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IWSI America Partners with the USDA Forest Service to Develop Nationwide Apprenticeship Program

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New Forestry Technician Apprenticeship Initiative to Address Workforce Gaps and Provide Career Pathways for Diverse Communities

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Workforce development organization Institute for Workplace Skills & Innovation America (IWSI) today announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to design and launch a national apprenticeship program.

“We seek to recruit new talent and develop a skilled, dedicated workforce ready to meet the distinct challenges of forest management,” said Dr. Amy Firestone, National Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Leader at the Forest Service.

The collaborative initiative, which will focus on forestry technician roles, is intended to offer innovative career opportunities to underrepresented and marginalized communities, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of forest management across the United States. This apprenticeship program is a key part of the Forest Service’s strategy to meet current and future staffing needs. The partnership with IWSI, which specializes in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs for government organizations, nonprofits and corporations of all sizes, underscores the importance of apprenticeships in providing skilled talent for critical roles, particularly in forestry and conservation.

Addressing Workforce Needs Across the Nation:

The Forest Service’s forestry technician position is vital to the agency’s operations, with roughly 3,000 employees annually filling these roles across the country. However, the position has a turnover rate of approximately 10% each year, creating a consistent need for new recruits.

“Forestry technicians are in high demand, and they play a crucial role within our agency,” said Dr. Amy Firestone, National Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Leader at the Forest Service. “By collaborating with IWSI America to introduce a new apprenticeship program, we seek to recruit new talent and develop a skilled, dedicated workforce ready to meet the distinct challenges of forest management.

A Comprehensive Pathway for Career Growth:

The apprenticeship aims to prepare participants for multifaceted careers in environmental stewardship, public land management, and conservation. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience and the training needed to excel as forestry technicians, with opportunities for advancement within the Forest Service and beyond.

“This program will not only address immediate workforce needs but also create a long-term pathway for individuals interested in a career in forestry,” said Deborah Williamson, Vice President, IWSI America. “We are excited to partner with the Forest Service to design a program that opens doors to individuals from diverse backgrounds and helps them build fulfilling careers while contributing to the sustainability of our nation’s forests.”

The program will also prioritize recruiting participants from underserved communities and those with limited access to employment opportunities. The Forest Service plans to launch pilot programs in multiple states by late 2025, partnering with local organizations to ensure that the program reflects the needs of each community.

Building on a Legacy of Apprenticeship Success:

This new initiative builds on the Forest Service’s longstanding success with apprenticeships, most notably its wildland firefighter apprenticeship program, which has been in operation since 1989. The wildland firefighter program, which hires approximately 300 new apprentices each year, has proven effective in reducing turnover and increasing productivity. The Forest Service believes that the same mentorship and support systems that have been successful in firefighting can be adapted to the forestry technician role, ensuring greater retention and career growth.

“We’ve seen firsthand the impact that apprenticeships can have on employee stability and job satisfaction,” Firestone explained. “By providing clear pathways for advancement and ongoing support, apprenticeships have become a cornerstone of workforce development within the Forest Service.”

A National Model for the Future:

The Forest Service and IWSI are working to have the program developed and registered with the U.S. Department of Labor by Q4 2025, with the goal of employing its first paid apprentices by 2026. By creating this program, the Forest Service and IWSI America are not only addressing critical workforce gaps but also providing new opportunities for individuals to enter careers that contribute to environmental sustainability and public service. The apprenticeship program will help build a diverse and skilled workforce that will be essential to managing and protecting the nation’s forests for generations to come.

About IWSI America:

IWSI America is a workforce development organization that collaborates with enterprising businesses, nonprofits and governments on growing pipelines of talent to meet dynamic workforce needs. Learn more at https://www.iwsiamerica.org/

About the USDA Forest Service:

The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

Media Contact

Alex Rush, IWSI America, 1 7186643517, arush@rosengrouppr.com, https://www.iwsiamerica.org/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/iwsi-america-partners-with-the-usda-forest-service-to-develop-nationwide-apprenticeship-program-302326329.html

SOURCE IWSI America

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AKEEYO to Showcase 711Air, 750S and H2 Ride Cameras at EICMA 2026

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51 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AKEEYO, a brand dedicated to dash cams and ride cameras, will exhibit at EICMA 2026, November 3–8 at Fiera Milano Rho, Italy. At Hall 24, Booth B67, the brand will showcase the 710Lite, 730Pro, 750Lite, 750S, 711Air and H2, spanning lightweight recording, 4K image quality and helmet-view capture.

