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Kid Spark Education Expands Access to Early Childhood STEM & Literacy Through New Head Start Initiative

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5 months ago

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WEBB CITY, Mo., May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kid Spark Education announced the launch of its Head Start STEM & Literacy Initiative, a national effort designed to increase access to high-quality, hands-on STEM and literacy learning for young children in Head Start programs across the country.

The initiative is focused on supporting Head Start agencies in delivering developmentally appropriate, engaging learning experiences that build confidence, problem-solving skills, and early academic foundations. By significantly reducing implementation costs, the initiative enables more programs to bring a comprehensive STEM and literacy solution into their classrooms.

Through this initiative, Kid Spark Education is working to make hands-on STEM and literacy learning a more consistent and accessible part of early childhood education across Head Start programs nationwide.

About the Early Childhood STEM & Literacy Program

At the center of the initiative is Kid Spark’s Early Childhood STEM & Literacy Program, developed for Pre-K through 1st-grade learners. The program combines hands-on STEM learning with literacy integration, helping children explore ideas, build vocabulary, and apply problem-solving skills through creative, hands-on experiences.

The program is grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ensuring that all children have multiple ways to engage, learn, and express understanding. Lessons are designed to be adaptable, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive of diverse learning styles and classroom settings.

The program is supported by the following components:

Early Inventors STEM Lab — A hands-on kit of durable, reusable engineering materials designed specifically for young learners. Each lab serves one or two children and is intentionally designed for accessibility, allowing all students to actively participate.

Storytime Inventing Book Collection — A curated collection of fiction and nonfiction children’s books that connect literacy to hands-on STEM learning through invention challenges and creative exploration.

Comprehensive Curriculum — A robust set of more than 60 project-based lessons divided into two categories. STEM Foundations lessons introduce children to early math, problem-solving, and engineering concepts, while Storytime Inventing lessons connect children’s books to hands-on invention challenges that strengthen literacy and bring each story to life through building.

Professional Learning & Support — Training and classroom resources that help educators, regardless of STEM background, feel confident and equipped to deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction.

Each lesson is supported by educator resources, including detailed lesson plans, student activity guides, and visual slide companions, making implementation practical and accessible for classroom teachers.

The program is aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and other national education standards.

About the Head Start STEM & Literacy Initiative

Through the initiative, eligible Head Start programs can apply to implement Kid Spark Education’s Early Childhood STEM & Literacy Program at a significantly reduced cost.

The initiative is designed to help Head Start agencies bring hands-on STEM and literacy learning into their classrooms through a comprehensive implementation package that includes reusable STEM materials, literacy-connected curriculum, educator resources, professional learning, and ongoing support.

Participating sites receive:

Four Early Inventors STEM LabsA collection of 12 Pre-K Storytime Inventing booksReusable printed curriculum bookletsVirtual educator training for implementationOngoing access to video resources and live support webinars

The full implementation package is valued at approximately $1,544 per site, with a substantial portion of the cost supported through the initiative. Participating sites typically contribute between $450 and $750 depending on site size and available funding.

The program is designed for long-term sustainability, with zero consumable supplies, minimal replacement costs over time, and no ongoing subscription or licensing fees. These limited ongoing costs make it easy for Head Start programs to implement and sustain the program year after year.

Established Success in Head Start Settings

Kid Spark’s work in Head Start is built on an established partnership with Grow Early Learning (formerly East Coast Migrant Head Start), where programs are currently implemented across 43 sites. This collaboration has demonstrated that the model can be successfully implemented at scale and sustained in real-world Head Start environments.

Insights from this partnership also played a key role in shaping the development of the Early Childhood STEM & Literacy Program, with Grow Early Learning currently transitioning its full network of sites to the updated model.

How to Apply

Head Start sites can visit kidsparkeducation.org/head-start to learn more about the initiative and how to bring this program to their location.

Supporting the Expansion of Early STEM & Literacy Access in Head Start

Kid Spark Education welcomes ongoing collaboration with philanthropic and corporate partners who share a commitment to expanding access to high-quality STEM and literacy experiences in Head Start communities.

Organizations and individuals interested in supporting this effort are encouraged to connect directly with Kid Spark Education to explore partnership opportunities. For more information, please contact Ryan Neden, Executive Director, at ryann@kidsparkeducation.org

Through continued partnership and investment, Kid Spark Education aims to make hands-on STEM and literacy learning accessible to every Head Start program nationwide, helping ensure these experiences become a consistent and sustainable part of early learning.

About Kid Spark Education

Kid Spark Education is a national nonprofit whose mission is to help ignite a love of STEM and literacy in all young learners. We design hands-on learning solutions that meet today’s students’ needs and expand access to STEM and literacy learning, especially for underserved communities.

Visit kidsparkeducation.org to learn more about our programs or explore how you can partner with Kid Spark to expand access to STEM and literacy learning for all students.

Media Contact
Tesha Rainey, Director of Marketing & Communications
teshar@kidsparkeducation.org

Program & Partnership Inquiries
Ryan Neden, Executive Director
ryann@kidsparkeducation.org

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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4 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

4 hours ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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11 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-security–technology-summit-unveils-month-long-program-of-activities-ahead-of-december-event-302918695.html

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