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Center of Science and Industry (COSI), EXPLR, and 100 Leading STEM Organizations Join Forces with Representatives Carey (R) and Beatty (D) to Make National STEM Week a Law of the Land

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The National STEM Week bill was sponsored today in the 2nd session of the 118th Congress by U.S. Representative Mike Carey (R-OH 15th District) and Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH 3rd District).

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A bill to establish a National STEM Week to promote American innovation and enhance STEM education pathways for all students, including those in rural, urban, and underserved communities, was introduced today in the 2nd session of the 118th Congress sponsored by U.S. Representative Mike Carey (R-OH 15th District) and U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH 3rd District).

Conceived by EXPLR and developed by the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), in conjunction with input and support from 100 other leading national STEM organizations, the bill supports the belief that the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are crucial to the economic competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United States.

What’s more, there exists an urgent and growing need to enhance access to quality STEM education across all demographics and regions to address disparities in STEM participation and to ensure a diverse and capable future workforce.

“It’s time to make STEM education a national priority, and a fundamental way to do this is to pass the National STEM Week bill,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry, who earlier this year went to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to lobby for support of the bill.

“It has long been the operating philosophy of COSI that science, technology, engineering and math are not things confined to a laboratory or a classroom,” Dr. Bertley stressed. “They form the fabric of our daily lives, existing everywhere for everybody to experience and learn from. This fundamental belief is what inspired us and over 100 other like-minded organizations to take the initiative to develop this legislation.”

“It’s imperative that we make STEM education a national priority, not just for the sake of our students but for the future of our country. Supporting initiatives like the National STEM Week bill is a crucial step toward ensuring that every child has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world,” said Jenny Buccos, CEO of EXPLR. “By embracing this commitment, we are investing in the innovators, problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow.”

The objectives of National STEM Week are to highlight the importance of STEM education in primary, secondary and postsecondary institutions across the country; showcase diverse career pathways within STEM fields in both classroom settings and informal learning environments; encourage family engagement with STEM activities at home to foster a conducive learning environment; facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders to provide students with real-world applications and mentorship opportunities in STEM fields; and support states and local communities in developing and promoting their own STEM Week activities and resources, tailored to their unique educational and industrial landscapes.

“As students begin another school year, it is all the more important to recognize the role that STEM education plays in preparing them for the future,” said Congressman Carey. “Science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning can inspire new curiosity, a lifelong passion or a successful career. Unfortunately, not every student has the same access to this transformative education. A National STEM Week will help emphasize the value of these subjects to students, parents and teachers alike.”

Ohio is the heart of American innovation and will soon be home to the most advanced semiconductor fabrication facilities in the world thanks to historic investments from the Biden-Harris administration and Intel. STEM fields power these industries of the future, so it is vital that we help future generations in our community develop the skills they need to make the most of this generational investment,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Establishing a National STEM Week to promote education in these fields, particularly among underserved communities, gives our kids the chance to actually see what a future in STEM looks like and will ensure that every student – no matter their background or zip code – has the tools needed to become the next generation of American innovators.”

If the proposed bill is passed by both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education (CoSTEM), which was established in 2011 as called for by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, will designate a week during each year as National STEM Week. The purpose of CoSTEM is to coordinate Federal programs and activities in support of STEM education and includes over ten federal agencies.

The United States is currently seeing declining rates of graduates in critical STEM fields (S&E Indicators, 2018). Recent data, including results from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), starkly illustrate the United States’ lagging performance in these crucial fields, underscoring an urgent need for intervention to secure the nation’s economic and innovative future.

According to the PISA results, American students consistently perform below their peers in several developed nations, signaling a deepening skills gap that threatens the country’s standing in the global economy. In the recent 2022 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the nation’s report card, science and math scores decreased in grades 4 and remained static through grades 12.

The National STEM Week Act aims to reinforce local, state and national STEM efforts by inspiring a diverse new generation of students to pursue STEM; utilize collaborations between schools and industries to provide a practical, insightful look at STEM careers; and implement nationwide initiatives that have been successful on smaller scales in various states.

“The National STEM Week Act provides a strategic approach to bolstering the nation’s capabilities and future through the strengthening of STEM,” Dr. Bertley emphasized. “With legislative support for this bold, forward-looking initiative, Congress can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage in valuable STEM learning experiences that are essential for their success and the country’s continued global leadership in innovation.”

