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GameU Advances Inclusivity in Video Game Design with Autism In Entertainment Workgroup

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GameU signs educational partnership with not-for-profit, Autism in Entertainment, highlighting career pathways in coding for the neurologically diverse

FLEMINGTON, N.J. and IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GameU – the provider of premium online coding courses, with a social mission to promote inclusivity in video game design – has signed an educational partnership with California-based not-for-profit initiative, the Autism in Entertainment Workgroup.

Under the terms of the agreement with Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), the governing body of Autism in Entertainment (AIE), GameU will both sponsor AIE programs as well as run a series of complimentary game design webinars for AIE members. Delivered by working professionals in the computer game industry, the GameU webinars will teach basics in game design, highlight the strong links between coding proficiency and autism, and provide pathways for future learning.

The first of those webinars, From Consumer to Creator: Becoming a Video Game Developer, will take place Thursday 21st November 2024, 3pm EST.

Register for the first GameU – AIE webinar here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOippzItHNTD1hlNZcsFtf4V6mwWC26E#/registration 

“GameU is focused on equipping students, including those with special needs, with the skills to thrive in today’s and tomorrow’s digital economy,” said GameU President and CEO, Mike Kawas. “AIE’s belief that individuals on the autism spectrum can forge strong careers in entertainment-related fields, including game design, means our missions are well-aligned.

“We’re excited to work alongside AIE to help build career pathways in STEM-based fields for those in our community with high-functioning autism, including game design, coding and 3D modeling.”

OCASG President and Chair of the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup, Judi Uttal, said “Connecting AIE talent with industry-grade learning opportunities is an important aspect of enhancing employment prospects for neurodivergent individuals. We are thrilled to have GameU as our newest educational partner.

“Working hand-in-glove with an autism-friendly game design course provider, like GameU, enables AIE to better-help its members acquire skills and industry connections that pave the way to employment,” said Uttal. “The AIE – GameU Education Partnership is an example of tangible benefits that help drive inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment sector.”

For a free trial, of any one of GameU’s 1-to-1 All Abilities classes, sign-up here:
game-u.com/pages/free-trial-abilities

Register for the first GameU – AIE webinar here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOippzItHNTD1hlNZcsFtf4V6mwWC26E#/registration 

About GameU

GameU is a leading provider of premium online video game design courses, which teach students the skills they need to succeed in the video game industry. With curriculums crafted and taught by education experts and professional game developers, GameU virtually delivers a wide range of programs across three main avenues:

All Abilities: Private one-to-one classes, tailored to each students’ needs, including neurologically diverse individualsFor schools and districts: Built for specifically for K-12 school environments, GameU’s Hybrid+ Program transform students’ love of gaming into valuable STEAM skills with a blend of live instruction, on-demand learning and 1-to-1 training for in-classroom educatorsOn-demand: Access to recorded classes, curriculum and game design software via Orbit, GameU’s Self-Guided Learning Platform

GameU provides a comprehensive learning experience that includes both live instruction and self-paced study. GameU is dedicated to empowering students and educators alike, helping them stay ahead of industry trends, to prepare them for the future of game development.

For more information, visit game-u.com

To keep up-to-date with GameU classes, programs, events and more, follow GameU on social media: LinkedIn (GameU), Facebook (@GameUSchool), YouTube (@Gameunj), Instagram (@gameuschool), TikTok (@gameuschool_), X (@GameUSchool)

For regular news and thought leadership regarding video game design, video game coding and more, subscribe to GameU’s blog here: www.game-u.com/pages/contact-us

About Autism in Entertainment

Autism in Entertainment (AIE) is the result of a strategic collaboration between the non-profit Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), disability-focused staffing and consulting firm Zavikon, and generous grant funding from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). AIE seeks to connect entertainment top brass with work-ready job candidates who are on the spectrum. Established in May 2022, the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup includes educators, professionals, and family members who believe that individuals on the autism spectrum can contribute in entertainment-related fields, including film, television, social media, and game design. The goal of AIE is to drive employment efforts in entertainment-related careers.

For more information, visit autisminentertainment.org

About Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG)

The Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) is the proud parent organization of Autism in Entertainment (AIE). OCASG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for autistic teens, adults, and their families in the community. We achieve this through providing support, organizing social activities, and education. Our goal is to empower the autism community by creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and families can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. We believe that through support and education, individuals with autism can achieve their full potential and become valued members of the community. For more information, visit www.ocaspergers.org or contact ocasupport@gmail.com

For further media information, interviews or images, please contact:

Lachlan James, GameU Chief Marketing Officer: ljames@game-u.comMarlene Sharp, Media Contact for Autism in Entertainment: marlene@pinkpoodleproductions.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gameu-advances-inclusivity-in-video-game-design-with-autism-in-entertainment-workgroup-302311089.html

SOURCE GameU

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ValidiFI selected by PDI Technologies to Streamline Pay-by-Bank Enrollments with Consumer Choice

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Collaboration enables real-time bank account enrollment for consumers to pay at convenience and wholesale petroleum retailers

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ValidiFI, Inc., the leading provider of predictive bank account and payment intelligence, is thrilled to announce a strategic technology integration with PDI Technologies, a global leader in the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem, to offer real-time bank account validation within its consumer enrollment process for the PDI Payments solutions. The integration will also include GasBuddy, a PDI company. GasBuddy is the leading fuel savings platform saving North American drivers and consumers money on gas and more every day.

