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Applications Now Open for Middle School Science Teachers to Participate in 2025 National STEM Scholar Program

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Applications are now open for the 2025 National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program for middle school science teachers. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the National STEM Scholar Program selects 10 teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on their description of a “big idea” Challenge Project they would implement in their classrooms if funds were available. There are currently 90 STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 35 states, from Hawaii to New York and Alaska to Florida.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Applications are now open for middle school science teachers nationwide to apply for a spot in the 2025 class of the National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) training, national network building, and “big idea” project support for middle school teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers.

Research shows that middle school students who get excited about science are the ones who will pursue STEM courses in high school and beyond.

Ten years ago, the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU) partnered to create the National STEM Scholar Program. The program selects 10 teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on their description of a “big idea” Challenge Project they would implement in their classrooms if funds were available. In addition to a week of advanced STEM training and project development on the campus of WKU, each class spends a day with a nationally or internationally recognized STEM speaker.

The program was established as a workforce development solution for an alarming shortage of U.S. STEM-educated graduates. Research shows that middle school students who get excited about science are the ones who will pursue STEM courses in high school and beyond. By focusing on the particularly influential middle school science teacher, it introduces STEM careers to students who may never have been exposed to the possibilities. Funded projects have included robotics labs, 3-D printing labs, rocketry programs, aquaponic farms, trout hatcheries and oyster reef restoration, among many others.

There are currently 90 STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 35 states, from Hawaii to New York and Alaska to Florida. Each successful Scholar applicant receives the following:

Advanced STEM education and leadership training on the campus of WKU May 25May 31, 2025. All expenses – travel, lodging, meals – are includedA notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaborationA generous stipend for technology and supplies to implement a classroom Challenge ProjectSponsored attendance at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference

Applications are open now – click here to apply.

About the National Stem Cell Foundation

The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, underwrites the National STEM Scholar Program for middle school science teachers nationwide inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers, and covers copays and deductibles for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases when those out-of-pocket costs are beyond a family’s means. We build partnerships and collaborations in research, education, and advocacy to solve problems, eliminate silos and maximize donor impact. For more information, visit www.nationalstemcellfoundation.org.

About The Gatton Academy

Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy has been named to Jay Mathews’ list of top-performing schools with elite students for eleven consecutive appearances and received the National Consortium for Secondary STEM School’s Innovation Partnership Award.

Media Contact

Heather Russell-Simmons, National Stem Cell Foundation, 1 502-379-8544, press@nationalstemcellfoundation.orgwww.nationalstemcellfoundation.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/applications-now-open-for-middle-school-science-teachers-to-participate-in-2025-national-stem-scholar-program-302293790.html

SOURCE National Stem Cell Foundation

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CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

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Leadership Transition Positions CAS Holdings for Continued Growth and Customer-Focused Innovation

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CAS Holdings, a leader in industrial automation distribution, engineering, and integration, is pleased to announce that Patrick McDermott has been named Chief Executive Officer.

McDermott previously served as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he played a key role in driving growth across the organization, strengthening customer relationships, and leading teams with a clear focus on execution and results.

In his new role as CEO, McDermott will lead CAS Holdings into its next phase of growth, building on the company’s strong foundation and continued commitment to delivering value to customers, partners, and employees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at CAS Holdings,” said McDermott. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team, support our customers, and help drive the growth of our organization. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we move into our next chapter.”

CAS Holdings, through its divisions including iAutomation and RND Automation, delivers a full spectrum of industrial automation solutions – from product distribution and technical support to custom machine building and system integration. Serving OEM machine builders and end-users, the company brings deep expertise in motion control, robotics, and vision, along with value-added capabilities such as kitting, sub-assembly, panel building, and turnkey automation systems, acting as an extension of its customers’ engineering and production teams.

McDermott’s leadership will focus on advancing CAS Holdings’ strategic initiatives, strengthening its market position, and continuing to deliver innovative automation solutions that support customers across a wide range of industries.

“We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and a clear direction. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” McDermott said. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers with responsive, local expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and the engineering and production capabilities they rely on to keep their operations running and growing.”

About Complete Automation Solutions Holdings

Complete Automation Solutions Holdings (CAS Holdings) is dedicated to empowering industrial automation companies, including those in the packaging industry, to achieve optimal efficiency and success. With a diverse portfolio encompassing industrial distribution, panel building and assembly, system integration, and robotics, CAS Holdings provides comprehensive packaging machines and solutions tailored to meet industry needs. The company prioritizes strong partnerships, expert engineering, and innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable practices and continuous improvement. CAS Holdings envisions a future where its transformative automation solutions redefine industry standards and drive growth. Committed to transparency and collaboration, CAS Holdings aims to be the most trusted partner in the automation sector.

Press Contact:

Erika Jacques
508-838-8012
http://www.iautomation.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cas-holdings-appoints-patrick-mcdermott-as-chief-executive-officer-302746520.html

SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.

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Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

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NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vipboss-marks-earth-day-with-renewed-commitment-to-green-energy-solutions-302746462.html

SOURCE Vipboss

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Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

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Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

Media Contact
Organization: Mercury News Media
Email: info@mercurynewsmedia.com
Phone: 303 800 6186
Website:
https://www.mercurynewsmedia.com/
Contact Name: Jessica Brown

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pastor-dino-rizzo-marks-100-days-to-serve-day-ahead-of-global-outreach-initiative-302746143.html

SOURCE Dino Rizzo

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