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Stralto Makes Civic Hall at Union Square its Global Headquarters

Stralto Makes Civic Hall at Union Square its Global Headquarters

NEW YORK, NY [April 18,2024]—Yesterday, at a packed event, Civic Hall announced that Stralto, a leading technology company that delivers custom-built enterprise applications and solutions for companies in growth mode, is making Civic Hall’s Union Street location its global headquarters. Stralto provides cloud transformation, data, enterprise applications services as well as project implementation and analysis to companies and governments across the United States.  

 

As the leading hub for innovation and training in New York’s tech ecosystem, Civic Hall is the ideal setting for Stralto’s expansion. Stralto will leverage Civic Hall’s vibrant ecosystem of professionals, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to drive positive impact for its clients and foster breakthrough solutions.

 

“Civic Hall is a place where innovative organizations come together to collaborate, share ideas, and make a positive impact and we a delighted Stralto is making Civic Hall its global home,” Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education, The Fedcap Group—the parent organization of Civic Hall. Stralto’s membership at Civic Hall reinforces the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for companies dedicated to advancing technology and civic solutions.” 

 

“We are excited to announce Civic Hall as the new headquarters for Stralto, marking a significant step in our journey. This decision underscores our dedication to fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and engaging with our community. The vibrant atmosphere of Civic Hall perfectly complements our core principles and ambitions, and we eagerly anticipate contributing to and benefiting from this flourishing community,” said Girish Chhugani, CEO of Stralto.

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and NYC’s diverse employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit www.civichall.org. 

 

ABOUT STRALTO 

Founded in 2018, Stralto, a certified minority-owned emerging small business in New York State and City, excels in delivering innovative technology solutions designed for state and local governments in New York City and across the nation. Leveraging the reliable and scalable platforms of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Apps, Stralto aims to transform the way state and local governments offer services. Our company’s mission is to streamline service delivery by integrating every facet of these processes with our advanced solutions, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and repeatability. Our commitment is to ensure that every investment in our technology yields substantial benefits. Stralto boasts extensive experience collaborating with government entities of various sizes. For more information, please visit our website at www.stralto.com.

 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Josh Vlasto, for The Fedcap Group/Civic Hall (josh@joshvlasto.com) 

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CIVIC HALL AND STARTED LAUNCH EDTECH HUB AT CIVIC HALL’S STATE-OF-THE-ART CENTER AT UNION SQUARE

CIVIC HALL AND STARTED LAUNCH EDTECH HUB AT CIVIC HALL’S STATE-OF-THE-ART CENTER AT UNION SQUARE

 

New York, NY – [March 25, 2024] –Civic Hall and StartEd have launched a new strategic partnership to launch The EdTech Hub, a dynamic space at Civic Hall at Union Square dedicated to fostering education-related entrepreneurialism and innovation.

 

StartEd will deliver programming year-round at Civic Hall to build the strongest EdTech network of opportunity in the nation, via Meetups, Think Tanks, and Shark Tanks that bring together diverse senior leadership to discuss and tackle key issues in the learning and workforce ecosystem. The partnership establishes Civic Hall as the physical home of a persistent education innovation community that attracts and develops early to mid-stage companies and not-for-profits.

 

Civic Hall will become the new home of StartEd’s EDTECH WEEK™ (www.edtechweek.com), the Global Education Innovation Festival in New York, back for its 10th year on October 8-10, 2024. StartEd’s EDTECH WEEK™ brings together every stakeholder in the education and workforce innovation community to learn from and meet with the best and brightest in the industry. The festival features Broadway performers, diverse thought leaders, and a unique combination of intimate experiences across the city designed to bring us even closer together than we had thought possible.

 

“Our new EdTech Hub will attract top talent and foster collaboration among industry leaders, startups, and organizations dedicated to shaping the future of education,” said Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education, The Fedcap Group—the parent organization of Civic Hall. “Together with the world’s leading EdTech network, StartEd, Civic Hall at Union Square will be the nexus for education and workforce innovation in New York.”

 

“Our work, deeply rooted in New York City’s vibrant tech ecosystem, has consistently provided a fertile ground for the necessary stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and scale,” said Ash Kaluarachch, CEO at StartEd and Producer of EDTECH WEEK. “For a decade, this nexus for entrepreneurs, educators, and investors focused on shaping the future of education and work. Our partnership with Civic Hall promises to further this legacy.”

