More than 100 RRT volunteers served thousands of meals, snacks and refreshments at National Night Out events helping strengthen community connections

JOPPA, Md., Aug. 18, 2026 /CNW/ — The Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, joined communities across North America to celebrate National Night Out, providing food, refreshments and volunteer support at local events designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Held annually in communities across North America, the event brings neighbors and law enforcement together through block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, youth activities and other community events.

 “Whether we were serving a full meal or simply offering a drink and a friendly conversation, it was a privilege to support the officers and community members who make these neighborhoods stronger,” said Wes Macdonald, RRT North America Operations Manager. “Our volunteers, who live, work and worship in these communities, were honored to play a part in creating these moments of connection.”

In dozens of communities across the country–including Chicago, Stamford, San Francisco, Des Moines, Warren, New Jersey, Gahanna, Ohio, and Marple Township, Pennsylvania–RRT volunteers came alongside local law enforcement, community leaders and residents to help create welcoming environments where neighbors could connect with the officers who serve them.

More than 100 RRT volunteers supported National Night Out gatherings by providing thousands of snacks and drinks to preparing and serving more than 6,000 meals to community members and law enforcement officers.

About Rapid Relief Team (RRT): RRT is a global network of over 16,500 volunteers who assist emergency services during disasters and crises by providing meals and other forms of support. Established in 2013 by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), RRT is dedicated to showing kindness through its actions, embodying the PBCC values of care, compassion, and community support in times of need. To contribute to RRT’s mission, visit their website.

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SOURCE Rapid Relief Team

Among 5,419 respondents, responsible use was the top learning topic at 52%, while 59% want real examples from their field, priorities that align with the University’s existing academic AI framework for responsible, applied learning.

PHOENIX, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into learning and work, a new University of Phoenix survey of students suggests that AI readiness requires more than knowing how to access or operate a tool. The findings point to AI readiness that extends beyond tool use to responsible use, accuracy, citation, real-world application and human judgment.

The Spring 2026 AI Student Survey received 5,419 submitted surveys from students enrolled in selected course sections across the University’s colleges. Seventy-eight percent of respondents report using at least one AI tool, showing that AI is already part of many students’ lives. Their learning priorities, however, extend beyond tool familiarity: 52% want to learn more about using AI responsibly for coursework, 48% want to learn how to cite AI tools and 41% want to learn how to evaluate accuracy and avoid misinformation.

The findings indicate student priorities that align with University of Phoenix’s academic AI pillars, a three-part framework established earlier this year to embed practical AI knowledge and responsible-use habits across degree programs, learning experiences and academic practices.

“AI readiness isn’t measured by how quickly someone can get an answer from a tool. It is demonstrated by whether a learner can evaluate that answer, understand its limitations, use it responsibly and know when their own judgment must lead,” said John Woods, PhD, provost and chief academic officer at University of Phoenix. “Our students are prioritizing clear academic expectations, opportunities to practice and field-relevant examples — priorities that closely align with our academic AI pillars and the kind of AI literacy higher education needs to help learners build with AI now being part of both learning and work.”

What do students say AI readiness requires?

When students were asked what AI topics or skills they would like to learn more about, their priorities emphasized responsible decision-making alongside practical proficiency:

52% selected using AI responsibly for coursework48% selected how to cite AI tools41% selected how to evaluate accuracy and avoid misinformation32% selected AI risks and limitations27% selected AI for career readiness24% selected prompting techniques

The findings suggest students want more than tool proficiency or prompting; they also want a stronger understanding about responsible use, citation, accuracy and AI’s risks and limitations.

How can AI support learning without replacing student thinking?

Students’ open-ended responses add context to the responsible-use findings. Comments addressed the validity and accuracy of AI-generated information, ethical use, preserving authentic work and personal voice, and maintaining human skills such as critical thinking, learning and writing — reinforcing that effective AI use also requires knowing when human thinking remains essential. Examples of comments from the survey include:

“I have never really considered using AI tools before…However, I am open to learning and understanding how AI tools can be used responsibly, especially in an educational setting.””I would include a step-by-step guide.” “More interactive, hands-on learning tools such as simulations and real-world practice scenarios.””As a Business and Healthcare Administration student who also works in…business intelligence, I would benefit from real examples showing how to use AI ethically for research, data analysis, and professional documentation.”

Students want to see, practice and evaluate AI in real-world contexts

Students provided a clear picture of how applied AI learning can support readiness. When asked what would help them feel more prepared to use AI in their career field and program coursework:

59% selected real examples from their field51% selected step-by-step demonstrations43% selected tutorials on industry-specific AI tools40% selected hands-on assignments with workplace scenarios31% selected opportunities to practice prompting or evaluating AI output

Together, the findings point to an applied learning sequence: show learners how AI is used, model the process, provide opportunities to practice and build judgment by evaluating the result.

Student priorities align with University of Phoenix academic AI pillars

University of Phoenix established its academic AI pillars in February 2026 as a three-part framework for helping working adult learners develop practical AI knowledge and responsible-use habits that translate across academic and workplace contexts:

Pillar 1: Embed AI into programs and course content.Pillar 2: Leverage AI tools to enhance the learning experience.Pillar 3: Weave AI into processes, policies and workflows.

