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Sylvan Learning and Boys & Girls Club: Celebrating A 17-Year Partnership Making a Difference for Texas Youth

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2 years ago

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Sylvan Learning and Boys & Girls Clubs have partnered for nearly two decades to provide educational support to underserved students in Texas, making a significant impact on their academic success.

BALTIMORE, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — For nearly two decades, Sylvan Learning, the supplemental and enrichment education franchise, has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs across Texas to support students from underserved communities in achieving academic success.

What began as a local initiative in the Rio Grande Valley under the leadership of current Sylvan Learning Brand President Susan Valverde has expanded into a statewide effort, bridging critical educational gaps for students in reading and math. As Texas prepares for a new legislative session, this longstanding partnership continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Meeting Students Where They Are: The Power of Partnership 

The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe space for students aged 6 to 18, focusing on academic support, social development and prevention programs. Sylvan Learning enhances this holistic approach by bringing its proven educational model directly to students at the clubs, ensuring that learning is accessible and convenient for families. 
“A lot of families that come to the Boys & Girls Club are from single-parent households or face economic challenges. They’re looking for safe, productive activities for their kids after school,” said Valverde. “Together, we’re delivering services to an underserved, sometimes at-risk community and helping kids thrive.”
Chris Pittner, a long-time Sylvan franchisee, echoes this sentiment. “The kids are already at the Boys & Girls Club, which makes it easier for families who might otherwise struggle to transport their children to a Sylvan center,” he said. “It’s a win-win. We can reach students who wouldn’t typically have access to our services, and they make meaningful academic gains in a short amount of time.”

For Ian and Dick Rydholm, franchisees in El Paso, the partnership is deeply personal. Their family-run Sylvan centers have been part of the program since its inception.

“We’re working with parents now who came to us as children,” said Dick. “It’s incredible to see the generational impact. We’ve grown from working with one club to six and have helped hundreds of kids over the years.” 
Ian emphasizes the importance of giving back. “Not all kids have the opportunity to come to Sylvan, so this partnership allows us to extend our reach,” she said. “Education is powerful, and we’re proud to be part of something that changes lives.”
Addressing the Learning Gap Post-COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing educational disparities, leaving many students years behind in reading and math. Diane Balderas, director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Walker County, sees the impact Sylvan has firsthand.
“Our fifth, sixth and seventh graders are often reading at a second-grade level. If they don’t know how to read, how will they succeed in math or other subjects?” said Balderas. “Sylvan’s program is a lifeline. After just 30 hours of instruction, we see real progress and for many kids, it’s life-changing.”

Balderas highlights how the partnership eases the burden on families. “It’s free for the parents, but if they had to pay out of pocket, it would cost about $1,500 per child,” she said. “The program levels the playing field for kids who need it most.”
The success of this partnership lies in its collaborative approach. Sylvan provides certified teachers and a proven curriculum, while the Boys & Girls Club staff ensures that students are fed, organized and ready to learn. The program includes pre-testing to assess each student’s needs and post-testing to measure progress.
“Our staff supports the Sylvan teachers to minimize disruptions and keep students focused,” said Balderas. “Together, we create a nurturing environment where kids feel safe to learn and grow.”
Looking to the Future

As the Texas legislature convenes, Sylvan Learning and Boys & Girls Clubs are advocating for continued support to expand their reach. Valverde sums up their vision: “We want to grow this program to serve more clubs and more students. Education is transformative, and we know this partnership works. Together, we can make an even greater impact.”
The Sylvan-Boys & Girls Club partnership exemplifies what can happen when organizations unite for a common goal: creating opportunities and brighter futures for the next generation.
For more information on Sylvan Learning, visit: http://www.sylvanlearning.com

ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING
With more than 45 years of experience and more than 710 points of presence, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey. For more information, visit http://www.SylvanLearning.com.

ABOUT UNLEASHED BRANDS
Unleashed Brands currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts and Sylvan Learning and was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable brands that help kids learn, play and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be. For more information, please visit http://www.unleashedbrands.com.

Media Contact

Lauren Turner, Mainland, 3125263996, turner@hellomainland.com, www.hellomainland.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/sylvan-learning-and-boys–girls-club-celebrating-a-17-year-partnership-making-a-difference-for-texas-youth-302370417.html

SOURCE Sylvan Learning

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Lexar Launches the Professional SILVER GO microSDXC™ UHS-I Card

Published

18 minutes ago

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October 22, 2026

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V30 rating provides seamless 4K 60fps recording

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Lexar, a global leader in memory and storage, today announced the new Lexar® Professional SILVER GO microSDXC™ UHS-I Card, a versatile storage solution designed for videographers, gamers and creators who need reliable, high-performance storage across their favorite portable devices with microSD slots. Combining fast data transfers, support for high-quality video capture and durable construction, the new card helps users spend less time managing storage and more time creating and capturing their next adventure.