 

StartEd’s program at Civic Hall kicks off in Q2 2024. Sign up for the newsletter to learn how to get started.

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact organizations, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and New York’s employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org. 

 

ABOUT STARTED

StartEd attracts and develops early to mid-stage companies that solve the biggest problems in education and workforce learning, at any point in the journey of building an organization that makes an impact, to ensure equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. We offer access to community, capital, connections, and culture via subscriptions that align with a company’s stage and objective. Founded by industry-leading entrepreneurs, StartEd accelerates education innovators addressing Early Childhood, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce, and Adult Learning. We support for-profit and non-profit companies from anywhere in the world. For more information on StartEd, please visit started.com.

 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Josh Vlasto, for The Fedcap Group/Civic Hall (josh@joshvlasto.com)

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The TACT School Joins The Fedcap Group to Expand Opportunities for the Autism Community in the Trades

The TACT School Joins The Fedcap Group to Expand Opportunities for the Autism Community in the Trades

 

New York, NY [March 19, 2024]  – The Fedcap Group proudly announces its acquisition of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), a Denver, Colorado-based school dedicated to empowering individuals with autism through skilled trades education and employment.

 

Founded with a mission to tackle the high unemployment rates of more than 90% among individuals with autism, TACT offers specialized programs tailored to harness the unique strengths of its participants. By providing comprehensive training and creating meaningful employment opportunities, TACT aims to foster independence, empowerment, and a sense of belonging within the autism community. The TACT school is a fully accredited secondary and post-secondary through Cognia offering industry recognized certifications. TACT offers programs in auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical, welding, STEM for trades, among others.

 

The collaboration between The Fedcap Group and TACT signifies a significant step forward in expanding support for neurodiverse individuals. With The Fedcap Group’s extensive experience and network of high-quality nonprofits, TACT will be able to enhance its reach and impact, providing even more opportunities for individuals with autism to thrive in the workforce.

 

“The Fedcap Group, with its longstanding commitment to promoting economic well-being and serving diverse populations, is poised to amplify TACT’s model across the nation,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “By integrating TACT’s innovative approach with The Fedcap Group’s comprehensive programs and services, such as Apex Technical School, Easterseals, and Civic Hall, we will address the unique needs and challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals as we put them on a path employment.”

 

The TACT school offers high quality programs that lead to sustainable employment. TACT has an 83% job placement rate for the autism community, compared to the Colorado state average of 12%. Their graduates’ average starting wage is $19.86 per hour, which is over 8% higher than the regional minimum wage.

 

“The collaboration with The Fedcap Group represents pivotal moment for positive change and growth for TACT and the autism community at large,” said Danny Combs, Founder and CEO of TACT. “We’re excited about the limitless possibilities to expand our model to bring our programming to scale. Together with The Fedcap Group, we’ll break down barriers and create pathways to success for individuals with autism.”

 

TACT has won an international Classy Social Innovation Award, the Denver Business Journal DEI Award, and Favorite Trade School, Community Outreach Organization, and Special Needs Organization by Colorado Parent Magazine last year.

 

About The Fedcap Group

For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training, and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term economic well-being. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

 

About TACT

TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) is a Denver-based nonprofit organization founded to encourage and empower the full spectrum of individuals with autism through skilled trades education and employment. Addressing the needs of the ASD community which experiences a 90% unemployment rate, TACT offers a strengths-based program developed specifically to provide training and create meaningful employment opportunities that are personally fulfilling to each individual student. For the autism community, TACT creates a future full of purpose and promise. For more information about TACT and its programs, please visit https://www.buildwithtact.org/.  

 

Contact:

Jim Malatras, 212-727-4200, JMalatras@fedcap.org

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Happy Jack Entertainment to Broadcast Their Mental Health and Wellness Podcast from Civic Hall

Happy Jack Entertainment to Broadcast Their Mental Health and Wellness Podcast from Civic Hall

New York, NY (March 12, 2024) — Happy Jack Entertainment, a community of creatives for creatives that uses technology and music to provide mental health services, has joined Civic Hall. As members, Happy Jack Entertainment will be broadcasting their podcasts from Civic Hall, where they turn the volume up on mental health conversations. Their podcast “Therapy Sessions,” hosted by Z-100’s Maxwell, produces eye-opening interviews with celebrities, artists, and more as they break stigmas and foster a more welcoming, healthier world. Through their podcasts, they are creating a movement that’s making mental health a conversation for the entire community.

