Technology

NCFL Launches RFP to Pilot Innovative Multigenerational STEM Learning

Published

4 months ago

May 18, 2026

Three $50,000 seed grants will be awarded to selected pilot programs.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is launching Family Learning Pathways to In-Demand STEM Careers, a new initiative that expands access to STEM-focused workforce learning and credentialing for middle and high school students and their parents. Grounded in the power of multigenerational learning, this effort reflects NCFL’s unique approach to engaging families as partners in education and ensuring that parents and children build skills, confidence, and opportunity across generations.

NCFL will issue three seed grants of up to $50,000 to pilot multigenerational STEM learning and credentialing programs.

In support of this initiative, NCFL will issue three seed grants of up to $50,000 per eligible community to pilot a multigenerational workforce learning program that supports relevant STEM-related education and credentialing for secondary school students (grades 6-12) and their parents. In addition to funding, award recipients will receive NCFL-led, in-depth training, resources, and technical assistance to effectively integrate the four components of family literacy into STEM-focused workforce learning. At the conclusion of the pilot, award recipients will be invited to share their learning on the national stage at NCFL’s 2027 Families Learning Conference.

“This new effort reflects what we know to be true: that when families learn together, they build stronger pathways to opportunity,” says NCFL President & CEO Dr. Felicia C. Smith. “Through Family Learning Pathways to In-Demand STEM Careers, we are expanding access to critical skills and credentials, investing in the power of multigenerational learning to drive lasting change, and providing a coordinated approach that links education and economic mobility. By equipping both students and their parents with the tools to succeed in today’s workforce, we are helping entire families–and ultimately whole communities–thrive together.”

Today’s economy demands industry-recognized skills and credentials, digital fluency, and preparation beyond high school attainment or traditional “workplace readiness” programs. According to the Chamber of Commerce and the College Board, 84% of employers say high school graduates are not workforce-ready, citing a disconnect between the skills employers need and the preparation that young people receive. Additionally, many middle and high school students are being prepped for future careers while their parents, especially those impacted by poverty or low literacy skills, are stuck trying to catch up in an economy that keeps racing ahead.

For many students and parents, credentials of value that are aligned to specific jobs or fields–such as certifications, licenses, and microcredentials–can provide strong alternatives to traditional education, especially among adults without a college degree. In this model, high school students can graduate with strong academic and durable skills, industry-specific experience and credentials, and greater confidence to navigate education and career pathways. At the same time, their parents can develop the skills that can provide on-ramps to new careers and long-term, life-changing earnings and advancement.

Proposed programs or initiatives must provide education and credentialing opportunities for a minimum of 25 families, including at least one secondary student (grades 6-12) and their parent or caregiver, and meet five eligibility requirements to be considered:

Applicants must be a school or school district, adult education program, community or technical college, nonprofit organization, government agency, or library with established career-connected learning and credentialing pathways.

Offer credentials of value for secondary school students that align to local workforce or industry needs in STEM-related professions leading to wage and job security.

Demonstrate strong cross-sector partnerships that can create or increase access to adult career-connected learning, workforce development, and/or credentials of value for parents whose children are participating in aforementioned programs.

Commit to integrating (or continue to integrate) the four-components of family literacy in order to strengthen career learning and credentialing, and participate in NCFL-led training and technical assistance sessions.

Be geographically-based within 50 miles of one of the following cities: Huntsville, Alabama; Chandler, Arizona; Long Beach, California; Alpharetta, Georgia; Princeton, Indiana; Georgetown, Kentucky; Lexington, Kentucky; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Blue Springs, Mississippi; Troy, Missouri; Liberty, North Carolina; Jackson, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; or Buffalo, West Virginia.

Interested partners that meet the above eligibility criteria can find additional information and application materials here. Applications must be received by Thursday, June 18th at 11:59PM ET. For questions or to request additional information, register for NCFL’s upcoming informational webinar on June 2, 2026 at 2:00PM ET. Or contact NCFL directly at scacicio@familieslearning.org.

About the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL)
NCFL is a national nonprofit that has worked for more than 35 years to eradicate poverty through education solutions for families. We believe education is a shared, nonpartisan responsibility and that collaboration among families, schools, and community members can lead to powerful learning experiences. NCFL’s vision is to establish coordinated and aligned family learning systems in 60 communities, built with and for families, to increase education and economic outcomes and create thriving communities. For more information on NCFL, visit familieslearning.org. To learn more about our vision or become a Family Learning Community™ partner, visit familieslearning.org/flc.

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Foster Parish, 703-472-5997, aparish@familieslearning.org

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SOURCE National Center for Families Learning

Technology

Timur Turlov Elected FIDE President, Becomes First Kazakh to Lead World Chess

Published

4 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Businessman and Kazakhstan Chess Federation President wins runoff vote at FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, pledges digital transformation and record investment in global chess development

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Timur Turlov has been elected President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), winning a second-round runoff vote at the FIDE General Assembly, held in Samarkand alongside the Chess Olympiad. Turlov ran on a joint ticket with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand as Deputy President.

