New and expanded certificates cover AI Business Management, AI Business Technology, and AI Medical Billing and Coding

SAN DIEGO, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ICOHS College has expanded its artificial intelligence programs with three certificates that build AI fluency into business operations, business technology, and healthcare administration.

The nonprofit San Diego institution grew its AI business offerings and, for the first time, extended AI training into healthcare. The three certificates — AI Business Management, AI Business Technology, and AI Medical Billing and Coding, are all available online nationwide or hybrid on campus, and all three already rank among the college’s fastest-growing programs.

“AI now shows up as a required or preferred skill in job postings across nearly every field we train for, from business operations to healthcare administration,” said Kieu L. Vo, Executive Director at ICOHS College. “These programs exist because the market changed. Employers want AI fluency alongside the core skills our students already come here to build, and we’re giving them a direct path to that combination.”

Three programs, three corners of the market

Each certificate targets a distinct slice of employer demand.

AI Business Management prepares professionals to lead AI-driven initiatives and make data-informed decisions — no coding background required. It leads to certifications including Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals, CompTIA Project+, Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner, Certification in Business Data Analytics (IIBA®-CBDA), and Project Management Professional (PMP).

AI Business Technology trains workers to put AI tools to work day to day, using platforms like Microsoft Azure and Power BI to support business operations. It leads to certifications including CompTIA Tech+, Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate, and CertNexus AIBIZ.

AI Medical Billing and Coding answers a shift already underway across hospitals, insurers, and billing firms adopting AI-assisted coding platforms — and needing coders who can work alongside them. Students train in ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems and prepare for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. 

All three programs require no prior AI or technical experience. Financial aid — including federal aid (FAFSA®), Cal Grant, institutional scholarships, and veteran and military education benefits — is available to those who qualify. 

To learn more about ICOHS College’s AI programs, visit www.icohs.edu.

About ICOHS College
ICOHS College is a nonprofit, accredited institution based in San Diego, California, offering career-focused programs in Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Health & Wellness, and Medical Billing and Coding. Guided by its mission of faith, service, and expanding access to education, ICOHS is committed to empowering students with the skills and support needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

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SOURCE ICOHS College

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors will meet Friday, August 7 in an open session at Postal Service headquarters, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, D.C. The public is welcome to attend the meeting, which begins at 3 p.m. ET in the Benjamin Franklin Room.

The board’s expected agenda is:

Call to order and opening remarks from the chairwomanRemarks from the postmaster general and CEOCommittee reportsQuarterly financial reportQuarterly service performance reportApproval of the meeting minutesApproval of the tentative agenda for the November open meetingAdjournment

Open session meetings of the USPS Board of Governors are available on live audio webcasts at https://about.usps.com/who/leadership/board-governors/#sessions. Three hours after the conclusion of the open session meeting, a recorded audio file will be available for listening. In compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the audio webcast will be open-captioned.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Contact: David Walton
david.walton@usps.gov
usps.com/news

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SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

Independent Education Group helps families navigate every stage of the educational journey through personalized strategy, advocacy and year-round guidance

BOSTON, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The back-to-school season is just around the corner, which means millions of parents are making school decisions. Gone are the days when children simply attend the school assigned by their address. Today, families have more educational choices than ever before, from public and charter schools to private schools, specialized programs and homeschooling. With so many options available, selecting the right educational path has become one of the most important decisions a family will make.

“Choosing a school is not just about where a child will spend the next year. It is about shaping their future,” says Michelle Smith, Founder and Chief Education Strategist of Independent Education Group. “Families do not just need help finding a school. They need a trusted education advisor who understands their child’s goals, advocates for their needs and helps them make thoughtful decisions throughout every stage of the educational journey.”

As a nationally recognized education strategist, Smith works with families across the country not only during the admissions process, but throughout a student’s educational journey. Independent Education Group provides personalized educational planning, helping families navigate transitions, identify opportunities, overcome challenges and build long term strategies that support each child’s academic, social and personal growth.

