ASUS Republic of Gamers and PlayVS Partner to Power Esport Championships with Next-Gen Gaming Technology

ASUS to deliver elite gaming setups, broadcast integrations, and fan activations as top collegiate teams battle in PlayVS College League competitions throughout this collegiate season

Fremont, Calif. – September 16, 2025 – ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), the ASUS sub-brand creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software, and PlayVS, North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate esports platform, today announced a new partnership to deliver premium gaming technology for the PlayVS Championship League (PCL) during the 2025-2026 collegiate season. ROG will champion PCL’s marquee live events by equipping athletes with its flagship products including the ROG G700, ROG GM700, along with other ROG products. These desktops, along with future models, will be powering the mainstages of all the tournaments, including floor practice and mainstage setups. ROG gaming PCs will guarantee powerful, industry leading performance for PlayVS’ College league, the largest collegiate esports league in the nation supporting student-participants at over 900 college campuses.

Through this partnership, ROG aims to deepen its commitment to education by supporting esports as a powerful tool for student growth. The initiative helps students foster critical skills like teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking, while also opening doors to careers in STEM, game design and content creation. By delivering elite gaming setups and immersive experiences, ROG drives engagement and empowers the next generation of digital innovators.

“Republic of Gamers has always been about pushing the limits of gaming performance,” said Benjamin Yeh, ASUS Computer International President. “Partnering with PlayVS and the PCL allows us to empower the next generation of esports athletes with the hardware and experiences they need to reach their full potential, build valuable skills, and prepare for future careers in the digital world.”

Kicking off the partnership, ASUS devices will be powering the inaugural PlayVS College League (PCL) Fall Championships, taking place December 13–14, 2025 at The University of Akron. The first PCL Fall Championships will feature top collegiate esports teams from across the United States and Canada over a two-day event. Players will compete on ROG-powered setups in front of a live audience, with matches broadcast on Twitch to thousands of fans worldwide.

“At PlayVS, we are committed to giving student-athletes the very best environment and experience to showcase their talent,” said Jon Chapman, CEO at PlayVS. “Partnering with ASUS Republic of Gamers ensures our players have access to the most advanced gaming technology available, creating unforgettable live experiences for competitors and fans alike.”

With this collaboration, PCL Championships will not only showcase elite collegiate competition but also highlight the role of the newest technology shaping the future of esports.
With a legacy of pushing boundaries in competitive gaming, ROG is empowering the next esports revolution in education, dedicated to developing students’ skills and inspiring them to prepare for a digital future. Learn more at ROG Esports in Education Solutions | ASUS US

About ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG)

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Established in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products recognized for performance, quality, and design. Learn more at rog.asus.com.

Media Contact: asuspr_usa@asus.com

About PlayVS

PlayVS is North America’s leading esports and gaming platform, helping students unlock the many benefits of competitive gaming for students at every level. It offers a comprehensive community where players, coaches, educators, and parents come together to compete, connect, and grow. With the launch of the PlayVS College League (PCL) and the acquisitions of Generation Esports and Playfly College Esports, PlayVS now provides the most comprehensive pathway in scholastic esports, from middle school through college. PlayVS is the official esports partner of the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics, and 40+ state and regional organizations across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit playvs.com.

Media Contact: press@playvs.com

Graduates Turn to Finance to Chart a Confident Path Through Today’s Tough Job Market

NEW YORK, September 16, 2025 – Planning for a post-college career can feel daunting, especially with tightening talent pools and artificial intelligence changing the game. A study from CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, found that recent graduates are prioritizing careers that promise resilience and meaningful growth, and they are finding some of these opportunities in the financial sector.

The 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey gleans insights from students and recent graduates to understand their viewpoint on careers. It found that finance ranks as the most promising industry among students and recent graduates, while confidence decreased across other career paths, including STEM, sales, marketing, and healthcare.

“It’s encouraging to see a growing number of students taking interest in finance as a career choice,” said Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute. “With 90 percent of graduates expressing a desire to make a positive impact through their careers, finance stands out as a rewarding choice, offering many opportunities to earn a good living while making a difference with a distinct sense of purpose. At CFA Institute, we believe finance plays a vital role in creating positive societal impacts, and we need more purpose-driven young people to enter the field to help address the pressing challenges society faces.”