Selecting ValidiFI as the preferred provider for bank account validation empowers consumers to choose how they enroll their bank account – using their online banking credentials or manually entering bank account information. The collaboration increases instant consumer approvals, strengthens fraud detection, and empowers more informed risk decisions through validating bank accounts and assessing behavior.

“Our collaboration with PDI Technologies and GasBuddy marks a significant milestone in revolutionizing the customer enrollment experience within the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. This relationship showcases how our innovative solutions can significantly boost approval rates, enhance fraud detection, and streamline pay-by-bank operations, delivering security and efficiency for PDI’s end users,” stated John Gordon, CEO of ValidiFI.

“This integration with ValidiFI reflects our commitment to innovation in the payments space,” said Todd Gulbransen, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Programs and Marketing, at PDI Technologies. “When it comes to GasBuddy, we’re making it easier than ever for consumers to save money on fuel purchases and more, all while giving retailers greater confidence in each transaction.”

To learn more about ValidiFI’s predictive bank account and payment intelligence, click here.

About ValidiFI
ValidiFI is the leading provider of predictive bank account and payment intelligence. Leveraging the Omni Platform, ValidiFI empowers organizations and financial institutions with actionable insights to help validate bank accounts, detect fraud, and assess credit risk. By analyzing the intricate connections between bank accounts, consumers, and payment performance, ValidiFI offers a more comprehensive view. ValidiFI serves as a trusted partner, unlocking the power of predictive bank account and payment intelligence through credentialled and non-credentialled solutions, enabling more confident transactions. For more information, visit validifi.com.

About PDI Technologies
With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Today, we serve over 200,000 locations worldwide with solutions like the Fuel Rewards® program and GasBuddy®, two popular brands representing more than 30 million users. Visit the PDI Technologies website.

About GasBuddy
GasBuddy is the leading fuel savings platform providing North American drivers with the most ways to save money on gas. GasBuddy has delivered more than $3.5 billion in cumulative savings to its users through providing real-time gas price information at 150,000+ stations, offering cash back rewards on purchases with brand partners, and through the Pay with GasBuddy™ payments card that offers cents-off per gallon at virtually all gas stations across the US. As one of the most highly rated apps in the history of the App Store, GasBuddy has been downloaded over 100 million times. Acquired by PDI Technologies in 2021, GasBuddy’s publishing and software businesses enable the world’s leading fuel, convenience, QSR, and CPG companies to shorten the distance between the fueling public and their brands. For more information, visit gasbuddy.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/validifi-selected-by-pdi-technologies-to-streamline-pay-by-bank-enrollments-with-consumer-choice-302310584.html

SOURCE ValidiFI

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Forms Blast™ from RevSpring Intelligently and Securely Collects Patient Information

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Forms Blast™ modernizes data collection and gives patients a paperless, user-friendly experience while increasing data accuracy

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — RevSpring, the leading provider of healthcare engagement and payment solutions, today announced Forms Blast™—an intelligence-driven campaign solution combining omnichannel outreach with dynamic digital forms to securely and efficiently collect patient information. Forms Blast empowers organizations to strategically communicate with large groups of patients or consumers to accelerate business workflows, reduce costs related to inaccurate data collections and remove friction from the patient experience.

“Thanks to its omnichannel approach, OCR technology and a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal to capture sensitive information, Forms Blast also makes it fast, easy and safe for patients to provide personal information,” said Bright.

Providers who use Forms Blast have been able to offload as much as 35% of the manual process required to collect patient information across a variety of use cases. Forms Blast can be customized to fit each organization’s data collection needs, including financial assistance screenings, coordination of benefits, signature capture and missing insurance information. Personalized patient journeys are based on goals, form type and length requirements, such as timely filing rules for insurance or Medicaid eligibility windows.

“RevSpring is proud to facilitate the modernization of healthcare data capture with Forms Blast. Busy healthcare organizations now can reduce manual form processes, while increasing efficiency, accuracy and productivity,” said Howard Bright, CTO, patient engagement and analytics at RevSpring. “Thanks to its omnichannel approach, OCR technology and a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal to capture sensitive information, Forms Blast also makes it fast, easy and safe for patients to provide personal information. Not only does this deliver a superior patient experience, it drives improved financial outcomes for providers.”

Forms Blast personalizes campaigns based on the type of form, purpose of the outreach and patient behavior. Patients receive a unique, secure link to the online forms portal where they are prompted to provide the requested information. Optical character recognition (OCR) technology automatically pulls information from ID cards, insurance cards and other documents, making the process seamless and simple for the patient, while increasing data accuracy. Dashboard reporting, including campaign engagement metrics by individual patients, provides easy tracking of patient responsiveness and reporting on campaign effectiveness.

