Program will award $5,000 scholarships to Business, Economics and STEM students in the United States and United Kingdom

BOSTON, MA (March 20, 2026) – Global consulting firm Charles River Associates (CRA) this week announced the opening of applications for the fourth year of the CRA All-Access Scholarship, a talent development program that supports students pursuing degrees in Business, Economics or STEM.

Originally launched in the United States in 2023 as part of CRA’s All-Access Initiative, the scholarship expanded in 2024 to include students in the United Kingdom, broadening access to students pursuing careers in business, economics and STEM disciplines. To date, CRA has awarded $180,000 in scholarships to thirty-six total recipients.

To be eligible, applicants must be full-time students enrolled at an accredited university who are completing their sophomore year in the United States or penultimate year in the United Kingdom. Applicants must be majoring in Business, Economics or a STEM field and maintain a minimum GPA equivalent of 3.5 (U.S.) or 2:1 (U.K.). Ideal candidates demonstrate strong academic excellence, leadership, community service and financial need.

“CRA created the All-Access Scholarship to help expand educational opportunity for students pursuing careers in Business, Economics or STEM. We are proud to support talented individuals who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to their communities,” said Raquel Tamez, Chief Inclusion & Engagement Officer, CRA. “As the program continues to grow in both the United States and the United Kingdom, we look forward to continuing to invest in students whose ideas and ambition will shape the future of these fields.”

Applications for the 2026–2027 CRA All-Access Scholarship are open now and will be accepted through April 27, 2026. Students can learn more about eligibility requirements and apply at crai.com/cra-all-access-scholarship.

For program administration and applicant support, CRA partners with International Scholarship and Tuition Services Inc., an independent company that specializes in managing sponsored educational assistance programs.

About Charles River Associates (CRA)

Charles River Associates® is a leading global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems. Headquartered in Boston, CRA has offices throughout the world. Detailed information about Charles River Associates, a registered trade name of CRA International, Inc., is available at www.crai.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Media Contact

Carissa Willcoxon
Director of Marketing | ISTS
cwillcoxon@applyISTS.com
(615) 777-3735

Program supports C&S efforts to make civic engagement more accessible for Gen Z

Princeton, NJ – March 19, 2026 – C&S announced a call for participants for the next class of the Carnegie Young Leaders program, inviting young people ages 14–24 from across the United States to turn their ideas for community change into real action.

Funded through a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York, Carnegie Young Leaders equips young changemakers with funding, coaching, and a national peer network to design and launch community-based civic projects in schools, on campuses, online, and in neighborhoods. Participants practice core civic skills: having productive conversations, using credible information, and collaborating to solve public problems in ways that fit their lives and communities.

The program’s first class has already demonstrated how small, focused efforts can create meaningful impact in communities across the country. Sample projects include:

• In Sheldon, IL, Patricia Mathu and her team organized the Iroquois County Community Dinner, bringing together residents with differing views to discuss the future of agriculture and strengthen local food systems.
• In Powell, OH, Tarun Batchu and his team launched Project Demos, a youth-led civic engagement initiative that connects high school students with local policymakers to work on issues like the opioid crisis and road safety.
• In Anchorage, AK, Emily Brubaker’s BioGlitter Initiative is reducing microplastics in schools by replacing harmful plastic glitter with sustainable alternatives and mobilizing community advocates across the district. Together, these projects reflect how young leaders, when supported and trusted, can strengthen communities and model what civic problem-solving looks like in action

“Gen Z is already showing how powerful their leadership can be in their communities when they have the space to act,” said Audra Watson, chief of youth civic programs at C&S. “Carnegie Young Leaders gives young people the skills, support, and community needed to turn everyday civic actions into sustained impact.”

Selected teams of young people will receive flexible project funding, one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors, and connections to other youth leaders across the country.

C&S encourages applications from youth who may not see themselves as leaders but are already helping neighbors, organizing online, caring for their communities, or speaking up about issues they care about.

“You don’t have to start big to make a difference,” added Watson. “If you can bring people together, ask good questions, and take one concrete step, you already have what it takes. Working together, this program will help us all go further.”

Young people ages 14–24 in the United States can learn more and apply at https://cands.org/carnegie-young-leaders/. The priority deadline for submissions is March 30, 2026.

About Carnegie Corporation of New York

Carnegie Corporation of New York (Carnegie.org) was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.

About C&S

Founded in 1945 as the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, C&S (cands.org) sparks young people to help build a strong and thriving America. Guided by the Power of &, C&S is grounded in a simple belief: young people with ideas—not institutions with ideologies—make our country stronger. We meet young people where they are—on campuses, at work, and in their communities—creating clear pathways for discovery, collaboration, and fresh civic solutions. Across all of our work, C&S helps young people practice three essential civic skills: having productive conversations; using credible information; and collaborating to create solutions.

For more information, visit https://cands.org.

