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Revolutionizing Study Abroad Access: IES Abroad Unveils Breakthrough Financial Aid Initiative, Doubling Opportunities for Underrepresented & Pell-Eligible Students

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CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IES Abroad, a global not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider, proudly announces its new High-Impact Aid Commitment, a transformative approach to financial aid to greatly increase access to study abroad.

This is a revolutionary approach to study abroad financial aid focusing on funding transparency and supporting students.

Driven by a dedication to fostering inclusivity and access in study abroad, IES Abroad has completely restructured its financial aid approach, prioritizing a financial aid program that expands IES Abroad’s reach and directs funds to high-need students, making study abroad possible for an even greater number of students than its existing program. IES Abroad wanted to develop a program that used funds as efficiently and effectively as possible, to make the greatest positive impact.

The High-Impact Aid Commitment strategically allocates resources to those with high financial need while simplifying the financial aid process and demystifying the costs associated with studying abroad.

Providing dedicated financial resources to make study abroad accessible has always been integral to IES Abroad’s mission. In the organization’s history, they have annually allocated significant resources to financial aid (up to $7 million in 2023/24) and have awarded nearly 45,000 scholarships overall. As part of their goal to elevate their existing financial aid program and provide increased accessibility to study abroad, particularly for historically underrepresented and financially disadvantaged students, the High-Impact Aid Commitment was formed.

This new approach to awarding financial aid first began as a pilot in Spring 2024 with a group of 12 institutions who are a part of the IES Abroad Consortium, including two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which saw a significant increase in financial aid applications and participation rates.

Gregory D. Hess, Ph.D., President and CEO of IES Abroad, emphasized the organization’s goal to address the growing financial barriers that come with study abroad: “As an economist and former college president, I closely observed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education. The significant increase in student financial need highlighted the growing difficulty for students to access transformative study abroad experiences. Upon discussing these challenges with colleagues, we took it upon ourselves to do something about it by re-shaping our financial aid program to address the evolving landscape of international education.”

Upon the rollout of the pilot program, IES Abroad received more than three times as many financial aid applications from pilot school students compared to the year before, and students with the highest need are receiving an average of $2,000 more in financial aid. Students coming from a school who is a member of the IES Abroad Consortium with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 can receive up to $7,000 in financial aid towards their semester program. 

The pilot phase of the High-Impact Aid Commitment has already delivered significant positive outcomes, including the following:

A 194% increase in financial aid applications from students enrolled at pilot institutionsA 120% increase in financial aid applications from students with the highest financial need ($0 Expected Family Contribution) enrolled at pilot institutionsA 106% increase in program participation from Pell-eligible students enrolled at pilot institutions

Encouraged by these outcomes, IES Abroad is rolling out the program across all 270+ Consortium Member schools, starting with the Spring 2025 semester. The aid application for Spring 2025 is now open.

This initiative required extensive collaboration, strategic planning, and input from partner institutions of IES Abroad. IES Abroad also engaged an industry-leading external consultant to help guide this initiative. These collective efforts have proven to be impactful as countless students will now gain even greater access to study abroad opportunities.

Susan Thomas, Associate Director of Financial Aid for IES Abroad, further emphasized the long-term goals of the commitment, saying: “The IES Abroad Financial Aid Team’s focus is on creating transformative experiences for students from all financial aid backgrounds, and this new program is a revolutionary approach to financial aid that centers around funding transparency and supporting students. This new approach will change the lives of so many more students, and I look forward to seeing the widespread impact this has on students and the field at large as we continue to push for greater access to study abroad.”

As Dr. Gregory D. Hess most notably says as part of the mission, “Study abroad changes lives, and changed lives change the world. We look forward to evaluating the success of the High-Impact Aid Commitment so that future students have greater access to lifechanging intercultural experiences.”

Learn more about IES Abroad and its scholarship and financial aid.