 

Happy Jack Entertainment is comprised of artists, speakers, entrepreneurs, and successful music industry veterans who use their voices and platforms to be a catalyst for change. Happy Jack Entertainment is destigmatizing the conversation around mental health using technology to encourage others to embrace mental health discussions across all communities, transcending demographics and creating an all-embracing and compassionate world.

 

“Civic Hall’s open, collaborative environment is the perfect home for our mission to normalize mental health discussions across all communities,” said David Nathan, co-founder of Happy Jack Entertainment. “We can’t wait to broadcast from this innovative hub and amplify voices transcending demographics through raw, honest storytelling.”

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and NYC’s diverse employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org. 

 

ABOUT HAPPY JACK ENTERTAINMENT

Born from profound personal loss, Happy Jack Entertainment uses music, media, and candid storytelling to spark vital conversations around mental health. The company was created by David Nathan and Sam Koch, inspired by David’s late son Jack Nathan’s vision – to build a compassionate, judgement-free community for those struggling with mental illness and addiction. Jack’s brave vulnerability and advocacy through art, fashion and music laid the seeds for HJE’s powerful movement of openness, healing, and inclusion.

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Civic Hall Partners with CompTIA to Launch Introductory IT Course, Creating an Entry Point to the Tech Sector

Civic Hall Partners with CompTIA to Launch Introductory IT Course, Creating an Entry Point to the Tech Sector

New York, NY [March 1, 2024]— Civic Hall is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive Introduction to IT program, designed to provide foundational training in information technology. In collaboration with CompTIA, Civic Hall’s new program will equip individuals with essential basic IT knowledge and skills through the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ certification. The program also includes financial literacy to enhance overall professional development.

 

Enrolled individuals will have the opportunity to undergo a free benefits screening through Single Stop, the nation’s leading online platform. In 2023 alone, Single Stop helped secure half a billion dollars in benefits for families.

 

“Civic Hall emphasizes inclusivity by targeting underserved students and older adults seeking career changes. By offering this introductory IT program, coupled with financial literacy and benefits screening, Civic Hall ensures that each student receives the necessary support for success,” said Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education, The Fedcap Group—the parent organization of Civic Hall. “We thank CompTIA for this important partnership to diversify the tech industry.”

 

“Digital fluency skills are essential in today’s workplace, not just for technology workers but for anyone who relies on tech to do their job,” said Kirk Smallwood, senior vice president, industry engagement, CompTIA. “We are delighted to team with Civic Hall on this transformative initiative to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career.”

 

Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will be eligible to participate in further career building opportunities such as exclusive job fairs and professional mentoring by established tech sector members at Civic Hall, including the New York Tech Alliance.  Additionally, graduates of the program will be well-prepared for advanced Civic Hall tech trainings and offerings. Specifically, the Introduction to IT program was developed to be a pathway to LaGuardia Community College’s Computer and Network Service Technician Certificate Program at Civic Hall.

 

“LaGuardia Community College is pleased to collaborate with Civic Hall, offering an additional pathway for program graduates to pursue our Computer and Network Service Technician Certificate Program,” said Sunil Gupta Vice President, for the Division of Adult Continuing Education & Workforce Development, LaGuardia Community College (CUNY). “This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing accessible and quality education to individuals looking to enter the tech sector.”

 

The Introductory IT Course will be facilitated by experienced instructors from Civic Hall. For more information, visit www.civichall.org. The program will start in May 2024.  

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and NYC’s diverse employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org. 

 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Josh Vlasto, for The Fedcap Group/Civic Hall (josh@joshvlasto.com)

 

 

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Dr. Yaara Shimshoni Appointed Senior Research Fellow at Fedcap’s Community Impact Policy Institute

Dr. Yaara Shimshoni Appointed Senior Research Fellow at Fedcap’s Community Impact Policy Institute


New York, NY –The Community Impact Policy Institute—the thinktank and research arm of The Fedcap Group—has appointed Dr. Yaara Shimshoni Senior Research Fellow.

 

Dr. Shimshoni, a clinical psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the prestigious Yale School of Medicine, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role the Community Impact Policy Institute. Her research and clinical work focus on the treatment of anxious children and their parents, making her a valuable addition to The Fedcap Group’s research initiatives.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Yaara Shimshoni to the Community Impact Policy Institute. Her extensive experience, research contributions, and dedication to improving the lives of children and families will undoubtedly enhance our research initiatives and further solidify our commitment to evidence-based practices that unlock the door to economic well-being,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of  The Fedcap Group.