711Air Makes Everyday Recording Simple

Weighing just 80g, the new 711Air adds minimal weight to a helmet, while its 1800mAh battery supports 8–10 hours of recording. One-touch quick recording, with vibration feedback confirming power on/off and recording start/stop, means riders never need to look at the camera. It also offers up to 36 hours of Always On Video (AOV) monitoring, plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, app connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

750S Captures the Road in True 4K HDR

The 750S combines true 4K HDR recording with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for detailed, steadier riding footage. Dual-band Wi-Fi supports stable connections and efficient video transfers, while app access and OTA firmware updates simplify video management and keep the camera up to date. It is designed for touring riders, cyclists and anyone seeking high-quality recordings.

H2 Records from the Rider’s Perspective

Designed for helmet-view recording, the H2 features dual 1080p cameras that capture two perspectives at once, along with 8–10 hours of runtime and a 3-second quick-release mount. Its lightweight, easy-to-use design suits daily rides and longer motorcycle journeys.

Also on display are the AKY-730Pro 4K touchscreen camera, the ultra-compact AKY-710Lite and the endurance-focused 750Lite.

Visit AKEEYO at EICMA 2026

Dates: November 3–8, 2026
Booth: Hall 24 • Booth B67
Venue: Fiera Milano Rho
Address: Strada Statale del Sempione 28, 20017 Rho (MI), Italy

For AKEEYO, EICMA 2026 is the right stage to introduce the 711Air to riders, media and the global two-wheeler industry. Visitors can handle the 80g body and try one-touch recording in person, and dealers and distributors interested in partnering with AKEEYO are welcome to fill out the inquiry form.

About AKEEYO

AKEEYO designs dash cams and ride cameras for cars, motorcycles and bicycles, helping users record the road and relive their journeys.

Website: www.akeeyo.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/akeeyo-to-showcase-711air-750s-and-h2-ride-cameras-at-eicma-2026-302917716.html

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For A Bright Future Foundation Launches NextGen Finance Lab Across Manhattan High School District, New York

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52 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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District-wide rollout brings project-based financial literacy and professional mentorship to Manhattan’s 50 public high schools, building on a successful pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future (“For A Bright Future,” “FABF”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity for underserved youth, today announced the district-wide expansion of its NextGen Finance Lab program into the Manhattan High School District. In partnership with the Manhattan High School District Team, under the supervision of Superintendent Gary Beidleman, FABF will launch the program’s first cohort of 8 high schools this fall, with plans to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to additional Manhattan high schools in the semesters that follow as part of a phased, district-wide rollout.

“At Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, we saw firsthand what this program can do. Our students left Pitch Like A Dragon more confident, more articulate, and more prepared to manage their own financial futures than I’ve seen from any other initiative we’ve run. I’m proud that the model our students and teachers helped build is now reaching classrooms across Manhattan,” said Manuel A. Ureña, Principal, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School.

The NextGen Finance Lab is a project-based financial literacy program that integrates the Dave Ramsey Financial Literacy curriculum with FABF’s FinTech mentorship ecosystem. Throughout the program, students build core skills in budgeting, saving, debt elimination, investing, and entrepreneurship, while working directly with FinTech industry professionals who share real-world perspective on banking, digital wallets, investing, and career pathways in financial technology. The program culminates in “Pitch Like A Dragon,” a school-level and district-level competition in which student teams pitch original business and FinTech concepts to a panel of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and New York City business professionals, with scholarship awards presented to top teams.

“This expansion is proof of what’s possible when a nonprofit, a school district, and industry partners commit to the same goal. Everything we’re scaling today started as a pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, where educators and students helped shape the curriculum and the ‘Pitch Like A Dragon’ event structure now being adopted by seven more schools this fall. That’s how one school’s success becomes a lasting pathway for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, For A Bright Future Foundation.”This expansion demonstrates the collective impact achievable through aligned partnerships. The model shaped at  Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) High School now serves as a lasting foundation for advancing financial literacy for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, FABF. The success at JKO High School, now fueling district‑wide deployment, was strengthened by the guidance of FABF’s Consultant in Academic Affairs and former Senior Deputy Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education, whose deep expertise helped shape a program adaptable to each school’s unique vision and academic priorities.

FABF and the Manhattan High School District Team have confirmed the following schools for the initial launch cohort:

Leadership and Public Service High SchoolJacqueline Kennedy Onassis High SchoolHigh School for Law and Public ServiceMurry Bergtraum High School for Business CareersHigh School of Fashion IndustriesHudson High School of Learning TechnologiesMott Hall High School: Finance Lab ProgramFood and Finance High School

FABF’s long-term goal is to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to all 50 high schools in the Manhattan District, expanding in phased cohorts over the coming semesters.