About IES Abroad: 
Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a not-for-profit academic consortium of more than 260 top-tier American colleges and universities, with more than 240 additional partner universities worldwide. IES Abroad provides premier study abroad and internship programs around the world through IES Abroad, IES Internships, IES Abroad Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and The Study Abroad Foundation. With a total of more than 400 study abroad programs in 85 locations worldwide, the organization creates authentic global education opportunities for more than 10,000 students annually. IES Abroad has more than 140,000 alumni who have benefited from studying on IES Abroad programs since its inception, and offers more than $5 million in scholarships and financial aid. Learn more at www.IESabroad.org.

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SOURCE IES Abroad

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Now available in The US: Singit, the FIRST app that teaches you English through REAL music

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TEL AVIV, Israel, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singit, a first-of-its-kind app that teaches English through real music and popular songs, is now officially available in the United States. Its arrival in the US responds to a long-standing challenge, as many English learners report a struggle to make progress through traditional methods that feel repetitive and disconnected from everyday life. The platform takes well-known tracks and turns them into structured lessons that build vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills in a guided way that is engaging and easier to adhere to, in the long term.

Michel Peled, CEO of Singit, revealed that the idea behind the app grew from watching how naturally music brings people into contact with English. “We noticed that people naturally learn English through songs before they ever sit down for a formal lesson. So we said to ourselves: Why not implement it with the help of technology? This everyday contact with English can really serve as the foundation of the learning process – and a whole lot more than that. Singit is here to turn familiarity into clear progress, so learners maintain the enjoyment of music while developing their English in a more structured way.”

Turning Everyday Music Into Organized Learning

Singit is founded on the idea that English is already present in daily routines, especially through music. The platform uses real songs to shape lessons where users go through lyrics, complete tasks, and practice pronunciation within the same session. Users can choose from a variety of familiar exercises such as grammar exercises, ‘fill in the blanks’, vocabulary tasks, and speaking activities, all centered on real songs. This keeps lessons clear and easy to run, while making them more fun for learners.

The platform also includes a learning path that follows curriculum requirements and guides its users step by step based on their level. Progress is tracked through clear stages, and tasks adjust in real-time according to performance, so users can improve at their own pace. An AI speaking coach is available for regular speaking practice, and lessons come prepared with preset exercises, helping reduce preparation time while keeping delivery consistent. The approach has already seen strong uptake in Brazil and Mexico before its US launch.

Peled added that the platform also addresses common challenges faced by organizations and governments. “Singit was developed with real learning environments in mind. In workplaces, for example, there is a need for practical English that employees can use in day-to-day communication, especially if it is not their native tongue. In that sense, public programs face the added challenge of reaching large and diverse groups in a consistent way. Singit brings a structure that supports all of these settings, with lessons that are ready to use and content that learners respond to easily. This makes it simpler to introduce and more reliable to sustain over time.”

About Singit:
Singit is an AI-powered English learning platform that uses real music and popular songs as the foundation for structured language development. The platform provides lyric-based exercises, grammar and vocabulary activities, and speaking practice supported by an AI coach, allowing learners to build skills in a natural and continuous way. It is designed for individuals, schools, organizations, and government programs, offering ready-to-use lessons, curriculum-aligned learning paths, and real-time progress tracking. With more than 750,000 downloads worldwide and adoption across nearly 6,000 educational institutions, Singit delivers an effective way to learn English through content people already connect with.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/now-available-in-the-us-singit-the-first-app-that-teaches-you-english-through-real-music-302754022.html

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Share buybacks in Ericsson during the period April 20 – April 24, 2026

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STOCKHOLM, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During the period April 20 – April 24, 2026, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) (“Ericsson”) (LEI code 549300W9JLPW15XIFM52) repurchased own Class B shares (ISIN: SE0000108656) as follows:

Date

Aggregated daily volume (number of
Shares)

Weighted average Share price per day
(SEK)

Total daily transaction value
(SEK)

04/20/2026

04/21/2026

04/22/2026

04/23/2026

1,200,000

106.74

128,090,040.00

04/24/2026

1,200,000

104.65

125,577,480.00

Total

2,400,000

106.74

253,667,520.00

The share repurchases are a part of the share buyback program of up to SEK 15,000,000,000 which Ericsson announced on April 16, 2026 and which runs between April 23, 2026 and March 31, 2027, at the latest. The Board of Directors intends to propose to the 2027 Annual General Meeting that the repurchased shares, other than those used to fulfil Ericsson’s obligations under its share-related incentive programs, are cancelled.