 

At the Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Shimshoni actively participates in federally funded research projects and collaborates closely with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, the co-director of the anxiety and mood disorders program and the developer of the innovative SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) program, a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related issues. Dr. Shimshoni has not only been instrumental in applying and disseminating the program but has also played a vital role in treating anxious children and their parents. Her expertise extends to teaching and supervising clinicians in the implementation of SPACE.

 

In addition to her contributions to the field of anxiety and mood disorders, Dr. Shimshoni has published numerous peer-reviewed papers on the topic. Together with Dr. Lebowitz, she spearheaded the development of an application of SPACE to clinical picky eating and served as the lead investigator on a pilot study exploring the treatment. This project showcases the versatility and applicability of the program across various challenges faced by children and adolescents.

 

“I am excited to join The Fedcap Group’s Community Impact Policy Institute and contribute to its mission and look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance the research initiatives and advance policies that positively impact barriered communities,” said Dr. Yaara Shimshoni.

 

Dr. Shimshoni’s appointment represents a significant milestone for The Fedcap Group’s Community Impact Policy Institute, underscoring its ongoing commitment to advancing research and policies that positively impact communities and individuals facing barriers to economic well-being.

 

About the Community Impact Policy Institute

The Community Impact Policy Institute is the thinktank and research arm of The Fedcap Group, conducting leading research to provide solutions in breaking down barriers to economic well-being. The Institute, and its partners, have conducted groundbreaking analysis and solutions to many pressing needs including building wage and wealth for disadvantaged communities, effects of minimum wage increases, early childhood education, employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, socially responsible investing, immigration and its impact on the economy, and more. The Community Impact Policy Institute also provides technical assistance and training, products and hands on support to government agencies and community-based providers working to change their delivery of services and enhance the community integration of people with individuals with barriers to employment.

 

Media Contacts:

Jim Malatras, Director of the Community Impact Policy Institute, (JMalatras@fedcap.org)

 

 

  

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FedcapCARES Achieves Milestone with Successful Completion of SOC 2 Type II Audit by Sensiba LLP

FedcapCARES Achieves Milestone with Successful Completion of SOC 2 Type II Audit by Sensiba LLP

New York, NY – The Fedcap Group is pleased to announce the successful completion of the System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II audit conducted by Sensiba LLP for FedcapCARES—our nation leading automated cloud-hosted software application which serves as a hub for case management, client activity and tracks attendance, employment, and job retention. This milestone, alongside our ongoing ISO 27001 certification, first achieved three years ago and renewed annually, underscores our relentless commitment to the highest standards of information security, privacy, and our dedication to safeguarding our clients’ data.  

 

The SOC 2 Type II audit is a rigorous examination of controls relevant to the trust services criteria categories, including security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It provides a comprehensive report on the design and effectiveness of specified controls over a specific period. Fedcap has taken this important step to ensure that our systems and processes not only meet but exceed internationally recognized best practices and guardrails.

 

“We created FedcapCARES to help organizations better perform case management through state-of- the-art technology. This successful completion of the SOC 2 Type II audit reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security in our platform,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “This achievement by The Fedcap Group not only aligns with industry and regulatory expectations, but also ensures the highest level of data protection for our clients most sensitive data.”


It is anticipated that SOC 2 Type II compliance will become a standard requirement in most, if not all, future contracts and renewals within the nonprofit sector. By voluntarily undergoing this audit, The Fedcap Group is not only meeting regulatory expectations but is proactively ensuring that our clients’ data is protected with the utmost care. As the landscape of digital information security evolves, SOC 2 Type II compliance is increasingly becoming a benchmark for excellence and trustworthiness.

 

About The Fedcap Group

For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training, and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term economic well-being. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.

 

Contact:

Jim Malatras, 212-727-4200, (JMalatras@fedcap.org)

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Fedcap UK and the Community Impact Policy Institute Launches the Compass Series Focused on International Strategies to Improve Health, Employability, and Economic Well-Being

Fedcap UK and the Community Impact Policy Institute Launches the Compass Series Focused on International Strategies to Improve Health, Employability, and Economic Well-Being

Compass Series Kicks Off with Leading Scottish Policymakers in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland–Fedcap UK and the Community Impact Policy Institute are excited to announce the launch of a new policy series, Fedcap Compass, dedicated to addressing the intersection of health, employability, and economic well-being. The inaugural event will take place tomorrow, February 20, 2004, in Edinburgh, Scotland, marking the beginning of a series of roundtables aimed at addressing these critical issues.