COSI and EXPLR worked closely with several organizations on this bill, including STEM Next, a national field-building organization that supports out-of-school STEM learning.

“STEM Next believes that STEM learning is for everyone, everywhere,” said Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund. “National STEM Week will bring important attention to the importance of every child having access to engaging and inspiring STEM learning both in and out of school. These experiences have always been essential, but now more than ever they enable students to explore their interests, pursue their passions, and develop critical awareness about professions available to them.”

Concluded Kari Byron, EXPLR’s Director of National STEM Festival and Mythbuster, “National STEM Week was inspired by the nationwide excitement and enthusiasm for EXPLR’s National STEM Festival. I have traveled all over this country and have witnessed how STEM education has changed lives. STEM helps students develop skills that are critical for the future workforce pipeline of America, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.”

About COSI
COSI, the “#1 Science Museum in the Country” as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI has been awarded five Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional and national community, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.

About EXPLR
EXPLR’s mission is to empower students with practical skills and experiences for success in both school and life. Founded by Jenny Buccos, Kari Byron, and Andrew Zimmern, EXPLR creates virtual and hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire young people to drive change. With a strong emphasis on skills-based learning and development, EXPLR’s initiatives include the National STEM Festival. Learn more at www.explr.com.

Contact:
Griffin360
Dan Griffin
383229@email4pr.com
(212) 481-3456

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SOURCE Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

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Melanie Siewert, Chief Marketing Officer at LHH, Joins the Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA)

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LOS ANGELES, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) proudly welcomes Melanie Siewert, Chief Marketing Officer at LHH, into its distinguished community of influential women leaders. A seasoned global marketing executive, Siewert brings more than 20 years of experience transforming brands, building high-performing teams, and driving measurable growth across both B2B and B2C industries.

As Chief Marketing Officer of LHH, Siewert leads global marketing strategy across brand, demand generation, and customer experience. She plays a critical role in aligning marketing with business objectives and fostering strong collaboration with sales to enhance organizational performance and accelerate growth. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping a modern, customer-centric brand and building a marketing function designed to deliver consistent, high-impact results across a complex global enterprise.

Throughout her career, Siewert has held senior leadership roles at prominent organizations including Truist Financial, Worldpay, Equifax, Whirlpool Corporation, and JPMorgan Chase. She is widely recognized for guiding enterprise brand strategy, leading complex mergers, scaling marketing operations, and delivering measurable gains in pipeline, revenue, and digital adoption.

Siewert’s expertise spans marketing strategy, customer engagement, brand development, sales enablement, and cross-functional leadership. Known for her empowering leadership style and strategic vision, she consistently builds high-performing teams that drive sustainable business growth while fostering collaboration and innovation.

Her accomplishments include:

Leading global marketing strategy for LHH, integrating brand, demand generation, and customer experience to drive business performance.Guiding enterprise brand transformations and go-to-market strategies across multiple global organizations.Driving measurable growth in pipeline, revenue, and digital engagement through data-driven marketing initiatives.Leading marketing efforts through complex mergers and organizational transformations.Serving as a two-time board chair and lifetime member of Strategic & Competitive Intelligence Professionals.Recognized as a Top Woman in Marketing by PRWeek.

“Melanie’s ability to translate complex market dynamics into clear, impactful strategies, combined with her commitment to building strong, collaborative teams, makes her an exceptional addition to EWA,” said Larraine Segil. “Her leadership and results-driven approach align seamlessly with the values of our sisterhood.”

Melanie shared “I’m honored to be part of the Exceptional Women’s Alliance and look forward to learning from the incredible women leaders who are dedicated to lifting other women and impacting the world at large.”

Siewert now joins a powerful and growing community of C-suite and board-level women leaders across disciplines who share a common goal: to support one another through confidential, life-long mentoring relationships and to enrich both their professional and personal lives.

About Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA)
The Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA) is an invitation-only peer mentorship organization where high-level Exceptional Women from across multiple industries are hand-selected and invested in, to grow, learn, share, and succeed. In addition to the achievement of significant success, the criteria for acceptance include character traits that are defining of the EWA Culture – Kindness, the Spirit of Generosity, Transparency, Gratitude, and Willingness to Share their knowledge. The Foundation is a powerhouse of peer-to-peer mentoring that provides guidance, deep connection, and leadership, propelling each woman to sustainable success—one woman at a time. The life-long program enables each participant to be connected as alumnae in the ever-expanding EWA global community, as their fellow women leaders continue to move into positions of significance.