The share buyback program is executed in accordance with the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 supplementing MAR (the Safe Harbour Regulation).

All acquisitions have been carried out on Nasdaq Stockholm by Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE on behalf of Ericsson. A full breakdown of the transactions is attached to this announcement.

Following the repurchases above, Ericsson’s holding of treasury stock amounts to 40,402,276 shares of Class B shares. There are in total 3,371,351,735 shares in Ericsson, 261,755,983 shares of Class A and 3,109,595,752 shares of Class B.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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MORE INFORMATION AT:
Ericsson Newsroom
media.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 69 92)
investor.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 00 00)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Investors
Daniel Morris, Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +44 7386 657217
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com

Lena Häggblom, Director, Investor Relations
Phone: +46 72 593 27 78
E-mail: lena.haggblom@ericsson.com

Alan Ganson, Director, Investor Relations
Phone: +46 70 267 27 30
E-mail: alan.ganson@ericsson.com

Media

Ralf Bagner, Head of Media Relations
Phone: +46761284789
E-mail: ralf.bagner@ericsson.com

Media Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com

ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson’s high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Daily Reporting Ericsson Buyback

 

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OMODA 4 Officially Rolls Off the Production Line: OMODA&JAECOO Sets Its Sights on a New Global Million-Unit Target

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and WUHU, China, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 26, 2026, OMODA&JAECOO hosted the grand “From Million To Annual Million Launch Event and OMODA 4 Roll-off Ceremony”. As the flagship model for the brand’s Globalization 2.0 strategy, the official start of mass production for the OMODA 4 not only marks a milestone in the brand’s three-year journey to 1 million cumulative sales but also represents the launch of the core product powering the brand’s sprint to its 2027 sales target of annual million units. This event aligns with the Chery International Business Summit (IBS), together mapping a new blueprint for the brand’s global growth.

As a flagship model for the youth market and global layout, OMODA 4 precisely targets the “Cyber LOHAS tribe”. Grounded in deep insights into the consumption habits and lifestyles of young consumers, OMODA 4 adopts “Cyber Mecha”as its core positioning, building core product competitiveness in hyper-function, hyper-intelligence, and hyper-energy, serving as a key lever for the brand to capture the global youth market.

Hyper-Functional Design: CYBER MECHA Aesthetics Forge an Exclusive Visual Identity

OMODA 4 breaks away from conventional design logic with its class-exclusive Cyber Mecha supercar styling, forging a futuristic visual identity. The Cyber Lightning Headlights mimic the transient form of a lightning strike, using sharp lines and high-contrast light strips to create a highly recognizable design signature. The mecha-inspired light-flow body borrows from the structural elements of mecha armor, using sharp edges and geometric facets to generate 3D light and shadow effects beyond classic streamlined styling.

The interior features a starship-themed cockpit with a wraparound layout for an immersive mecha-command experience. Paired with a Lamborghini-style F1 supercar flip-start button, every departure is imbued with a sense of ceremony. Meanwhile, the model achieves the optimal drag coefficient within its stylistic class, balancing design with aerodynamic performance. A diverse palette of body colors caters to the individualized tastes of young users, making OMODA 4 a “mobile social card” for self-expression.

Ultra-Smart Features: A Class Benchmark Delivering a Warm Tech Experience

In terms of intelligent features, OMODA 4 leverages class-leading hardware and software capabilities to deliver a smart experience that integrates technology with a human touch, upgrading from “easy to use” to “intuitive”. Equipped with best-in-class hardware, it has 16 ADAS driver-assist features for easy driving and parking, greatly lowering driving barrier to driving and making every journey safer and more convenient.