 

Daniel Johnson, Member of the Scottish Parliament, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business, and Fair Work, will lead the roundtable with employability, health, public policy, and economic experts as distinguished chairperson. Secretary Johnson’s extensive experience and insights into the Scotland’s economic landscape makes him the ideal leader to kick off this pivotal series focused on improving health, employability, and economic well-being.

 

“We’ve launched the Fedcap Compass series to bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and experts to engage in meaningful conversations about improving the health and economic well-being of communities,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “Our goal is to identify innovative solutions and actionable strategies, both in Scotland and across the globe— particularly in other Fedcap programs in the United States and Canada— that can have a lasting impact on communities.”

 

The focus of this inaugural event aligns with The Fedcap Group’s overarching mission to create positive social change through its Community Impact Policy Institute.

 

“We encourage all stakeholders, community leaders, and individuals passionate about making a difference to join us at this and future thought leadership events,” said Susan Paterson, UK Operations Director for Fedcap.  “We hope to gain a broad cross-section of perspectives and to help shape a comprehensive policy strategy for governments and other institutions.”

 

For more information about tomorrow’s event contact, Neal Smith for Fedcap UK, (Neal.Smith@fedcap.org.uk).

 

About the Community Impact Policy Institute

The Community Impact Policy Institute is a thinktank of The Fedcap Group conducting leading research to provide solutions in breaking down barriers to economic well-being. The Institute, and its partners, have conducted groundbreaking analysis and solutions to many pressing needs including building wage and wealth for disadvantaged communities, effects of minimum wage increases, early childhood education, employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, socially responsible investing, immigration and its impact on the economy, and more. The Community Impact Policy Institute also provides technical assistance and training, products and hands on support to government agencies and community-based providers working to change their delivery of services and enhance the community integration of people with individuals with barriers to employment.

 

About Fedcap UK

Fedcap UK is a member of The Fedcap Group committed to excellence and an innovative approach to improving economic and social well-being. Fedcap UK delivers employability solutions, health services, and community projects in partnership with like-minded organizations and stakeholders. This includes the delivery of the UK Government’s Restart Scheme and the Scottish Government’s Fair Start Scotland program.

 

Media Contacts:

Neal Smith for Fedcap UK, (Neal.Smith@fedcap.org.uk)

Jim Malatras for the Community Impact Policy Institute, (JMalatras@fedcap.org)

 

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Easterseals Lonestar’s Inclusive Esports Program Expands its Reach to Four Schools

Easterseals Lonestar’s Inclusive Esports Program Expands its Reach to Four Schools

More than 40 Students Participating in Inclusive Esports Competitions

Dallas, Texas (February 14, 2024) – Easterseals Lonestar announces that four schools have joined its new Esports League. The school are Navarro and Greenleaf Neurodiverse Transition School, both part of the Austin Independent School District; Cedars International Next Generation High School; and Manor New Tech High School.

 

Easterseals Lonestar launched the program to engage at-risk students of all abilities. To date, more than 40 students are participating, with additional students expected to join. Easterseals Lonestar’s esports initiative involves the formation of dedicated esports teams within each participating school, competing in tournament leagues. Currently, these teams are engaging in friendly scrimmages with counterparts in Oklahoma and New York. Beyond the competitive aspect, students enrolled in the Easterseals Lonestar esports program also benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes game design and other STEAM-related courses, fostering valuable life skills.

 

“Esports is a powerful vehicle to ignite students’ passion for STEAM by incorporating an element they genuinely enjoy. Our esports program is not only creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment but also establishing a pathway for at-risk students of all abilities to connect with peers nationwide through competitive esports, coupled with a robust STEAM curriculum. This initiative aims to unlock opportunities for these promising students within the esports and gaming industry,” said Jennifer Friesen, Vice President, Easterseals Lonestar.

 

Made possible by a generous award from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Easterseals Lonestar esports program is a one-year, $100,000 pilot initiative in collaboration with local school districts. It seeks to attract students to an eSports league that seamlessly integrates opportunities to explore STEAM careers.