Turlov becomes the first Kazakh national to lead FIDE, marking a milestone for Kazakhstan’s rapidly growing chess community and for the wider Central Asian chess movement. He takes office for a four-year term running through 2030.

Turlov is founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding Corp., a diversified financial services and technology group with operations spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Over nearly two decades, Freedom has built its business around digitalizing brokerage, banking, and fintech platforms. He has served as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023.

“The biggest dream we’re all working toward is getting closer to the Olympic program. I want real unity within FIDE, with every federation seeing, over these next four years, the difference we can make together. My goal is for FIDE to become more professional and more modern, more digital, raising its standing and influence, and finding its place in today’s world. I want to bring my own experience in digitalization to that work, helping the organization build a powerful platform and earn recognition as the leader and regulator of this historic and living game,” said Timur Turlov.

His campaign combined direct financial commitment with structural reform. He has pledged more than $8.5 million toward FIDE’s development, including a dedicated multi-year fund kept separate from FIDE’s operating budget, to double the resources available to national federations and simplify access to grants. A central pillar of his program is a unified platform for FIDE that would give every player a single profile spanning ratings, online play, and education tools, alongside modern infrastructure for federations worldwide — echoing the same playbook of connecting international markets through technology that has defined Freedom’s growth. As President of the International School Chess Federation, Turlov has also made chess in education a priority, seeking wider integration of the game into school curricula globally.

On governance, Turlov’s background leading a publicly listed international company shapes several of his commitments: publishing FIDE’s financial statements and major commercial agreements on a regular basis, introducing an independent external audit, appointing specialists on merit, and bringing experts from every continent onto the organization’s commissions.

He has also committed dedicated staff to help national federations secure sponsors, navigate government partnerships, and gain international media exposure, along with strengthened anti-cheating measures.

Anand, FIDE Deputy President since 2022, brings continuity and deep institutional knowledge to the new administration.

The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) is the Switzerland-based global governing body for chess, with approximately 200 member federations worldwide.

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Technology

University of Phoenix research recognized as Editor’s Choice paper by Glacies

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Environmental science education study examining storytelling and AI-supported learning receives Editor’s Choice distinction

PHOENIX, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix announces that the peer-reviewed study, “Harnessing AI, Virtual Landscapes, and Anthropomorphic Imaginaries to Enhance Environmental Science Education at Jökulsárlón Proglacial Lagoon, Iceland,” has been recognized as an Editor’s Choice paper by Glacies.

Published in February 2026, the study explores how character-driven narratives and human-centered artificial intelligence can support adult learners in understanding complex environmental science concepts. The article was authored by Jacquelyn Kelly, Ph.D., associate dean, College of General Studies; Dianna Gielstra, Ph.D., full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program, College of General Studies; Tomáš J. Oberding, Ph.D., full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program, College of General Studies; Jim Bruno, MBA, associate dean, College of Business and Information Technology; and Stephanie Cosentino, MAEd, senior instructional designer, University of Phoenix.

The recognition highlights research conducted within the University’s “Principles of Environmental Science,” a course serving non-science majors and adult learners. The study examined the use of character-driven storytelling and AI-generated imagery, developed through a human-centered, faculty-guided design process, to help learners engage with scientific concepts and environmental systems.

“The cryosphere plays a critical role in Earth’s environmental systems, yet it is a topic often reserved for advanced scientific study. We wanted to create an accessible entry point into this important science. By bringing together immersive virtual landscapes, narrative storytelling, and human-centered AI, we designed a learning experience that helps adult learners see scientific processes as connected, dynamic, and relevant to the world around them.”

Innovative approaches to environmental science education

The study describes how the course uses a storybook-inspired format to introduce environmental science concepts through approachable characters and narratives. Characters such as Nico Nitrogen, Remi Rock and Waverly Water personify scientific processes and cycles, providing adult learners with accessible entry points into complex topics while maintaining alignment with course learning outcomes.

“Recognition by Glacies as an Editor’s Choice paper reflects the quality of scholarship being produced by our faculty and academic leaders,” said Briana Houlihan, MBA, dean, College of General Studies. “Research such as this demonstrates how innovative instructional approaches can help make complex scientific concepts more engaging and accessible for adult learners while contributing to broader conversations about teaching, learning and technology’s role in design.”

Researchers reported positive student responses to the instructional approach. According to the study, 87.1% of surveyed students reported enjoying the anthropomorphic narratives, while 82.0% agreed the approach reinforced systems thinking. Qualitative feedback indicated that narrative framing and consistent visuals helped learners visualize relationships among Earth systems and communicate scientific concepts more effectively.

