Connect with us

Technology

National Park Foundation Invests Over $1M in Hands-On Learning Opportunities for Middle and High School Students

Published

on

Field Science grants support immersive education experiences built to engage middle and high school students using national parks as living classrooms and laboratories

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Park Foundation (NPF) is excited to announce that it has awarded more than $1 million in grants to support over 20 projects that will provide immersive science learning experiences for middle and high school students in parks across the country. NPF’s Field Science program encourages students to strengthen critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of STEM concepts, and put what they learn in the classroom into practice through classroom-aligned engagements, extended in-park experiences, out-of-school-time programs, and community involvement opportunities.

Developed in collaboration with parks, local schools, community centers, and science education programs, these projects encourage students to explore their environment, take a participatory role in science, and become park stewards. From observing and documenting local wildlife to conducting fieldwork alongside park scientists, these community-science projects and experiences give students opportunities to learn and apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills while building meaningful connections to parks.

Examples of projects funded for the 2026-27 school year include:

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park will expand its educational programming at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, encouraging students to explore the natural world through nature journaling and share what they discover through a gallery exhibit at their school.Ecologik Institute will connect students to Cabrillo National Monument to conduct fieldwork alongside park staff, contribute to habitat restoration projects, analyze data with scientist-mentors, and help develop solutions to challenges facing the park.Glacier Peak Institute will engage high school students at North Cascades National Park in a multi-part investigation of wildfire and the carbon cycle, combining classroom learning and field research to explore forest ecosystems and evaluate wildfire management strategies.Arizona Deserts National Parks Partnership will lead a collaborative effort to connect local middle and high school students to Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Memorial, and Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Up to 10 teachers will be trained to design and implement student-led, inquiry-based learning experiences and then conduct classroom sessions, distance learning, and visits to one or more participating parks with park staff and community partners.Oakland Unified School District will engage 6th-12th grade students at Point Reyes National Seashore through day trips and overnight excursions that build environmental literacy and scientific inquiry skills. These experiences are part of a broader, district-embedded model that ensures students engage in outdoor learning across multiple public lands and park systems throughout each grade level and over the course of their academic journey, building familiarity, confidence, and a lasting connection to nature year after year.Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument will invite high schoolers in the Las Vegas Valley to join National Park Service paleontologists, research geologists from the U.S. Geological Survey, and a selection of undergraduate students in the field as they work together to carefully excavate fossils, prepare them for safe transport, and collect important contextual information from the surrounding sediments.

View the full list of this year’s grantees here.

Notably, these projects are intended to encourage students — whether they’ve previously visited the park or not — to explore the environment in a new way, connect more deeply with scientific tools and content, and explore unique career paths. Connecting students with new experiences and career paths can broaden their sense of what is possible while bringing parks, educators, and community partners together around shared goals.

“The opportunities for learning in national parks are as varied as the parks themselves. These projects give middle and high schoolers the opportunity not just to ask questions, but to take part in the meaningful work that helps us all understand these special places better,” said NPF Chief Program Officer Mike Reynolds. “By investing in these experiences, we’re helping students see that careers in science and conservation can be paths they can pursue for themselves.”

NPF is proud to continue this work nationwide, made possible through the generous support of partners and donors, including Randi and Bob Fisher, American Airlines, Nature Valley, and many other supporters.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is the nation’s most trusted way for people to support America’s national parks. We work with the National Park Service and partners across the country to fund priority projects that keep parks strong, relevant, and accessible. This work helps ensure parks continue to inspire pride across the country and offer experiences that create meaningful connection. In 2025, NPF funded $100 million in on-the-ground priority projects nationwide, made possible through the generosity of donors, to advance critical work, including infrastructure, restoration, education, and access, ensuring parks continue to endure for generations to come. Learn more at nationalparks.org and follow NPF on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Editor’s note: For press interested in learning more about a Field Science project or scheduling a field visit, please contact the National Park Foundation media team at media@nationalparks.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-park-foundation-invests-over-1m-in-hands-on-learning-opportunities-for-middle-and-high-school-students-302908923.html

SOURCE National Park Foundation

Continue Reading

Technology

Forward Global builds out London litigation support practice with major industry hires

Published

on

By

LONDON, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forward Global has announced three senior appointments to its London Corporate Intelligence and Investigations practice, including two partners significantly expanding its litigation support offering in London. They collectively bring decades of experience at the highest levels of investigations, disputes and intelligence operations in EMEA and beyond.

The appointments add senior disputes and litigation investigations expertise to Forward Global’s wider capabilities in strategic communications, digital intelligence, cyber and risk advisory. The strengthened team will support law firms, corporates, investors and sovereign clients on sensitive, high-value and cross-border matters, from investigations and evidence development to asset tracing, recovery and dispute strategy.