 

About Easterseals Lonestar

Easterseals Lonestar represents central and north Texas. Easterseals Lonestar promotes independence and creates opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their hopes and dreams. Easterseals Lonestar is a member of The Fedcap Group. For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable and innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

 

Media Contact:

Jim Malatras

Email: JMalatras@fedcap.org

 

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CIVIC HALL AND SOUND+SCIENCE JOIN FORCES TO EMPOWER YOUTH IN STEM EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC

CIVIC HALL AND SOUND+SCIENCE JOIN FORCES TO EMPOWER YOUTH IN STEM EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC

Partnership Supported by the Simons Foundation

New York, NY (February 9, 2024)— Civic Hall, a dynamic hub for innovation and education within New York City’s tech landscape, proudly announces its collaboration with Sound+Science, a groundbreaking initiative that explores the intersection of music and STEM education.

 

Located at Union Square in the state-of-the-art Zero Irving building, Civic Hall is an 85,000-square-foot training center, business incubator, and tech ecosystem with a mission to catalyze innovation, education, and collaboration, it serves as the nucleus for entrepreneurial growth, and educational innovations in NYC’s bustling tech community.

 

The Sound+Science program offers a transformative educational experience for young minds, harnessing the inherent connection between music and STEM disciplines. Divided into three distinct modules, the immersive programming provided by Sound+Science aims to impart a heightened understanding of STEM, particularly in physics and mathematics while fostering a vibrant community of collaborators and investigators that inspire one another.

 

“Through Civic Hall’s collaborative network, we are forging paths that harness technology for social impact and opportunities for barriered communities,” said Jim Malatras, Chief Strategy Officer & Senior VP for Education, The Fedcap Group—the parent organization of Civic Hall. “Thanks to Civic Hall Co-Founder’s Andrew Rasiej’s initial connection and the Simons Foundation for their incredible financial support, we are delighted to have Sound+Science’s innovative new program be an essential part of Civic Hall.”

 

Dr. Stephon H. Alexander, a renowned theoretical physicist specializing in cosmology, particle physics, and quantum gravity at Brown University, adapted Sound+Science from his book The Jazz of Physics and will lead the program as its Founder and CEO. The modules, including “The Hidden Codes in Electronic Music,” “Music Improvisation and the Evolution of Computation,” and “From Hip-Hop to AI,” ensure a comprehensive educational experience. Complementing the programming, Sound+Science will also present a speaker series focused on the intersection of music and science and featuring Sound+Science advisory board members Vin Rock from the legendary hip-hop group Naughty by Nature and Paul Miller, a conceptual artist known as DJ Spooky that Subliminal Kid.  Sound+Science addresses challenges faced by underestimated youth in accessing STEM careers, incorporating diverse features to capture attention and engage these students.

 

“Growing up in the diverse cultural tapestry of New York City’s public schools ignited my fascination with the universal language of science,” said Sound+Science Founder and CEO Dr. Alexander. “At Sound+Science, we’re channeling that same vibrant energy to inspire the next wave of curious minds. Here, music isn’t just an art form; it’s a gateway to physics, coding, and mathematics. Our mission is to tune into the potential of every student, creating a symphony of minds ready to shape the future of science and building a harmonious community of exploration.”

 

Students will participate in Masterclass Lectures by industry experts, hands-on studio labs for practical application of knowledge, and peer mentoring connecting high school students with local college STEM majors for mutual growth. Incentive-based projects challenge participants to create real-world applications resonating with musicians, producers, and coders.

 

“The Simons Foundation is committed to the idea that science is part of culture, and is proud to support Sound+Science and their work to empower New York City’s brightest young minds. By increasing access to innovative science engagement, we’re working toward a brighter future for science and society,” said John Tracey, Program Director of Science, Society and Culture at the Simons Foundation.

 

Through this collaboration, Civic Hall and Sound+Science aim to create pathways for young students to access the vast opportunities offered by STEM education. The program, commencing in March 2024, is poised to break barriers and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative society. High school students, as well as their parents, teachers, and administrators can find more information and apply to the program at soundplusscience.com or contact Jeremy Snepar, Sound+Science’s Chief Operating Officer at jeremy@soundplusscience.com.

 

ABOUT CIVIC HALL

Civic Hall is a member of The Fedcap Group. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall will facilitate groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact tenants, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and NYC’s diverse employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. For more information about membership opportunities, please visit civichall.org. 

 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Josh Vlasto, for The Fedcap Group/Civic Hall (josh@joshvlasto.com)

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