“Gamers and creators are pushing their hardware harder than ever, from massive game libraries to hours of 4K footage. We designed the Lexar SILVER GO so their storage is never the thing holding them back.”

“Gamers and creators are pushing their hardware harder than ever, from massive game libraries to hours of 4K footage. We designed the Lexar SILVER GO so their storage is never the thing holding them back,” said Lizette Lynch, Director of Brand Marketing at Lexar North America. “With a combination of fast transfers, reliable performance and rugged durability, the SILVER GO gives users the speed and storage they need to capture, create and play with confidence.”

The Lexar SILVER GO microSD Card offers top-notch performance of max read speeds of 250MB/s and max write speeds of 180MB/s1. Users can reach max transfer speeds when pairing the cards with the Lexar microSD/SD Reader. With a V30 Video Speed Class rating, the Lexar SILVER GO microSD Card delivers smooth, uninterrupted 4K 60fps Ultra HD recording and keeps pace with rapid-fire burst shooting. The Lexar SILVER GO microSD Card is optimized for action cameras, drones and handheld consoles including DJI, Insta360, GoPro, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck2, to name a few.

Available in capacities 64GB-512GB, the SILVER GO microSDXC is built for durability, with features such as IPX7 waterproof, wearproof, drop-proof, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, shockproof, magnetic-proof, and vibration resistance. The free Lexar Recovery Tool gives users peace of mind, helping users attempt to recover accidentally deleted files. Separately, Lexar products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

The Lexar SILVER GO microSDXC is available through Amazon, with the 512GB available at an MSRP of $144.99, 256GB available at an MSRP of $84.99, 128GB available at an MSRP of $54.99, and 64GB available at an MSRP of $34.99. For more information, visit americas.lexar.com.

Lexar Professional SILVER GO microSDXC™ UHS-I Card Availability:

LINK: https://americas.lexar.com/product/lexar-professional-silver-go-microsdxc-uhs-i-card/

1 Speeds based on internal testing. Actual performance may vary.

2 All product and company names, and brands mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Their use is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation with Lexar.

About Lexar

Founded in California in 1996, Lexar has dedicated 30 years advancing reliable, high-performance memory solutions and now operates more than 100,000 sales channels across six continents, serving over 100 million users in more than 70 countries. Its award-winning portfolio, from memory cards and SSDs to DRAM and mobile storage, continues to empower creators, professionals, and everyday users worldwide. For more information, please visit americas.lexar.com.

Media Contact

Media Team, Lexar, 1 6263720725, lexar@boltpr.com, https://americas.lexar.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/lexar-launches-the-professional-silver-go-microsdxc-uhs-i-card-302916816.html

SOURCE Lexar

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Lexar Launches the Professional SILVER GO microSDXC™ UHS-I Card

Published

18 minutes ago

on

October 22, 2026

By

V30 rating provides seamless 4K 60fps recording

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Lexar, a global leader in memory and storage, today announced the new Lexar® Professional SILVER GO microSDXC™ UHS-I Card, a versatile storage solution designed for videographers, gamers and creators who need reliable, high-performance storage across their favorite portable devices with microSD slots. Combining fast data transfers, support for high-quality video capture and durable construction, the new card helps users spend less time managing storage and more time creating and capturing their next adventure.

“Gamers and creators are pushing their hardware harder than ever, from massive game libraries to hours of 4K footage. We designed the Lexar SILVER GO so their storage is never the thing holding them back.”

“Gamers and creators are pushing their hardware harder than ever, from massive game libraries to hours of 4K footage. We designed the Lexar SILVER GO so their storage is never the thing holding them back,” said Lizette Lynch, Director of Brand Marketing at Lexar North America. “With a combination of fast transfers, reliable performance and rugged durability, the SILVER GO gives users the speed and storage they need to capture, create and play with confidence.”

The Lexar SILVER GO microSD Card offers top-notch performance of max read speeds of 250MB/s and max write speeds of 180MB/s1. Users can reach max transfer speeds when pairing the cards with the Lexar microSD/SD Reader. With a V30 Video Speed Class rating, the Lexar SILVER GO microSD Card delivers smooth, uninterrupted 4K 60fps Ultra HD recording and keeps pace with rapid-fire burst shooting. The Lexar SILVER GO microSD Card is optimized for action cameras, drones and handheld consoles including DJI, Insta360, GoPro, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck2, to name a few.