The rise of artificial intelligence stands at the top of students’ minds as they prepare to launch their careers. The survey found that 64 percent of graduates said AI will make it more difficult to secure their desired job, a notable 10-point increase from 2024 (54 percent). While the uncertainty is real, students and recent graduates also view AI as a critical skill to advance their futures, as 82 percent say they’re confident in their ability to use AI tools at work, and 66 percent say they would be more interested in jobs that offer AI training.

While AI is reshaping several aspects of work, today’s graduates know that interpersonal skills cannot be replicated by technology, and they seek to hone those strengths to sharpen their resumes. In fact, 72 percent believe that soft skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability help them stand out among job seekers.

As today’s students start planning for their careers, it’s important to consider the value of pursuing post-graduate certifications and qualifications. Recent graduates found that continued learning can be valuable to unlock a successful career, as 93 percent say postgraduate qualifications/professional certification are important in today’s market, and 79 percent agree that continuous upskilling through certificates and courses throughout their careers is a must.

As the semester begins, there’s no better time to explore the wide range of opportunities the finance industry offers. Graduates can pursue quantitative and analytical careers in finance as a data analyst, take on a client-facing position as a private wealth manager, or follow transaction-focused paths like private equity. To gain a competitive edge in finance careers, students can pursue industry-recognized professional certifications, such as the CFA Program. Discover the full spectrum of investment industry career paths here: https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa-program/careers.

About the 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey

The 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey was fielded via an online survey from March 28-April 22, 2025, by Dynata with a sample of 9,023 respondents studying for a bachelor’s degree or higher, or who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree or higher within the last three years aged 18-25. Respondents were from Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the United States.

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

###

Media Contact

CFA Institute Corporate Communications: pr@cfainstitute.org

Insomnia Cookies is Hosting the Biggest PJ Party of the Year with Its Seventh Annual PJ Party Event

Insomniacs can party in their PJs on Sept. 16 to receive a free cookie and be the first to taste the new limited-edition Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie  

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 11, 2025)Insomnia Cookies, the beloved late-night bakery brand, continues its late night era with the return of its seventh annual PJ Party on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in honor of National PJ Party Night. The fan-favorite celebration is back and sweeter than ever complete with giveaways, exclusive offers and the debut of its new limited-edition cookie. This year’s event is leveling up at college campus locations with bigger experiences set to be the ultimate late-night hangout. Insomnia Reward members are invited to get baked after bedtime in their pajamas to receive one free Classic cookie in-stores at locations nationwide.

To own the night, Insomnia Cookies is debuting its new limited-edition Peanut Butter S’mores made with REESE’S Classic cookie at the upcoming PJ party, starting at 8 p.m. local time. The new cookie features a buttery brown sugar cookie packed with chopped REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, golden graham crackers, melty chocolate chunks and gooey marshmallows. The new cookie will be available in-store and for local delivery at all Insomnia locations until supplies last.

The late-night bakery is celebrating their ‘real ones’ by offering Insomniacs some sweet deals and freebies, including:

• 1 FREE Classic cookie for Insomnia Rewards members wearing their PJs with no purchase necessary. New Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie may result in an additional charge.
• $20 PJ Party Pack for all Insomniacs, inclusive of 2 Peanut Butter S’mores Classics, 1 Salted Caramel Deluxe, 1 Confetti Deluxe, 1 Brookie, and 1 Brownie. This exclusive fan-favorite party pack will be available in-store only on Sept. 16.
• $1 Deluxe cookie party favor for Insomnia Rewards members that attend and check in via their Rewards. Offer available from Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 21 for in-store and delivery orders.

But that’s not all, college campus Insomnia bakeries will be hosting the most epic PJ party with sweet giveaways for Insomniacs including glowsticks, Insomnia Cookies swag and more. Insomnia is partnering with Red Bull at five participating college campus bakeries, providing energy for the night with Red Bull™ Energy Drink Infusions.

