift of Family Legacy This Holiday Season with Autobiographer

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The newly-launched storytelling app debuts a limited time $99 gift price for the 2024 holiday season as well as Autobiographer Anthology, a premium-tier family service.

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the holiday season approaches, Autobiographer, the groundbreaking storytelling app, offers a unique and meaningful gift option for those who treasure family history. Launched earlier this year, Autobiographer provides a revolutionary way to preserve family legacies through authentic conversations that capture the depth and nuance of real-life stories.

Autobiographer offers a gift beyond material possessions, it preserves your family’s story for generations to come.

“The holidays are a time for family, reflection, and creating lasting memories,” said Matt Bowman, Autobiographer co-founder and CEO. “With Autobiographer, we’re offering a gift that goes beyond material possessions – the gift of preserving your family’s unique story for generations to come.”

Autobiographer transforms personal interview sessions into beautiful digital story books, creating priceless heirlooms that preserve family history. The app’s Guide engages users in thoughtful exchanges on their life experiences via voice interviews, uncovering every detail and anecdote of a story, and memorializing them into a written segment that can be edited and added to. Autobiographer organizes these chapters into a digital book, capturing every important moment for future generations.

Key features of Autobiographer for holiday gifting include:

Personalized Storytelling: The app’s proprietary question-asking architecture fosters genuine curiosity about each user’s life, creating a uniquely personalized experience.Easy-to-Use Interface: Users simply choose a personal moment when they want to converse with their Autobiographer Guide, which listens attentively and crafts conversations into written stories.Secure Storage: Leveraging Apple’s on-device security, including FaceID and iCloud encryption, Autobiographer ensures that family stories remain protected and are stored only on a user’s device. It is core to Autobiographer that every person’s story is their own.Affordable Legacy Creation: For a limited time, Autobiographer will offer a digital story book gift for $99. Additionally, our ongoing monthly membership is available for $20 per month, offering unlimited conversations and the ability to create up to 250 pages of content annually – a fraction of the cost of traditional biography services.Three Types of Shareable Content: Users can turn their conversations into personal letters, short stories, or a full-length autobiography and share them with others effortlessly, right from their devices.Autobiographer Anthology: A premium service for families, offering joint accounts and dedicated support to create individual autobiographies and a collective family story.Gift Options: Special holiday gift packages are available, allowing users to purchase Autobiographer subscriptions for loved ones.

“In a world where digital messages are often fleeting, Autobiographer offers a way to create lasting family legacies,” added Bowman. “This holiday season, give the gift of story – a present that will be cherished for generations.”

Autobiographer is available for download through The App Store (Apple). For more information on holiday gifting options, visit www.autobiographer.com/gift

About Autobiographer:

Autobiographer is a groundbreaking storytelling app that helps you discover, preserve, and share your life story through authentic and adaptive conversation. With each interaction, Autobiographer makes preserving your cherished memories effortless, intuitive, and fun. With an unwavering commitment to privacy and security, Autobiographer ensures your stories are securely stored through personal device encryption and only shared with the people you love. The founders’ guiding belief is that the world’s best stories are within us, they just haven’t been discovered yet.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/give-the-gift-of-family-legacy-this-holiday-season-with-autobiographer-302288005.html

SOURCE Autobiographer

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