Darren Matthews joins as Partner and Head of Litigation and Disputes Investigations in the UK. A forensic accountant and certified fraud examiner, he has more than 25 years’ experience leading complex cross-border investigations. He will lead the development of Forward Global’s UK litigation and disputes investigations capability, with a focus on fraud and corruption investigations, forensic accounting and data-driven and digital investigative techniques. He was previously Executive Managing Director and Regional Head of EMEA for K2 Integrity.

Frédéric Maendly joins as Partner, Litigation and Disputes Investigations, for the UK and Switzerland. A former Swiss federal investigator with deep roots across the Swiss financial and legal community, Frédéric brings an established network and investigative background that significantly strengthens Forward Global’s coverage across continental Europe and the wider EMEA region. Most recently, he was K2 Integrity’s Head of Geneva Office.

Christopher Morris joins as Managing Director and Head of EMEA Business Development, having previously held senior business development roles at two leading international investigation firms. Chris brings extensive experience building client relationships across the Middle East and international markets, with a strong track record in originating mandates across the full spectrum of intelligence and investigations work.

The three join an established London team with a strong track record across litigation support, asset tracing, corporate intelligence and geopolitical risk. Under Charles Carr’s leadership, the expanded practice offers clients a full-service investigations and intelligence capability across Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the CIS, Asia and Latin America.

The expanded investigations and disputes team will work closely with Matt Bell, who leads Forward Global’s disputes communications practice in London. Together, the teams support legal advisers and their clients through sensitive, high-profile and cross-border matters, combining investigations and intelligence with communications strategies designed to protect value, manage stakeholder scrutiny and support wider dispute objectives. They will also work with Dr Judith Jacob, who leads the Forward Global’s Geopolitical Risk and Security Intelligence practice.

Matthieu Creux, President, Forward Global, said, “Our clients want one firm that sees the whole picture, connecting intelligence, investigations, cyber, risk and communications. Investing in this capability and in the calibre of people who deliver it positions Forward Global to advise clients on the most complex threats they face, globally.”

Charles Carr, Partner, Head of UK Corporate Intelligence & Investigations, said “Darren, Frédéric and Chris are people I have worked alongside for the better part of twenty years. Bringing them together here gives our clients the language coverage, regional reach and investigative depth to handle their most sensitive matters, wherever those matters take us.”

The appointments further strengthen Forward Global’s ability to provide integrated investigation, intelligence and communications support to clients navigating complex disputes across jurisdictions.

Notes for Editors

Forward Global is an international group dedicated to anticipating, proactively managing risks, and effectively addressing crises and hostilities. With main offices in Paris, Brussels, London, New York, Miami, and Washington, the group brings together more than 450 professionals and around 90 Partners and Directors. Forward Global designs and delivers integrated services and solutions that combine strategic human expertise with advanced technological capabilities to manage reputational, informational, political, regulatory, digital, cyber, economic, and emerging technology risks.

Press contact: uk@forwardglobal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/forward-global-builds-out-london-litigation-support-practice-with-major-industry-hires-302908968.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Debthelper.com Local WPB nonprofit Receives 2026 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

Published

on

By

Debthelper.com wins Torch Award recognized by BBB Serving Southeast Florida & the Caribbean for its commitment to ethical business practices.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Credit Card Management Services, Inc., doing business as Debthelper.com, has been named a 2026 Winner of the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in the medium sized business category by BBB Serving Southeast Florida & the Caribbean.

“People often come to us during one of the most stressful financial periods of their lives, and that creates a tremendous responsibility,” For 30 years, Debthelper is here to help.

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics recognize businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate a commitment to ethical business practices and building trust with customers, employees and their communities.

For Debthelper, founded in 1996, the recognition comes as the nonprofit approaches three decades of providing consumer financial education, credit counseling, debt management and housing counseling services.

“People often come to us during one of the most stressful financial periods of their lives, and that creates a tremendous responsibility,” said Paul L. Donohue, Jr., President and Founder of Debthelper.com. “Our responsibility is to give consumers accurate information, explain their choices clearly and treat every person with dignity and respect. Receiving the 2026 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is meaningful because those principles have guided Debthelper since its beginning.”

Ethics Begins With Education

Debthelper incorporates ethics into its everyday operations, employee training and professional development.

Staff providing credit counseling are required to become certified, and continuing education includes at least one hour of ethics training biannually. Training reinforces ethical decision-making, regulatory compliance, transparency and the responsibilities involved in counseling consumers facing financial hardship.

Employees are also reminded that Debthelper’s reputation is earned one consumer at a time.

The nonprofit has accumulated thousands of consumer reviews across Google, BBB and Facebook, providing employees with a highly visible measure of how consumers perceive their service.

Debthelper clients have also submitted more than 100 video testimonials, among the largest collections in the credit counseling industry. These firsthand accounts provide another measure of accountability while allowing prospective consumers to hear directly from people who have used Debthelper’s services.

Creating a Culture of Trust

Debthelper works to create an environment in which employees are encouraged to communicate, contribute ideas and recognize excellence in one another.

The company conducts monthly communications meetings where employees receive updates, discuss issues and contribute ideas for improving operations and consumer service.