Founded on a university campus, Insomnia Cookies hosts its seventh annual PJ Party which has become a tradition to connect with Insomniacs across the globe into the late hours of the night. Learn more about Insomnia’s PJ Party by visiting welcome.insomniacookies.com/pjparty/ and find your closest Insomnia Cookies location here. Fans are encouraged to share their PJ Party ‘fits by tagging @insomniacookies on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

###

About Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is a rapidly expanding late-night bakery concept headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Founded at the University of Pennsylvania by then-student Seth Berkowitz, Insomnia Cookies has been feeding the insatiable hunger of loyal Insomniacs since 2003. Today, with more than 300 locations nationwide, Insomnia Cookies offers a wide variety of delicious cookies, ice cream, and other sweet treats in-store, for local delivery, and nationwide shipping. Details about Insomnia’s menu, delivery, and nationwide shipping options can be found here (late-night delivery until 1 a.m. or later). To place an order or learn more about Insomnia Cookies, visit www.InsomniaCookies.com. Keep up-to-date on the latest cookie news and grand opening deals by following Insomnia Cookies on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

REESE’S trademark, trade dress and REESE’S Orange Color are used under license.

Media Contact
Jenna Greene
Jenna.Greene@clynch.com

The Fulbright Program Announces 20 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders 

September 9, 2025 — The Fulbright Program has recognized 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders for their notable engagement with the Fulbright Program during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders demonstrate noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants and encourage administrators, faculty and students at HBCUs to engage with Fulbright on campus. The Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders initiative highlights the accomplishments of HBCU alumni and faculty, and the strength of HBCUs as destinations for international students and scholars.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided nearly 450,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals, of all backgrounds and in all fields, the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program.

Visit the Fulbright Program website to learn more about the program and how to apply, and follow Fulbright on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to see Fulbright news and alumni stories.

2025 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders

Albany State University
Alcorn State University
Bennett College
Bluefield State University
Claflin University
Clark Atlanta University
Fayetteville State University
Florida A&M University
Howard University
Jarvis Christian University
Lincoln University
Mississippi Valley State University
Morehouse College
Morgan State University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
Spelman College
Texas Southern University
Tuskegee University
Virginia State University

Media Contact

Sharon Witherell
Head of Editorial, Fulbright Communications
Institute of International Education
switherell@iie.org
fulbrightprogram.org
212-984-5469

CFA Institute and AmplifyME Launch Global Investing Simulator Challenge for University Students

London — 8 September 2025 – CFA Institute and AmplifyME today announced the launch of the Investing Simulator Challenge, a new global student competition that offers a chance to experience what it’s like to work in a real investment role by stepping into the roles of asset manager and investment bank trader.

Set to run from 22 September to 25 November, the Investing Simulator Challenge is open to all full-time university students worldwide and offers the opportunity to take part in a two-hour live simulation where participants will respond to news and shifting market data, and make rapid, “real-time” investment and trading decisions in a realistic environment on the AmplifyME live simulation platform.

The top-scoring 10 percent of challenge participants from each regional competition will advance to the global final on 2 December, where they will compete for international recognition and the chance to win a CFA® Program Scholarship*.

Students wishing to participate can register at the following link.

Peter Watkins, Senior Director, University Programs at CFA Institute, said:

“This competition gives university students a unique opportunity to see what a future in finance could look like. It’s a chance to step into the shoes of a professional, to try out real-time decisions, and to see how students respond when the stakes feel real. Students will get to share the challenge with others who are just as curious and driven as they are and together can start building the confidence and practical skills that help build a career. For any student wondering what a career in investment is actually like, this is a great opportunity to find out.”

Will de Lucy, Co‑founder and CEO of AmplifyME, commented:

“This collaboration with CFA Institute creates a global stage for students to put their skills to the test. By combining our immersive simulations with the CFA Institute global university network, we’re offering something truly unique …an opportunity for students everywhere to experience real-world investing and take the next step towards their future in finance. The top five winners will also receive a CFA Program Scholarship, which is an incredible opportunity at this stage of their journey.”

Registration and full Terms and Conditions are available at the following link.

—Ends—

Notes to Editors

The top five winning participants in the global Investing Simulator Challenge will win a CFA® Program Scholarship, offering reduced cost access to Level I of the CFA Program.  Scholarship winners wishing to take advantage of their scholarship award will benefit from a waived CFA Program enrolment fee and a reduced CFA Program Level I exam registration fee, currently priced at USD600 plus any applicable tax.