With so many options available beyond neighborhood public schools, families may choose charter schools, independent schools, specialized academic programs, faith based education or homeschooling. Others simply are not aware of the opportunities available to them or believe their choices are limited by geography or finances. Regardless of a family’s goals, there are often more educational options within reach than they realize.

According to the Pew Research Center, traditional public schools tend to be larger than any other type, charter school teachers are the most racially and ethnically diverse, and private school teachers tend to be slightly older and have more experience than teachers in charter schools. Understanding these differences, as well as each school’s culture, academic approach, support services and opportunities, is critical when determining the best educational fit for a child.

Rather than simply helping families choose a school, Smith’s work is built around five foundational pillars that provide year-round support:

The Five Pillars of Educational Success

Vision: Developing a personalized educational vision that reflects each student’s strengths, interests and long-term goals.

Strategy: Creating a customized road map that helps families confidently navigate every educational milestone.

Guidance: Providing ongoing support through regular touch points, educational workshops, planning sessions and trusted advice throughout the year.

Advocacy: Helping families navigate challenges, transitions and important educational decisions while ensuring every child’s needs remain the priority.

Opportunity: Identifying educational pathways, scholarships, specialized programs and opportunities many families may not know exist.

Here are additional things every parent should know when navigating the school selection process:

There are more options than many families realize. Parents are not limited to choosing between their neighborhood public school and homeschooling. Exploring all available educational opportunities can open doors that better fit a child’s needs.Learning styles matter. Understanding a child’s personality, strengths, interests and learning style is essential when selecting the right educational environment. Students are more likely to thrive when they are in a setting that complements how they learn best.The right fit makes a lasting difference. School culture, teaching philosophy, support systems, extracurricular opportunities and academic expectations all contribute to a child’s confidence, growth and long-term success. Thoughtful educational decisions today can influence opportunities for years to come.Affordability should not be a barrier. Many families assume private education is financially out of reach. However, scholarships, tuition assistance, tax benefits and other financial opportunities may make additional options more accessible than they expect.Families do not have to navigate it alone. Working with an experienced education strategist can help parents avoid costly mistakes, uncover opportunities and make informed decisions with greater confidence.

“Families deserve more than admissions assistance. They deserve a trusted partner who helps them make thoughtful educational decisions year after year,” said Smith. “Education is one of the most important investments a family will ever make, and having an experienced strategist by your side will make all the difference in helping a child reach their fullest potential.”

Smith has spent more than 20 years serving as a dean of students, principal, head of school and educational leader. Today, she serves families nationwide as a trusted education strategist, providing personalized guidance that extends well beyond school admissions. From early educational planning and school transitions to academic coaching, college preparation, parent advising and student advocacy, she helps families skillfully navigate every stage of a child’s educational journey. Her purpose is to empower families to make thoughtful, informed educational decisions that unlock each student’s fullest potential. For more information, visit https://www.independenteducationgroup.com/.

About Independent Education Group

Founded by veteran educator Michelle Smith, Independent Education Group is a national educational advisory firm dedicated to helping families navigate every stage of the educational journey with confidence. Serving as a family’s trusted educational advisory firm, Independent Education Group provides personalized educational strategy, advocacy, academic guidance, parent coaching and year-round support that extends far beyond school admissions. Built on five guiding pillars of Vision, Strategy, Guidance, Advocacy and Opportunity, the firm partners with families to help students thrive academically, socially and personally while making thoughtful educational decisions from childhood through college. Guided by the belief that every child deserves an educational journey designed with purpose, guided by expertise and supported with unwavering advocacy, Independent Education Group helps families build futures with confidence and lasting impact. To get more information about the services, visit the site at: https://www.independenteducationgroup.com/ 

Sources:

Pew Research Center. U.S. public, private and charter schools in 5 charts. June 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/06/06/us-public-private-and-charter-schools-in-5-charts/

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SOURCE Independent Education Group