The AI powered super voice assistant, built on a large language model, will soon be available in the vehicle. In the future, this technology is expected to support diverse function such as voice cloning and mood-based music recommendations, with the aim of accurately sensing the user’s emotional needs and delivering a personalized interactive experience. Additionally, features such as a 13.2-inch ultra-clear central screen, a 540° panoramic image, and 50W wireless charging and other features enrich smart car scenarios, fully addressing the tech demands of today’s youth.

High-Energy Ecosystem: An All-Scenario Setup Tailored to a Diverse Youth Lifestyle

To match young users’digital–physical lifestyle, OMODA 4 builds the best-in-class hyper-energy trendy ecosystem, redefining car scenarios and value as a connector of passion and life. As a mobile esports cockpit, the in-car system comes pre-loaded with over 20 casual and competitive games, supports wireless gamepad connection, turning waiting time into fun gaming moments anytime, anywhere. Building on this, OMODA 4 further expands the boundaries of in-car scenarios, creating a full-scene ecosystem that encompasses pet-friendly features, karaoke, camping, and multimedia entertainment. It is designed to fully accommodate the diverse lifestyle needs of young users and carry all their passions.

OMODA 4 will also launch an Ultra version, which offers class-exclusive factory performance modifications to deliver an exhilarating “supercar-like” experience for driving enthusiasts. The professional sports kit fully optimizes aerodynamics and body stance, boosting visual impact and high-speed stability. A launch control function unleashes peak torque at start for thrilling pushback, the tuned exclusive sports sound ignites drivers’ hearing on every acceleration. Professional sport tuning extends to the suspension, steering, and power response, resulting in more precise and sharper handling overall.

The official mass production rollout of the OMODA 4 represents a critical step in the execution of OMODA & JAECOO’s “New Million Strategy” and is a key component of the brand’s Globalization 2.0 blueprint. With strong tech heritage and a global innovation system, OMODA&JAECOO takes the OMODA 4 as its core model, paired with smart tech like the AiMOGA robot Mornine, to precisely target the global youth market. This shows the brand’s deep understanding of young users and strong R&D capabilities, as well as its commitment and breakthroughs in smart technology. Moving forward, the market launch of the OMODA 4 will further strengthen the brand’s position in the youth market and drive its premium and youthful evolution on the global stage.

About OMODA&JAECOO

In 2025, Chery Group, the parent company of OMODA&JAECOO, ranked 233rd in the Fortune Global 500, achieving the fastest ascent among global automakers, and maintained its position as China’s top passenger vehicle exporter for 23 consecutive years. OMODA & JAECOO takes “Co-Create A Beautiful Life With Young People” as its brand vision, while OMODA focuses on building “The World’s Leading Crossover Brand”, JAECOO adheres to the philosophy of “From Classic Beyond Classic” and is committed to building Global Elegant Off-Road Brand”, and building differentiated competitiveness through dual routes. By 2025, the OMODA & JAECOO brand has expanded into 64 markets worldwide, covering Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and more,demonstrating strong global growth momentum, especially in the European market, becoming the fastest growing car brand in Europe and even the world. In the field of new energy vehicles, OMODA&JAECOO relies on the world’s leading SHS technology, with Super High Power, Super Low Efficiency, Super Long Combined Range,while providing efficient new energy solutions for global users, but also steadily advancing towards the objective of becoming the “The World’s Number One Hybrid Brand”. Notably, beyond its continuous breakthroughs in the core automotive sector, OMODA & JAECOO has extended its technological innovation into the field of intelligent technologies. The robot, jointly developed with the AiMOGA team, has entered real public service scenarios and made its official debut at the Asian Youth Para Games,representing a landmark practice in automakers’ intelligent transformation and further expanding the brand’s value boundaries.

In Malaysia, OMODA & JAECOO currently offers models including J5, J7, J7 PHEV, J8, C9 and C9PHEV, and will continue to introduce more new models that meet local market demand. Under the same group, OMODA & JAECOO has 3 sister brands in Malaysia – Chery, iCAUR and Lepas.

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SOURCE OMODA & JAECOO

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