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

About AmplifyME

AmplifyME is a leading provider of immersive financial simulations, helping students and institutions experience finance in action. Through realistic, career-aligned programmes in markets, banking, and quant, AmplifyME trains hundreds of thousands of candidates globally and connects them directly with top financial institutions.

Media Contacts

CFA Institute Corporate Communications: pr@cfainstitute.org

AmplifyME Media Relations: a.buckley@amplifyme.com

Registration Open for Third Annual Richard K. Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition

DC Justice Lab Invites Law Students to Compete and Sharpen Legislative Advocacy Skills for a Chance to Win $5,000

Washington, D.C., August 25, 2025 – Registration is now open for the third annual Richard K. Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition, an event that inspires law students to pursue careers in legislative advocacy. Hosted by DC Justice Lab, the competition offers participants a unique opportunity to hone essential legal skills, including policy analysis, legal research, and both written and oral advocacy, in a real-world legislative context.

“We need more people who understand how to shape laws that reflect the needs of our communities, especially now, when rights are being rolled back and local voices are being silenced,” said Clinique Chapman, chief executive of DC Justice Lab. “This competition gives law students the tools to drive change through policy, not just in the courts.”

The competition is open to law students seeking a JD from any ABA-approved law school in the United States. Teams must register to participate in the competition. Registration is limited to one team per school, consisting of two students. The first eight qualified teams to register will be selected as competitors for the program. Any team that registers thereafter will be placed on a waitlist and notified in the event one of the first eight registered teams ultimately cannot compete, a replacement team will be selected from the waitlist in order of registration date. Teams should ideally have a coach from their school, but if this is not possible, DC Justice Lab can connect a team with a coach recruited by the organization. Eight teams will respond to the competition problem with proposed legislation and a fact sheet explaining their proposal. Then, mock legislative hearings test teams’ oral advocacy for their bills. These hearings will take place at the John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C.

Judges will score teams on their written work and oral advocacy. Teams will advance through rounds tournament-style. Judges will be attorneys, lawmakers, and public policy professionals recruited by DC Justice Lab for their expertise in policy advocacy. The competition will conclude with an awards presentation and reception. The winning team will receive a $5,000 prize.

Key Dates:

• October 31st, 2025: Registration closes.
• November 14th, 2025: Problem released.
• January 21st, 2026: Written advocacy work product due.
• March 28th, 2026: Oral advocacy rounds and awards reception.

The event honors Richard K. Gilbert, a champion of legal justice who believed that lawyers must not only help individual clients, but also help society at large by changing laws for the better. Gilbert was an adjunct professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, a forceful advocate for criminal justice reform, and a mentor to DC Justice Lab’s founding executive director. The Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition honors Gilbert’s passion and his mentorship of younger lawyers to become change agents.

To learn more and register for the Richard K. Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition, visit: https://dcjusticelab.org/policy-advocacy-competition

ABOUT DC JUSTICE LAB
DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal legal system. We develop smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just. We aim to fully transform the District’s approach to public safety and make it a national leader in justice reform.

MEDIA CONTACT
Vasuki Wilson
202 294 2342
vasuki@risepublic.com

New Survey: College Students Feel Coerced Into Participating in Animal Experiments Despite Objections; 83% Oppose Such Exercises

Results Arrive Amid Court Fight Over Deadly Animal Experiments at Macalester College

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eighty-three percent of U.S. college students believe that animals should not be used in classroom teaching laboratories if the animals are killed afterward and if other methods can teach the same material without using animals, according to a new OpinionWorks survey. Among those majoring in the sciences, 90% believe animals should not be used.

The survey, which was conducted online among 1,043 U.S. undergraduate college students from Aug. 8 to 10, 2025, also posed the hypothetical scenario in which such an animal laboratory was offered as an optional experience, along with a nonanimal alternative. In that case, although most students did not want to participate, 20% stated they would do so anyway to avoid problems, and another 24% stated that they would be nervous asking for the alternative activity. The survey also found an overwhelming majority of students, 79%, expressed concern about the welfare of animals.

“The vast majority of college students don’t want to participate in deadly animal experiments in the classroom but feel subtly coerced because they are fearful of the consequences of not taking part,” says Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “Colleges with old-fashioned animal labs put students in an awful position that many interpret as a choice between killing or flunking.”