Omnichannel technology selects the appropriate channel(s) for delivering forms to each patient, including email and SMS, and can drop to print if needed. A progress bar provides visual feedback on completion status to reduce abandonment rates and encourage task completion.

Autosaved progress prevents data loss and ensures users’ progress is securely saved and retrievable if interruptions occur. Forms Blast supports eSignatures for a secure, efficient and legally binding way to obtain authorization, streamline workflows and reduce paperwork. Form responses and PDFs, complete with secure eSignatures, are returned to the organization daily. Patient records are continuously updated when data is automatically imported back into the host system.

Communication between providers and patients is improved with Forms Blast. Campaigns are responsive to patient behavior and send reminders encouraging patients to provide the required information. Forms are pre-populated with known information to make the process even more seamless for patients. Intelligence guides users to additional follow-up activities, such as financial assistance forms when appropriate.

Problems with paper forms, outbound phone calls and staffing issues lead to higher costs, increased workloads, data entry errors, delayed payments, patient frustration and a lack of reporting and tracking. With Forms Blast, forms often are completed within two days of sending a digital message, which accelerates the organization’s business processes such as insurance submissions and appeals.

About RevSpring
RevSpring leads the market in healthcare engagement and payment solutions that inspire patients to participate in and pay for their healthcare. We’ve built Engage IQ™, the industry’s only connected patient engagement suite designed to coordinate patient interactions from pre-care to post-care to payment. RevSpring’s intelligent, holistic platform puts patient understanding at the center of one connected personal experience, allowing providers to fully optimize patient satisfaction, data accuracy, staff efficiency and financial outcomes. The company’s OmniChannel communications and payment solutions are backed by intelligence, analytics, contextual messaging and user experience best practices. RevSpring was rated #1 for Most New Capabilities in Patient Engagement by KLAS in 2023 and Best in KLAS in Patient Communications in 2024. To learn more, visit revspringinc.com/healthcare. Follow RevSpring on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Media Contact

Kristen Jacobsen, RevSpring, 7639235280, kjacobsen@revspringinc.com, www.revspringinc.com 

Kellie Kennedy, The Harbinger Group, 3129334903, kelliek@theharbingergroup.com, www.theharbingergroup.com 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/forms-blast-from-revspring-intelligently-and-securely-collects-patient-information-302311156.html

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Magma Math Secures $40 Million in Series A Funding from Five Elms Capital

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Investment to Accelerate Growth and Amplify Global Impact in K-12 Mathematics Education

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Magma Math, a leading K-12 instructional math platform for teacher efficiency and classroom management, announced the successful closing of its Series A funding round, totaling an investment of $40 million. The round was led by Five Elms Capital, with participation from previous investors, team members, and industry experts. The new investment will be used to make Magma Math even better for its students, teachers, and district partners in the US, UK, and Sweden.

Since its launch in 2015, Magma Math has established itself as an industry leader, supporting the majority of the educational system in its home market of Sweden, and has successfully launched in the U.S. with district partnerships in over 30 states since 2021. Magma Math is revolutionizing how math is taught and learned by making it more accessible, personalized, and engaging. With the additional funding, the company will continue supporting research-based math pedagogy by expanding curriculum offerings, enhancing user experience with AI capabilities, and scaling its operations.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Five Elms and our new partners in this journey,” said CEO and co-founder Henrik Appert. “This funding will allow us to accelerate our mission of enabling educators to create dynamic, student-centered classrooms where all students are challenged and supported appropriately.”

Five Elms Partner, Joe Onofrio, commented on the investment: “Magma Math has demonstrated exceptional product-market fit in addressing one of education’s most pressing challenges. We’re excited to partner with Henrik and the team as they work to improve mathematics achievement across the US market.”

Magma Math has consistently been recognized for its innovative approach to math education. The platform combines good math pedagogy and innovative technology to save teachers time and increase their capacity to customize education for each student. “In the past, students’ knowledge gaps only became clear after an exam. But by then, it was too late to address them, as you were moving on to the next part in the math book. With Magma, teachers can identify which students are struggling and see what they need help with continuously,” explains Henrik Appert.

For more information about Magma Math and its innovative solutions, please visit magmamath.com.

About Magma Math
Magma Math is a K-12 platform that enables students to show their thinking and helps teachers enable good math pedagogy, whilst saving time. Aligned with state standards, it supports formative assessments, mathematical discourse, student-centered learning and deeper math understanding while seamlessly integrating with classroom technology to drive academic growth.

About Five Elms Capital
Five Elms is a leading growth investor in world-class software businesses that users love. They provide capital and resources to help companies accelerate growth and further cement their role as industry leaders. With over $3 billion in assets under management and a global team of 70+ investment professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 70 software platforms globally.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magma-math-secures-40-million-in-series-a-funding-from-five-elms-capital-302310976.html

SOURCE Five Elms Capital

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