Media Contact

Zach Coville Carney
Brodeur Partners for C&S
zcarney@brodeur.com

Angely Montilla
Carnegie Corporation of New York
AEM@carnegie.org

Austin, Texas – March 18, 2026 – As students across the country prepare to trade lectures for beach days, Blake’s Beverage Company is betting that the next big thing in the cooler aisle isn’t a seltzer, isn’t a cocktail, and isn’t another cider.

The company announced today the nationwide launch of Giddy Up, a new line under its Austin Eastciders brand. At 11% ABV, Giddy Up is a wine-based punch sold in 19.2 ounce single-serve cans designed for people ready to pivot into their night, fast. Gluten free, lightly carbonated and available at convenience stores launching in two flavors: Blue Raspberry and Tropical Blast, Giddy Up has a target retail price of $3.49.

Blake’s Beverage Company built its reputation on craft cider, and Austin Eastciders has become synonymous with fruit-forward innovation in the category – from its best-selling Original Dry to last year’s Spiked Agua Fresca lineup. But Giddy Up isn’t just another addition to the cider line; it’s designed for a different moment entirely. It is the ultimate “all-in-one” social refreshment, positioned as the official drink of the Spring Break pregame for those ready to pivot into their night, fast.

“We kept hearing the same thing from consumers and retailers: people want something with real flavor that they can just grab and go,” said Andrew Blake, founder and CEO of Blake’s Beverage Company. “Not something they need to mix, not something that takes five minutes to order at a bar. Giddy Up is what happens when you take everything people love about a great punch and put it in a format that fits the way people actually live – fast, spontaneous, and usually on the way somewhere.”

Spring Break is a marathon, not a sprint. To ensure the party lasts through the whole night, Giddy Up is also tapping into the ‘Zebra Striping’ movement, a growing trend where consumers alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of their favorite beverages. By pairing Giddy Up’s 11% ABV punches with Blake’s Zero Proof lineup, Spring Breakers can keep the flavor flowing and the vibes steady all week long.

The Official Drink of Spring Break

The launch reflects a broader shift as the convenience channel emerges as a battleground for higher-ABV, ready-to-drink options. Giddy Up is positioned squarely for Spring Break moments, from poolside hangs and backyard gatherings to beach-bound road trips where a 19.2 ounce can is the right call.

The branding leans into that energy. Each flavor features its own illustrated character –  cowboy hats, oversized sunglasses, and enough color to cut through any cooler door. It’s playful and loud by design, built to catch your eye at the same speed the product is meant to be purchased: quickly and with zero deliberation.

First Pouring in Austin, Texas

Already making its Austin debut, Giddy Up will be featured at SXSW and the legendary Luck Ranch, Willie Nelson’s famed property, for the Todd Snider Rules! tribute on March 20. The high-ABV punch is set to fuel the 3,000 daily attendees at Luck’s exclusive outlaw artist retreat. These appearances cement the brand’s place at the heart of Texas festival culture just as nationwide distribution begins.

For Blake’s Beverage Company, Giddy Up signals where the Austin Eastciders brand is headed, further into the fourth-category space, following the culturally inspired approach that drove the Spiked Agua Fresca rollout and continuing to push beyond the boundaries of traditional cider.

“Austin Eastciders has always been about more than one drink,” Blake added. “It’s about a point of view. Giddy Up just turns the volume up.”

For more information on Giddy Up and to find a retailer near you, visit https://austineastciders.com/.

About Blake’s Beverage Company

Blake’s Beverage Company is a leading craft beverage producer with a family of brands committed to quality, innovation, and authentic fruit-forward flavor. With roots on a 1,000- acre orchard in Armada, Mich., Blake’s Beverage Company now includes Blake’s Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders, and AVID Cider Co. As the company continues to expand its national footprint, Blake’s Beverage Company remains grounded in its farm crafted origins – bringing bold, fruit-forward beverages to consumers across the country.

About Austin Eastciders

With the inclusive rallying-cry, “Cider Y’all,” Austin Eastciders produces craft ciders in Austin, Texas, using real ingredients and bittersweet apples to create traditionally inspired ciders. Founded in 2013, Austin Eastciders offers a robust core collection including the best-selling Original Dry, Blood Orange, Pineapple and Imperial Tropical Punch. The cidery also produces a rotating line of limited release ciders ranging from Piña Colada to Hatch Green Chile – and everything in between – available in small batches in Texas and at their Collaboratory location, open seven days a week on the East Side of Austin. Can’t make it to Texas? That’s too bad, we wish you could! You can pick up a Taste of Texas in Austin Eastciders packaged products available across 22 states including the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest. For the latest on Austin Eastciders, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@eastciders) or visit austineastciders.com.

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Media Contact

Mallory Windsor
mallory.windsor@finnpartners.com

Competitive Global Marketing Fellowship Program for University and Graduate Students That Provides a Pathway to a Career in Marketing

Fully funded, eight-month global fellowship offers college students real-world marketing experience, mentorship, and access to the Cannes LIONS International Festival of Creativity

NEW YORK, Tuesday March 3, 2026 – The Effie LIONS Foundation announced applications are open for their inaugural 2026 Voices of the Future (VOTF) Fellowship. Applications close Monday, March 16, 2026.