Available in capacities 64GB-512GB, the SILVER GO microSDXC is built for durability, with features such as IPX7 waterproof, wearproof, drop-proof, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, shockproof, magnetic-proof, and vibration resistance. The free Lexar Recovery Tool gives users peace of mind, helping users attempt to recover accidentally deleted files. Separately, Lexar products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

The Lexar SILVER GO microSDXC is available through Amazon, with the 512GB available at an MSRP of $144.99, 256GB available at an MSRP of $84.99, 128GB available at an MSRP of $54.99, and 64GB available at an MSRP of $34.99. For more information, visit americas.lexar.com.

Lexar Professional SILVER GO microSDXC™ UHS-I Card Availability:

LINK: https://americas.lexar.com/product/lexar-professional-silver-go-microsdxc-uhs-i-card/

1 Speeds based on internal testing. Actual performance may vary.

2 All product and company names, and brands mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Their use is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation with Lexar.

About Lexar

Founded in California in 1996, Lexar has dedicated 30 years advancing reliable, high-performance memory solutions and now operates more than 100,000 sales channels across six continents, serving over 100 million users in more than 70 countries. Its award-winning portfolio, from memory cards and SSDs to DRAM and mobile storage, continues to empower creators, professionals, and everyday users worldwide. For more information, please visit americas.lexar.com.

Media Contact

Media Team, Lexar, 1 6263720725, lexar@boltpr.com, https://americas.lexar.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/lexar-launches-the-professional-silver-go-microsdxc-uhs-i-card-302916816.html

SOURCE Lexar

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Racquel Oden to Receive The ELC’s 2026 Achievement Award for Leadership in Financial Services and Expanding Opportunity

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18 minutes ago

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October 22, 2026

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HSBC executive recognized for a career building businesses, developing talent, and widening access to wealth and financial prosperity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) will honor Racquel Oden, HSBC’s U.S. Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking and Private Banking, with the 2026 ELC Achievement Award at The ELC Recognition Gala on October 30, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

With more than 25 years of financial services experience, Oden has built a career at the intersection of business growth, client leadership, and talent development. At HSBC, she leads businesses serving affluent and globally connected clients in the United States, bringing a client-first approach to one of the world’s largest financial services organizations.

“Racquel brings a rare combination of commercial discipline and genuine investment in people,” said Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. “She understands that leadership is measured in business results, certainly, but also in the people you prepare for greater responsibility and the doors you make easier for others to open. Her career reflects the kind of enterprise leadership The ELC has championed for 40 years.”

Oden’s career spans some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions. Prior to HSBC, she served as a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, where she led Network Expansion and held leadership roles across national sales, Consumer Banking and Wealth Management. She previously spent eight years at Merrill Lynch in several Managing Director roles and more than a decade at UBS in senior leadership positions. She began her Wall Street career in equity trading at Morgan Stanley.

Throughout that journey, Oden has described her leadership philosophy as one rooted in service and in helping people become the strongest versions of themselves. That philosophy also informs her work to expand access to wealth, opportunity, and financial fluency.

Her leadership extends across corporate and civic institutions. Oden serves on the corporate board of National Life Group and chairs the Board of Directors of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. She also serves on the boards of the Apollo Theater and the New York City Police Foundation.

Her honors include the National Urban League’s 2026 Women of Power award and recognition among Barron’s Most Influential Women in Finance, American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Finance and Forbes’ 50 Over 50.

Oden holds a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison University and an MBA from Hampton University.

The ELC Achievement Award recognizes corporate executives whose careers reflect exceptional professional accomplishment, leadership and impact. Oden joins a distinguished group of past ELC honorees whose influence has reached across companies, industries and communities.

The ELC Marks 40 Years of Developing Leaders
Oden will receive the Achievement Award during a milestone year for The Executive Leadership Council. Founded in 1986, The ELC is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of developing leaders who perform at the highest levels of business and strengthening the leadership pipeline that sustains that excellence.

The 2026 ELC Recognition Gala will take place Friday, October 30, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television journalist and Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier, the black-tie celebration will feature a special musical performance by 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Chaka Khan.

The Gala is the signature fundraising event of The ELC’s 2026 Gala Week, October 28–31, which will bring together more than 3,000 members, students, senior executives and business leaders as The ELC celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Gala Week is designed to span the leadership journey. The Honors Symposium connects ELC Scholars with senior executives and hiring managers as they prepare to enter the workplace. The Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium develops high-performing professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibility. Corporate Board Navigator helps ELC members prepare for corporate board service.

ABOUT THE ELC

The Executive Leadership Council is an independent nonprofit founded in 1986 that opens channels of opportunity for the development of global executives to positively impact business and our communities. Learn more at elcinfo.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/racquel-oden-to-receive-the-elcs-2026-achievement-award-for-leadership-in-financial-services-and-expanding-opportunity-302917161.html

SOURCE The Executive Leadership Council

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