The survey results arrive amid an ongoing lawsuit against fatal animal experiments at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minn., where students will begin arriving for the new school year on Aug. 25.

In psychology courses at Macalester, live animals are deprived of water for prolonged periods, then placed in “Skinner boxes,” where they have to work for water. Some experiments involve drugging animals and placing them in mazes. All are killed at the conclusion of the experiments. Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and other leading universities stopped the Macalester-style fatal experiments long ago.

The new survey found that 76% of college students do not approve of the use of live animals in psychology classes when the animals are killed afterward and when there are alternative teaching methods.

Macalester’s website says that its “animal welfare standards and ethical principles are applied at the highest possible level in any animal use or research conducted at or in association with the college” and that it follows the federal Animal Welfare Act, which incorporates ethical principles called the Three Rs—for the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use in research.

A lawsuit against Macalester, brought by alumnus Dr. Barnard on June 3, calls on the college to stop needlessly killing animals in psychology classes’ “show and tell” exercises, citing the college’s posted ethics commitment. The psychology department has killed thousands of animals for more than 50 years.

The college stated in its motion to dismiss, which Dr. Barnard responded to in court papers, that its own ethics statements are mere “generic phrases”—known legally as “puffery.” The college wrote, “These statements are, at most, ‘vague or highly subjective’ statements of superiority—not representations of material fact,” drawing comparisons with statements used to sell dog food or breakfast cereal.

“Given that animals’ lives are at stake, Macalester’s brazen statement that it did not really mean its ethics policy is an affront to students, donors, the faculty, and the public,” Dr. Barnard said.

The lawsuit seeks, among other actions, an order compelling Macalester “to cease its use of animal laboratories in psychology instruction and in all other areas for which nonanimal methods are available.”

To speak with Dr. Barnard, please contact Michael Keevican at 202-527-7367 or mkeevican@pcrm.org.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in education and research.

Grammarly Launches Specialized AI Agents and Writing Surface for Students and Professionals

Real-time AI agents provide assistance at every stage of the writing process while maintaining user control and authenticity

New products represent Grammarly’s evolution into a productivity platform that delivers agentic assistance everywhere users work

San Francisco, CA—August 18, 2025—Grammarly, the trusted AI assistant for communication and productivity, today announced it will launch eight specialized AI agents that provide targeted assistance for specific writing challenges—from finding credible sources and checking originality to predicting reader reactions and evaluating work against rubrics.

The agents are rolling out in docs, Grammarly’s new AI-native writing surface that brings intelligent assistance directly into the writing process, whether helping students develop their academic work with proper research and structured feedback or assisting professionals in polishing their communications for impact and clarity. These capabilities mark the first phase of a redesigned Grammarly built on agentic AI that will transform the platform to deliver agents wherever users work.

“The launch of our new agents and AI writing surface marks a turning point in how we build products that anticipate user needs,” said Luke Behnke, Grammarly’s VP of Product Management. “We’re moving beyond simple suggestions to intelligent agents that understand context and actively help users achieve their communication goals. This is just the beginning as we develop Grammarly’s new platform that will soon offer agents working seamlessly across all the places students and professionals write and collaborate.”

Context-aware support to replace prompt engineering

Students today must navigate how to use AI thoughtfully in their coursework while ensuring they’re building genuine skills and understanding. They spend hours finding credible sources, formatting citations correctly, and wondering whether their work meets academic standards. Professionals face communication overload, where the pressure to use AI for efficiency often results in losing the authentic voice and credibility they’ve built throughout their careers.

Current AI tools offer one-size-fits-all solutions that don’t address these research and writing needs, requiring users to formulate the right prompts and iterate through multiple attempts to achieve their goals.

Instead, Grammarly’s new agents address these challenges by providing expert assistance that understands context. When activated, they take immediate action, eliminating the guesswork of crafting the right prompts. Users remain in control of their work while receiving intelligent support tailored to their goals.

