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NPower Receives $1M Grant from Northrop Grumman Foundation to Expand Tech Training for Transitioning Military Service Members

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NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NPower, a leading national tech training nonprofit focused on increasing economic mobility for young adults and military-connected individuals through tech careers, has received a $1 million grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation to be paid over a two-year period. The grant will support the expansion of NPower’s SkillBridge Cybersecurity program, a Department of Defense (DOD) initiative that helps active-duty service members gain the skills needed to transition into civilian careers in tech. With Northrop Grumman’s support, NPower’s goals include expanding its work in the west with the establishment of a San Diego presence.

“Military-connected individuals and veteran populations transitioning to civilian life bring a wealth of important skills, including technical expertise, risk management, foundational cyber and intelligence training, and critical thinking, among others to the industry,” said Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower. “Northrop Grumman’s grant enables us to expand our tech-training programs and support services for these populations while also addressing the nation’s increasing demand for skilled tech talent.”

Northrop Grumman’s grant will contribute to further NPower’s goal by:

Launching the first of many new tech training hubs in the western U.S.: A hub will be located near Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Naval Station San Diego.  From there, NPower will be able to better serve program participants in California, Arizona, Utah, and other Western states.Expanding access to training: With its expanded geographical presence, NPower will double its current service member capacity to 500 active-duty service members, increasing access to its hands-on instruction and professional development resources.Deepening commitment to military communities: Additionally, through coordinated expansion efforts, NPower is committing to serving an additional 580 veterans and military spouses, with a targeted growth of 276 individuals in 2025 and 304 in 2026.

“As a company that’s comprised of nearly 20% veterans whose mission is to support military members serving worldwide, Northrop Grumman champions causes that directly benefit those who have sacrificed for their country,” said Agartha Larbi, vice president, global corporate responsibility, Northrop Grumman and president, Northrop Grumman Foundation. “Programs like NPower’s SkillBridge Cybersecurity are crucial to helping veterans gain valuable technical skills that support their transition to meaningful civilian careers. For leading defense technology companies like Northrop Grumman, this program helps create a pool of top-tier technical talent who may choose to join our workforce and contribute to our mission.”

NPower is proud to maintain a strong and active partnership with Northrop Grumman Corporation in its shared mission to develop the next generation of IT and cybersecurity professionals. Since 2017, Northrop Grumman has sponsored over 14 internship placements, providing valuable hands-on experience, and has played a key role in expanding cybersecurity training and apprenticeship opportunities in Maryland. Additionally, several Northrop Grumman employees have demonstrated a personal commitment by mentoring NPower students, serving on the regional advisory board, and advocating for the program. Northrop Grumman continues to support NPower’s workforce development initiatives by offering competitive employment opportunities to NPower graduates through apprenticeship, internship, and job placements in IT and cybersecurity roles.

As a registered DOD SkillBridge partner, NPower provides active-duty service members with intensive cybersecurity training during their final 180 days of service. This equips transitioning military personnel with critical cybersecurity skills, industry-recognized certifications, and hands-on experience. Participants receive training in network defense, threat analysis, and security operations – skills directly aligned with civilian cybersecurity careers. NPower also provides career support and job placement assistance to help participants successfully transition to civilian technology careers.

The NPower SkillBridge Cybersecurity program has a track record of success, with a 96% certification rate, and an 84% job placement rate within six months of military separation.

To learn more about NPower’s Cybersecurity SkillBridge program, visit https://www.npower.org/skillbridge/.

About NPower
NPower is a national nonprofit that provides free tech training, support services, and job placement assistance to young adults, military-connected individuals, and women from under-resourced communities. Since their founding in 2000, they’ve offered tech fundamentals and advanced career training opportunities to over 10,000 students in 13 cities. NPower’s unique approach combines rigorous training, and trauma-informed support services, addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Their strength is seeing students of non-traditional backgrounds through pivotal life transitions. The organization empowers students to drive change in their own lives and communities. As NPower expands to serve 15,000 students annually by 2030, they’re ensuring they create a tech workforce that mirrors the world around us. To learn more about NPower, visit http://www.npower.org.

Press Contact:
Hillary Ovalle
Hillary.Ovalle@finnpartners.com

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SOURCE NPower

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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