Learn more at www.exceptionalwomenalliance.com

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SOURCE Exceptional Women Alliance

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Insurance Modernization at Risk as Workforce Strategies Fall Behind, Says Info-Tech Research Group

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Insurers are under pressure to modernize core systems while competing for scarce cloud, data, AI, and cybersecurity talent. Info-Tech Research Group’s new blueprint, Rebuild Your Talent Engine: Attract and Retain IT Talent in Insurance, outlines a practical framework to help insurance IT and HR leaders assess readiness, strengthen their employee value proposition, and retain the critical roles needed to accelerate transformation.

ARLINGTON, Va., May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Insurance modernization is increasingly being constrained by the people and capabilities required to deliver it, according to Info-Tech Research Group. The global research and advisory firm’s newly published blueprint, Rebuild Your Talent Engine: Attract and Retain IT Talent in Insurance, provides a structured approach to help insurers attract, retain, and mobilize the IT talent required to support digital transformation.

The firm’s research indicates that many insurers are trying to advance core system modernization while facing shortages in cloud, data, AI, and cybersecurity roles. At the same time, experienced legacy system experts are retiring, creating knowledge gaps that can slow delivery, increase operational risk, and deepen dependence on external partners.

“Insurance modernization cannot succeed if the workforce strategy behind it remains outdated,” says Vidhi Trivedi, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “Insurers need an employee value proposition that reflects what both digital and legacy talent value today: flexibility, growth, purpose, and belonging. When organizations connect those expectations to the technology roadmap, they are better positioned to retain institutional knowledge, attract new capabilities, and move transformation forward with confidence.”

Key Workforce Risks Slowing Insurance Modernization

Info-Tech’s blueprint identifies several talent challenges that are limiting insurers’ ability to modernize effectively:

Critical digital skills remain difficult to attract and retain. Cloud engineers, data architects, cybersecurity specialists, and AI-capable technologists are essential to future-state systems, integration, and automation.Legacy expertise is leaving faster than it can be replaced. Core system knowledge remains vital to operations, compliance, and transition planning, yet many long-tenured experts are approaching retirement or feel disconnected from future-state roles.Rigid work models reduce access to high-demand talent. Digital professionals increasingly expect hybrid options, autonomy, modern delivery practices, and environments that support productivity and wellbeing.Growth pathways are not clearly connected to transformation needs. Without structured upskilling, internal mobility, and role progression, insurers risk losing employees to industries perceived as more innovative or career-accelerating.Employer branding often undersells insurance’s purpose and impact. The industry plays a critical role in protecting people, businesses, and communities, but that purpose is not always translated into a compelling technology career story.

Info-Tech’s Three-Phase Framework for Rebuilding the Insurance IT Talent Engine

To help insurers address these challenges, the Rebuild Your Talent Engine: Attract and Retain IT Talent in Insurance blueprint outlines a three-phase methodology:

Assess Talent Readiness for Modernization Success
Insurance IT and HR leaders identify modernization-critical roles, evaluate workforce pressure, assess EVP fit across key roles, and prioritize the roles that pose the greatest risk to transformation timelines.Build and Embed a Modern Employee Value Proposition
Organizations define a clear employer-employee value exchange, establish proof points across the four EVP pillars of flexibility, growth, purpose, and belonging, and activate targeted initiatives for priority roles.Develop and Present the EVP Impact Report
Leaders synthesize workforce insights, visualize progress, and present a measurable view of how EVP activation is improving retention, engagement, internal mobility, and readiness.

The resource also includes supporting tools, such as the EVP Diagnostic Tool, EVP Activation & Implementation Tool, and EVP Impact Report Template, that help insurers move from talent planning to measurable action.

“Too often, insurers view IT talent challenges as a capacity issue, when they are really a transformation risk,” explains Trivedi. ” “The insurers that move fastest will be those that know where critical capabilities are under strain, protect the expertise that increases operational resilience, and create clear pathways for employees to help shape the future of insurance from within.”