Zoom in on the agents:

• Reader Reactions agent predicts key takeaways, open questions, and potential confusion based on a target reader—whether that’s a professor, manager, or client—and provides feedback to adjust writing based on the reader.
• AI Grader agent provides substantive feedback aligned to uploaded rubrics, course information, writing topics, and publicly available instructor information to deliver tailored recommendations and estimated grades before submission.
• Citation Finder agent delivers relevant evidence that supports, disputes, or refutes claims in a piece of writing and automatically generates correctly formatted citations.
• Expert Review agent offers subject-matter expertise and personalized, topic-specific feedback to elevate writing that meets rigorous academic or professional standards tailored to the user’s field.
• Proofreader agent is a personal writing partner, offering in-line suggestions for improved clarity and confidence while providing feedback tailored to the user’s writing style and audience.
• AI Detector agent scans text to provide a score of whether the text was likely AI- or human-generated to support users in delivering their most authentic work.
• Plagiarism Checker agent scans writing against vast databases, academic papers, websites, and published works to identify unintentional similarities and ensure work is original and proper citations are included.
• Paraphraser agent adapts writing to fit an intended tone, audience, and style—whether more academic, professional, or creative—evaluates current tone and style, and allows users to create a custom voice.

The new Grammarly experience will also include:

• docs: A dedicated AI writing surface in which users can draft, edit, and perfect their documents.
• AI Chat: An integrated assistant that helps with brainstorming, summarizing, and generating suggestions to advance writing projects, available within docs.

Students develop AI literacy and career readiness

Students entering the job market face growing pressure to develop AI skills alongside their academic expertise. In 2025, two-thirds of employers say they plan to hire talent with specific AI skills, but according to a new study from Grammarly, only 18% of students feel “very prepared” to use AI professionally after graduation. Grammarly‘s agents are designed to help students recognize responsible AI use cases, supporting AI literacy while maintaining academic integrity to ensure students develop the real-world skills employers now expect.

“Students today need AI that enhances their capabilities without undermining their learning,” said Jenny Maxwell, Head of Grammarly for Education. “Grammarly’s new agents fill this gap, acting as real partners that guide students to produce better work while ensuring they develop real skills that will serve them throughout their careers. By teaching students how to work effectively with AI now, we’re preparing them for a workplace where AI literacy will be essential.”

Grammarly’s agents provide students with comprehensive, responsible AI support from first draft to final submission. A business student writing a market analysis report might draft their initial findings, then use the Citation Finder agent to identify unsupported claims and check those claims for evidence to indicate whether they’re supported, debated, or contradicted. The agent also finds relevant sources to back up assertions and generates properly formatted citations. The student could then activate the Proofreader agent for suggestions to improve clarity and logical flow, while the AI Grader agent can evaluate the work against the specific course rubric uploaded by the student.

Now students can submit work with confidence, knowing they’ve received expert-level feedback while developing both their writing skills and AI literacy for academic success and professional readiness.

Professionals gain intelligent writing partners

The majority of professionals (64%) see AI as an opportunity for their career to grow rather than as a threat (16%). Sixty-two percent would like to outsource some of their workplace tasks to AI, and Grammarly’s new agents can take on some of this rote work while keeping professionals in charge of their unique voice, work, and creativity.

A marketing director preparing a product launch announcement can use Grammarly to draft an outline, then use Reader Reactions to see how it will resonate with the CEO versus the sales team. The agent predicts specific concerns each audience might have, suggests which points to emphasize for maximum impact, and flags potential misunderstandings before they happen. The director could then turn to the Expert Review agent to ensure their messaging aligns with current marketing best practices and industry trends.

Learn more:

• Grammarly’s new agents are rolling out in Grammarly Free and Grammarly Pro. Grammarly will bring these and more agents to Grammarly Enterprise and Grammarly for Education customers later this year.

• Note: Grammarly’s AI Detector agent and Plagiarism Checker agent will be available only to Grammarly Pro users at launch.

• Agents will be available in docs at no additional cost. Agents will gradually roll out across all 500,000+ websites and apps where customers access Grammarly.
• Find more information on the agents here. For details about agent availability by plan, visit our plans page.

About Grammarly

Grammarly is the trusted AI assistant for communication and productivity, helping over 40 million people, 50,000 organizations, and 3,000 educational institutions do their best work. Companies like Atlassian, Databricks, and Zoom rely on Grammarly to brainstorm, compose, and enhance communication that moves work forward. Grammarly works where you work, integrating seamlessly with over 500,000 applications and websites. Coda, the maker of powerful AI productivity tools, and Superhuman, the AI-native email app, are now a part of Grammarly. Together, they are redefining collaboration and transforming how we get work done. Learn more at grammarly.com/about.