While the framework predates the Spring 2026 student survey, the new findings provide an additional student-informed lens on many of the dimensions the pillars are designed to address.

How does the Center for AI Resources support responsible AI readiness?

The Center for AI Resources serves as the student-facing component of the University’s broader AI academic approach, providing a central pathway to guidance on responsible, safe and effective AI use. Student responses show strong expectations for that kind of support. When asked what they would expect to find in the Center:

87% selected how to use AI responsibly in coursework80% selected what the University considers acceptable AI use, including policies, expectations and examples69% selected how to check AI output for accuracy and avoid misinformation56% selected career examples showing how AI is used in their field

The responses indicate that students are seeking responsible-use standards, academic clarity, accuracy verification and career relevance. The findings can inform continued planning for the Center, discipline- and field-specific examples and resources supporting students at different stages of AI readiness.

Together, the University’s academic framework and the new student evidence point toward an approach to AI readiness that pairs practical skill-building with responsible use, critical evaluation and human judgment.

About the University of Phoenix AI Student Survey

The Spring 2026 AI Student Survey was deployed in selected course sections across University of Phoenix colleges to understand how students are using AI and what they need to use it responsibly and effectively in academic and professional settings. The survey was designed to identify broad student patterns and inform student support, curriculum conversations, college-level planning and continued development of AI learning resources.

Survey links were embedded within selected courses and aligned to a small course-point value. Participation also included an opportunity to enter a drawing for one of five $100 Amazon e-gift cards. No individual survey question was required.

Among 9,315 students enrolled in the selected course sections, 5,419 submitted surveys, resulting in a 58% response rate. Because questions were optional, response totals and denominators vary by question. The survey generated 9,890 coded comments across its open-response areas.

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

BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aventia, a nationally recognized environmental and infrastructure services firm and Bernhard Capital Partners (“Bernhard”) portfolio company, today announced the acquisition of Bryant Hammett & Associates (“BHA”), a civil engineering, land surveying and hazard mitigation firm based in Louisiana.

For more than four decades, BHA has served government agencies and private clients throughout Central and Gulf South Louisiana, operating offices in Ferriday, Harahan, Belle Chasse and Baton Rouge. With teams of engineers, surveyors and mitigation specialists, BHA delivers comprehensive infrastructure services across public works, community development and disaster resilience projects.

With this acquisition, Aventia — launched by Bernhard in July 2022 — continues to grow its nationwide footprint and to strengthen its engineering, environmental and infrastructure capabilities. The firm employs more than 400 professionals providing consulting, field services and technology solutions to public and private sector clients in over 40 states.

“Since 1984, BHA has established itself as a trusted partner for Louisiana’s infrastructure and disaster resilience work,” said Dirk Applegate, Chief Executive Officer of Aventia. “Their public sector relationships and technical experience complement our portfolio perfectly, and we’re thrilled to welcome their talented team to Aventia. Together, our clients across the country now have access to a more comprehensive suite of environmental and infrastructure solutions.”

“We’ve earned our reputation by delivering quality engineering, surveying and construction management work and staying committed to the communities we serve,” said Bryant Hammett Jr., sole proprietor and manager of BHA. “This partnership with Aventia expands what we’re able to do while preserving the personalized attention that’s always set us apart, and we’re looking forward to growing alongside the Aventia team.”

“We launched Aventia to be a nationwide environmental consulting leader, helping clients address critical mitigation and resilience work. BHA represents a strong strategic fit that expands this mission,” said Chris Dillon, Partner at Bernhard. “BHA’s regional reputation and technical depth create meaningful momentum as Aventia continues building its national platform, serving communities across the country.”

To learn more about Aventia’s work creating healthier, more sustainable communities, visit aventiaenv.com.

About Aventia

Aventia is a nationally recognized environmental firm delivering comprehensive consulting, field services and technology-driven solutions to public and private sector clients in more than 40 states. As a Bernhard Capital Partners portfolio company with over 400 team members, Aventia helps clients navigate complex environmental regulations, implement sustainable solutions and create healthier communities through collaborative partnerships. For more information, visit aventiaenv.com.

About Bernhard Capital Partners

Bernhard Capital Partners is a private markets investment firm focused on building market-leading infrastructure services and asset platforms across essential sectors. With more than $6 billion in assets under management, the firm invests in complex, expansive and often regulated markets characterized by durable demand. Bernhard applies a disciplined, thematic investment strategy, paired with deep sector expertise and operational experience, to enhance performance, scale platforms and support long-term growth. Bernhard’s specialized approach is designed to perform across market cycles, delivering consistent outcomes for investors, partners and communities served across the portfolio. For more information, visit bernhardcapital.com.

About Bryant Hammett & Associates

Bryant Hammett & Associates is a civil engineering and land surveying firm established in 1984 serving Central and Gulf South Louisiana. The company specializes in critical infrastructure and hazard mitigation services, working with government and private sector clients across four regional offices. For more information, visit bha-engineers.com.

Media Contact

Bernhard Capital Partners
Prosek Partners for Bernhard Capital Partners
pro-Bernhard@prosek.com

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SOURCE Bernhard Capital Partners