Supporting engagement among adult learners

The authors present the work as a practical model for courses serving non-science majors and working adults. By combining narrative-based learning experiences with carefully guided AI-supported visual development, the approach seeks to make abstract scientific concepts more approachable while supporting learner engagement and understanding.

The Editor’s Choice recognition by Glacies acknowledges the study’s contribution to ongoing conversations about environmental science education, instructional design and the thoughtful application of artificial intelligence in higher education learning environments.

Access the study

“Harnessing AI, Virtual Landscapes, and Anthropomorphic Imaginaries to Enhance Environmental Science Education at Jökulsárlón Proglacial Lagoon, Iceland” is available online through Glacies at https://doi.org/10.3390/glacies3010003.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix

Technology

Tecpinion Launches Sweepstakes Industry Analysis Report 2026, Covering Market Insights, Growth, Regulation, Technology and Industry Future

Published

10 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Tecpinion’s 2026 report examines U.S. sweepstakes growth, rules, technology and future scenarios.

MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Tecpinion, a GLI-19 iGaming platform provider delivering technology solutions across iGaming, sweepstakes, prediction markets and other digital gaming verticals, today announced the launch of its new industry report, “Sweepstakes Industry Analysis 2026: Market Dynamics, Trends & Forecast.”

Sweepstakes industry Report 2026 – Latest Insights into Market Growth, Regulation, Technology and the Future of the sweepstakes/social Industry

The report is designed not only to examine where the sweepstakes industry stands today, but also to share practical market insights and contribute to a more informed industry conversation as the sector continues to evolve.

The research provides a detailed assessment of the U.S. sweepstakes ecosystem, covering market structure, consumer behaviour, business economics, regulation, technology, payments, customer acquisition, competitive dynamics and the 2026–2030 outlook. It spans 16 analytical sections, five market segments and 12 U.S. states, supported by nine strategic exhibits and 21 primary, regulatory, standards and company sources.

As the industry moves from experimentation toward greater professionalisation, the report highlights a shift in competitive priorities. Launch speed alone is becoming less important as operators increasingly need to balance customer acquisition, retention, payment reliability, fraud prevention, promotional costs, regulatory requirements and consumer trust.

A Sneak Peek at the Report

One of the report’s key observations is that a single official market-size figure cannot accurately capture the sweepstakes industry. Different estimates can cover very different segments. Rather than presenting an unsupported headline number, the report takes a segmented, scenario-based approach to understanding the market.

The report identifies five key segments: promotional sweepstakes, social casino, sweepstakes casino, prize-based gaming and B2B sweepstakes technology.

Technology is also becoming a major competitive layer. Modern platforms increasingly depend on PAM, payments, identity and age verification, geolocation, fraud detection, CRM, analytics, game aggregation and security. The report also explores practical AI applications, including LTV prediction, churn analysis, player segmentation, fraud detection, forecasting and customer support.

Regulation remains another defining factor. The report assesses 12 U.S. states, examining regulatory attention and legislative activity while highlighting the importance of jurisdiction-specific analysis.

Looking ahead, the report presents four 2026–2030 scenarios – professionalisation, high growth, regulatory constraint and technology-driven growth, and explores how regulation, technology, payments, trust and customer economics could shape the industry’s next phase.

Knowledge Sharing at the Core

For Tecpinion, the report is also about sharing knowledge, not just presenting data.

“We believe the industry grows stronger when knowledge is shared. Sweepstakes is evolving quickly, and operators and technology providers are facing many of the same questions around regulation, technology, payments, customer acquisition, trust and long-term sustainability. By sharing our research and observations, we want to contribute to a more informed industry where businesses can learn from one another, innovate responsibly and build for the long term.” said [Manoj Trivedi, Co-Founder & CSMO, Tecpinion].

The publication forms part of Tecpinion’s broader commitment to industry research, thought leadership and knowledge sharing across the evolving digital gaming ecosystem.

Access the Full Report

The full “Sweepstakes Industry Analysis 2026: Market Dynamics, Trends & Forecast” is now available for operators, technology providers, affiliates, investors and industry professionals looking to understand the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the market.

👉 [Explore the Full Report]

About Tecpinion

Tecpinion is a GLI-19 iGaming platform provider delivering technology solutions across online casino, sportsbook, sweepstakes, prediction markets, social gaming and emerging gaming verticals. Its offerings include full source code, iGaming platform development, PAM, game aggregation, payment solutions, KYC, geolocation, fraud prevention, CRM, bonuses and promotions, affiliate management, analytics, responsible gaming, security and compliance technology.

Media Contact:

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Media Contact
Manoj Trivedi, TECPINION, 91 9926504499, sales@tecpinion.com, https://www.tecpinion.com/

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SOURCE TECPINION