Media Contact

Yuki Klotz-Burwell
yuki.klotz-burwell@grammarly.com

Phi Kappa Phi Accepting Applications for Mary Todd Sabbatical Award

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society – is currently accepting applications for its prestigious Mary Todd Sabbatical Award. Named in honor of the Society’s former Executive Director, Dr. Mary Todd, the award provides $50,000 to support one outstanding faculty member’s sabbatical year or reassignment of duties.

The award is designed to support a sabbatical year or similar reassignment of duties, allowing them to focus on research, writing, or other professional development activities. The Society recognizes the importance of providing faculty members with the time and resources necessary to explore new ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and make significant contributions to their disciplines.

“The Sabbatical Award helps our exceptional faculty members fuel their passion for the love of learning by supporting their scholarly work,” said Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer, Society Executive Director and CEO. “It is our hope that this program continues to build on the Society’s legacy of supporting academic excellence and service to others well into the future.”

Applications are open to active Phi Kappa Phi members who currently serve as faculty. A committee of esteemed professionals will review the applications and select the recipient based on their demonstrated excellence, potential for impact, and alignment with the Society’s mission and values.

Introduced in 2023, the Mary Todd Sabbatical Award is part of the Society’s growing portfolio of awards and grants, through which more than $1 million is distributed annually to members and students.

The application deadline is Oct. 1, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit www.phikappaphi.org/sabbatical.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Alyssa Papa
Communications Director
apapa@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7777

GradGuard Reminds Families to Protect Their College Investment This Fall

With costs on the rise everywhere, GradGuard highlights simple steps students and families can take to promote financial wellness and to safeguard their college investment.

PHOENIX (August 6, 2025): As nearly 20 million students prepare to head back to campus this fall, GradGuard, the authority in helping schools reduce financial losses while protecting students from the risks of college life, is reminding families to protect the significant investment in higher education. With the cost of college higher than ever, protecting your investment in higher education has never been more important.

“Families invest thousands of dollars each year in tuition, housing, and related expenses, yet many don’t realize how vulnerable that investment can be,” said John Fees, co-founder and CEO of GradGuard. “Unexpected events like illness, injury, or theft can disrupt a student’s academic journey and put family finances at risk. This back-to-school season is the perfect time to prepare and protect that investment.”

The College Board reports the average published price for the 2024-2025 school year at a public four-year in-state school was $11,610 and $30,780 for a public four-year out-of-state institution. A private four-year school was $43,350.

Beyond offering relevant student protection, GradGuard champions financial literacy and preparedness as key components of student success. Understanding and mitigating financial risks allows students to focus on their academics and overall well-being. Plus, given that nearly 1 in 3 currently enrolled students have considered stopping out of their degree program (Gallup/Lumina Foundation, 2025), families are smart to consider protecting their investment.

“Our mission is rooted in student success and college completion,” added Fees. “By helping students and families overcome preventable financial losses, we empower them to complete their degrees without added financial stress. Taking a few moments before the semester begins to evaluate these risks and secure appropriate protection can make all the difference.”

GradGuard encourages all college students and families to:

• Consider tuition insurance: Protect your investment in tuition, fees, and housing from unforeseen covered medical withdrawals or other covered reasons.
• Review existing insurance policies: Many homeowners insurance policies have limitations for students living away from home. Consider purchasing renters insurance to safeguard personal belongings like laptops, bikes, clothing, electronics, and more from theft or damage, whether on or off campus.
• Discuss financial wellness as a family: Openly communicate about budgeting, managing expenses, and the importance of financial preparedness for unexpected situations.

For more information and to find a tuition or renters insurance plan that is right for your family, visit www.gradguard.com.

###

About GradGuard:
GradGuard is the authority on helping schools educate and protect students from the risks of college life. As the #1 source of college tuition and renters insurance, GradGuard’s pioneering protections have served more than 1.8 million students at more than 1,900 unique institutions.

To learn more, visit www.gradguard.com.

Contact:
Natalie Hubertus
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
602-341-5947
nhubertus@gradguard.com