Employees can nominate coworkers for Above the Line Awards, recognizing colleagues who demonstrate exceptional effort, service and commitment to the company’s standards.

Debthelper also recognizes its employees through team lunches, happy hours and other employee rewards and activities. Professional education and certification provide additional opportunities for employees to develop their skills and advance their knowledge.

The goal is to create a workplace where employees understand that ethical service is everyone’s responsibility rather than solely a function of management or compliance.

Transparency With Consumers

Consumers who contact Debthelper may be facing credit card debt, housing difficulties, bankruptcy, credit concerns or other significant financial decisions.

That makes transparency particularly important.

Debthelper counselors are expected to explain available options, fees and potential outcomes clearly so consumers can make informed decisions. Counselors are encouraged to identify solutions based upon the consumer’s circumstances, including situations where another course of action may be more appropriate than enrolling in a Debthelper program.

This approach reflects a simple principle that has guided the nonprofit throughout its history: the consumer’s financial well-being should come before making a sale.

Taking Financial Education Into the Community

Debthelper’s commitment to financial education extends beyond consumers who contact the nonprofit directly.

Through its work with Community Action and Parks to Work, Debthelper helps provide practical financial education to underserved members of the community, including people experiencing homelessness who are working toward greater financial independence.

Debthelper has also worked to help prevent recidivism by educating incarcerated individuals about personal finance before reentry into the community. Financial education can address practical challenges individuals encounter after release by providing instruction in budgeting, credit, debt management and responsible financial decision-making.

Employees are encouraged to participate in community activities, while Debthelper contributes staff expertise, financial education, counseling and other in-kind resources to programs consistent with its nonprofit mission.

Nearly 30 Years of Financial Education

Founded in 1996, Credit Card Management Services, Inc. d/b/a Debthelper.com is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Debthelper provides debt management plans, credit and budget counseling, bankruptcy education, HUD housing counseling, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage counseling, first-time homebuyer education, credit education and other consumer financial education services.

The organization is a HUD-approved Multi-State Housing Counseling Organization and serves consumers across much of the United States.

“This award belongs to our employees,” Donohue said. “Ethics is demonstrated in thousands of individual decisions—how we explain something to a consumer, how we respond when someone has a problem, and whether we are willing to recommend what is right for that person. Our team makes those decisions every day.”

About Debthelper.com

Credit Card Management Services, Inc. d.b.a. Debthelper.com is an IRS Approved 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Florida Corporation founded in 1996 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Its mission is:

“Credit Card Management Services, Inc. d.b.a. Debthelper.com is an IRS Approved 501c3 Non-Profit Florida Corporation dedicated to its mission to educate, advise and empower youth to seniors to handle debt, credit and housing and to provide affordable housing opportunities through the acquisition and rehabilitation of residential properties.”

Media Contact

Annie Drapeau, Credit Card Management Services, Inc. d/b/a Debthelper.com, West Palm Beach, Florida, Debthelper.com, 1 5614728003 8003, community at debthelper dot com, annie@debthelper.com, https://www.debthelper.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/debthelpercom-local-wpb-nonprofit-receives-2026-bbb-torch-awards-for-ethics-302908886.html

SOURCE Debthelper.com

Continue Reading

Technology

Stuttering Foundation to Unveil 80th Anniversary Logo on International Stuttering Awareness Day

Published

on

By

Foundation begins a year of stories and resources honoring people who stutter

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On International Stuttering Awareness Day, the Stuttering Foundation will unveil a new logo marking its 80th anniversary in 2027 and announce plans to share stories, videos and resources throughout the coming year.

“People will see this logo alongside many new stories, videos, and resources over the coming year,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “It represents the voices that shaped the Foundation and the work still ahead of us.”

Fraser’s father, Malcolm Fraser, founded the organization in 1947 after experiencing firsthand how difficult it could be to find reliable information and help for stuttering. Today, the Foundation provides books, videos and other resources to people in more than 168 countries.

“My father wanted people who stutter to have a trusted place to turn,” Fraser said. “As we approach our 80th anniversary, our purpose is still to make sure each person finds the help they need.”

International Stuttering Awareness Day, observed each October 22, encourages public understanding and support for people who stutter. The Foundation asks people to make that awareness practical: give a person time to speak and listen without finishing their sentences.

“A teacher can give a student time to speak. A friend can resist finishing a sentence,” Fraser said. “Those small choices tell someone who stutters that their words matter.”

During its anniversary year, the Foundation plans to fulfill its longstanding role in the stuttering community: serving as “The World’s Most Trusted Resource on Stuttering.”

About the Stuttering Foundation

Malcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who struggled with stuttering, established the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947 and endowed it throughout his lifetime. The Foundation provides free online resources at StutteringHelp.org for people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stuttering-foundation-to-unveil-80th-anniversary-logo-on-international-stuttering-awareness-day-302908832.html

SOURCE The Stuttering Foundation

Continue Reading

Trending