By applying Info-Tech’s framework outlined in the Rebuild Your Talent Engine: Attract and Retain IT Talent in Insurance blueprint, insurance leaders can better understand where people-related risks are highest, strengthen retention in critical roles, reduce long-term reliance on external partners, and build a more resilient technology organization. The firm’s research emphasizes that a modern EVP is not only an HR initiative but a strategic enabler of modernization success.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Vidhi Trivedi, and access to the complete Rebuild Your Talent Engine: Attract and Retain IT Talent in Insurance blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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Caris Life Sciences Submits Application to New York State Department of Health for Caris Assure Blood‑Based Testing Authorization

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IRVING, Texas, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Caris Life Sciences® (NASDAQ: CAI), a leading patient-centric next-generation AI TechBio company and precision medicine pioneer, today announced that it has submitted an application to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP), administered through the Wadsworth Center, seeking authorization to perform Caris Assure®, its blood‑based molecular profiling test, on specimens originating from New York State.

Caris Assure is a blood‑based molecular profiling test designed to support comprehensive biomarker analysis using a minimally invasive blood sample. Caris Assure uses circulating nucleic acids sequencing (cNAS) to analyze the whole exome (DNA) and whole transcriptome (RNA) of 22,000 genes. This comprehensive test identifies tumor alterations, clonal hematopoiesis (CH) and inherited variants, pharmacogenomic alterations, microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB).

The submission initiates the formal review process required by New York State for clinical laboratories seeking to perform testing on specimens collected from New York patients. Through the Wadsworth Center, CLEP conducts comprehensive reviews of laboratory permits and laboratory-developed tests to evaluate analytical validation, quality systems, personnel qualifications and compliance with applicable state regulations.

“Caris is committed to meeting the highest standards for laboratory quality, validation and regulatory compliance,” said David Spetzler, MS, PhD, MBA, President of Caris Life Sciences. “This submission of Caris Assure for review through the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center reflects our disciplined approach to expanding access to our technologies in a manner that demonstrates the rigor, responsibility and focus on the patient that define Caris Life Sciences and guide our work in the markets we serve.”

At this time, no determination has been made by NYSDOH, and Caris Assure is not authorized for use on blood-based specimens originating from New York State unless and until CLEP authorization is granted.

Caris operates a CAP-accredited, CLIA‑certified clinical laboratory and performs testing in jurisdictions where it is authorized to do so, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Any future availability of Caris Assure in New York State will be contingent upon completion of the CLEP review process administered by the Wadsworth Center and receipt of the appropriate authorization.

About Caris Life Sciences
Caris Life Sciences® (Caris) is a leading, patient-centric, next-generation AI TechBio company and precision medicine pioneer actively developing and commercializing innovative solutions to transform healthcare. Through comprehensive molecular profiling (Whole Genome, Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing), advanced AI and machine learning, Caris has created the large-scale, multimodal clinico-genomic database and computing capability needed to analyze and further unravel the molecular complexity of disease. This convergence of next-generation sequencing, AI and machine learning technologies and high-performance computing provides a differentiated platform for developing the latest generation of advanced precision medicine diagnostic solutions for early detection, diagnosis, monitoring, therapy selection and drug development.

Caris was founded with a vision to realize the potential of precision medicine to improve the human condition. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris has offices in Phoenix, New York, Cambridge (MA), Tokyo, Japan and Basel, Switzerland. Caris or its distributor partners provide services in the U.S. and other international markets.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our business, solutions, plans, objectives, goals, industry trends, financial outlook and guidance. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “potential,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” or “continue” or similar expressions.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information currently available to us, we cannot guarantee that the future results, discoveries, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release include, among other things: our future financial performance, results of operations or other operational results or metrics; development, analytical and clinical validation, timing and performance of future solutions by us and our competitors; commercial market acceptance for our solutions, including acceptance of preventive as well as diagnostic testing paradigms, and our ability to meet resulting demand; the rapidly evolving competitive environment in which we operate; third-party payer reimbursement and coverage decisions related to our solutions; risks related to data management, storage, and processing capabilities and our ability to integrate and deploy artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics technologies; our ability to protect and enhance our intellectual property; regulatory requirements, decisions or approvals (including the timing and conditions thereof) related to our solutions, including our application for New York State Department of Health approval for Caris Assure; reliance on third-party suppliers; risks related to data security, patient privacy, and compliance with healthcare data protection regulations as well as potential cybersecurity threats to our data platforms; our compliance with laws and regulations; the outcome of government investigations and litigation; risks related to our indebtedness; and our ability to hire and retain key personnel as well as risks, uncertainties; and other factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 3, 2026, and in our other filings we make with the SEC from time to time. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in events, circumstances or our beliefs after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

Caris Life Sciences Media:
Corporate Communications
CorpComm@CarisLS.com
214.294.5606 

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SOURCE Caris Life Sciences

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