“As someone who spent a career in financial services, I know how much of a difference it makes when young people are exposed to these concepts early. This program doesn’t just teach students about money; it gives them the confidence to pitch real ideas, take feedback, and think like entrepreneurs,” said Benson Porter, Program Chairman, NextGen Finance Lab, FABF.

About For A Bright Future Foundation

Louis Hernandez Jr’s Foundation For A Bright Future is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that empowers underserved youth with equitable access to education, technology, financial capability, and wellness. We help students develop future‑ready skills that unlock lifelong opportunity and support thriving global communities. Learn more at www.fabff.org. 

FABF operates programs nationwide, including the NextGen Finance Lab, the NextGen Media Creators Lab, the merit- and need-based scholarships, and youth leadership development, working directly with schools, districts, and industry leaders to bridge opportunity gaps for the next generation.

Media Contact
Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs
For A Bright Future Foundation
gmr@forabrightfuturefoundation.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/for-a-bright-future-foundation-launches-nextgen-finance-lab-across-manhattan-high-school-district-new-york-302917838.html

SOURCE Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future

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VOICEBUDS, A QUIETER WAY TO WORK WITH VOICE, NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY SHIPPING

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52 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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Voicebuds reinvent earbuds for personal voice computing, even below a whisper

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Subtle announced today that Voicebuds, its award-winning private voice computing device, is available to ship in time for the 2026 holiday season, with customers ordering by December 10th receiving their devices by December 24th.

Since Voicebuds were unveiled in January, AI voice dictation has surged in popularity, but the fundamental problems with voice input remain unsolved. Dictating aloud is awkward in open offices, offers little privacy in public spaces, and remains unreliable when others are speaking nearby.

With Voicebuds, Subtle has reinvented the earbud as a private voice interface that works even at a whisper. The device combines Subtle’s breakthrough voice isolation technology with an AI voice computing app for iPhone and Mac, enabling discreet, reliable voice computing in the places where people actually live and work. Voicebuds serve as both premium everyday earbuds for music and calls, and a personal computing device for voice dictation and AI. They are designed for voice productivity in crowded commutes, quiet libraries, noisy cafes, and shared spaces where traditional voice tools have always failed.

“It’s been inspiring to hear from our beta testers using Voicebuds to prompt AI in shared offices without booking a quiet booth, dictate on planes without bothering their seatmates, and take calls amid the noise and bustle of their daily lives,” said Tyler Chen, cofounder and CEO of Subtle. “We’re incredibly excited to put Voicebuds in the hands of all of our customers just in time for the holidays and hear what new use cases they come up with.”

In Subtle’s internal testing across real-world noise environments, Voicebuds delivered up to 5X fewer transcription errors than AirPods Pro 3 combined with leading AI dictation software.

Voicebuds offer:

Subtle voice dictation: Write with voice in any app on iPhone and Mac, without being overheard.Voice notes: Capture thoughts and ideas instantly, and access them across multiple devices.Contextual AI chat: Brainstorm with an AI assistant, without being overheard.Music and calls: Everyday listening, noise cancellation, multipair connectivity and clear calls.

For holiday shoppers, Voicebuds replace multiple devices and apps as a single product for listening, communication, and voice computing that finally works in the real world.

Voicebuds are available starting today for $249 in either Parchment White or Ink Black. Voicebuds ship with a 1-year membership to the Subtle app for iPhone and Mac, providing a complete voice productivity experience across dictation, contextual AI chat, and cross-device voice notes. After year one, users can continue the full Subtle Pro membership for $17 per month, or switch to the free tier anytime with full earbud functionality and limited AI usage.

Customers can order now at subtle.co.

About Subtle

Subtle is pioneering personal voice computing technology, designed to make voice the most effective, trusted interface anywhere. Its machine learning technology powers consumer hardware for whispered, private, and noise-resilient voice AI that works in real-world environments. Founded by Stanford engineers and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Subtle is supported by funding from Entrada Ventures, Amplify Partners, Abstract Ventures, and founders of Twitter, Pinterest, and Perplexity. Learn more at subtle.co.

Media Contact

press@subtle.co

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/voicebuds-a-quieter-way-to-work-with-voice-now-available-for-holiday-shipping-302919030.html

SOURCE Subtle Computing

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