The Effie LIONS Foundation is a global not-for-profit committed to building a marketing industry for everyone by empowering future talent through education, experiences, and unparalleled access.

Voices of the Future is a fully funded, eight-month global fellowship designed to spotlight and support rising marketing talent. Through virtual learning, an in-person experience at the prestigious Cannes LIONS International Festival of Creativity, and paid placements with global brands, fellows gain the hands-on experience and industry connections needed to compete in today’s challenging job market.

Breaking into the marketing industry has never been more difficult. Entry-level roles are harder to come by while employer expectations continue to rise – with many now requiring prior experience, digital fluency, and comfort with AI tools. Voices of the Future was created to close this access gap, providing skills, networks, mentorship, and real industry experience to emerging talent who are ready to shape the future of the field.

“Breaking into marketing today requires more than a degree. It requires experience, connections, and access that not everyone starts with,” said Allison Knapp Womack, Global CEO, Effie LIONS Foundation. “Voices of the Future exists to change that. We’re proud to offer students a fully funded pathway into the industry that prepares them not just for their first role, but for durable, future-ready careers as the next generation of marketing leaders.”

Fellowship Highlights

• Students will be selected globally for the 2026 cohort. Selected Fellows will receive:
• Virtual learning sessions from April through June, and again from July through December
• An in-person experience at the Cannes LIONS International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France (June 22–26, 2026)
• Paid work placements with partner organizations
• Mentorship from global industry professionals
• Portfolio-ready work including strategic thinking, cultural insights, and content experiments

The fellowship requires a commitment of approximately four hours per week for virtual program activities, with additional time for the Cannes LIONS Festival immersion trip and apprenticeship placements. All program activities are fully funded by the Effie LIONS Foundation and corporate partners.

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is open to students who are currently enrolled in a college or university program with an expected graduation between Winter 2025 and Winter 2028.

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in marketing, advertising, brand strategy, communications, or market research and analytics. No prior marketing experience is required – reviewers prioritize curiosity, growth potential, strategic thinking, and lived experience.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, proficient in written and spoken English, eligible to travel internationally with a valid passport, and available to attend the Cannes LIONS Festival from June 20–27, 2026.

How to Apply

Applications are completed online and include written responses, short video responses, and a letter of recommendation. Optional work samples may also be submitted. Applications close Monday, March 16, 2026. To apply, visit: www.effielions.org/programs.

About the Effie LIONS Foundation

The Effie LIONS Foundation is a global not-for-profit committed to building a more creative and effective marketing industry for everyone by empowering future talent through education, experiences, and unparalleled access. The Foundation is headquartered in New York City and is led by Global CEO, Allison Knapp Womack.

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Media Contact

Nneka Norville
nneka@effielions.org

DALLAS, TX — March 3, 2026 — PeanutButterJelly (PJELLY) today announced Spring Break Giveback, a campus-focused initiative that connects students to everyday shopping and travel bookings through standard affiliate links, with commissions allocated toward scholarship-related funding initiatives.  https://www.peanutbutterjelly.io/marketplace

As college students finalize Spring Break plans—travel bookings, last-minute essentials, and seasonal purchases—Spring Break Giveback is designed to help students convert routine spending into scholarship-supporting activity without changing where they shop. The initiative features PeanutButterJelly’s consumer-focused affiliate categories, including education-focused offerings such as Textbook Deals and SAT Prep.

How the marketplace works
PeanutButterJelly’s marketplace is a curated portal that links users to third-party products and services through standard affiliate programs. When users begin their shopping journey through the PeanutButterJelly marketplace and complete a purchase on a third-party merchant website, PeanutButterJelly may earn an affiliate commission through established affiliate programs. Commissions generated through marketplace activity are allocated to scholarship-related funding initiatives in accordance with the project’s publicly stated allocation policy (through 2028). Using the marketplace does not provide any ownership interest, profit-sharing, or participation in the project’s financial performance. For scholarship details and FAQs, visit the PeanutButterJelly website and select the Scholarship menu.

Marketplace progress ahead of Spring Break
Following its January marketplace launch announcement, PeanutButterJelly reported the following results over a 30-day period, based on internal analytics and first-party web tracking. These metrics are based on internal measurements and have not been independently audited:

• Marketplace expansion: Affiliate network grew from 15 to 40 merchants
• Audience growth: Website sessions increased 70% (from 1,120 to 1,904)
• Next phase: Rollout of a Conversion and Experience Optimization Plan focused on improving traffic quality, strengthening merchant handoff pathways, and improving the quality of referrals

Related coverage:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/peanutbutterjelly-expands-affiliate-marketplace-15-120000003.html

“Students are already spending for Spring Break—travel, gear, essentials, and everything in between,” said a PeanutButterJelly spokesperson. “Our focus is building a compliance-minded marketplace experience that improves the quality of referrals and supports scholarship initiatives through our commission allocation model.”

How it works (simple for students and student organizations)

1. Start at the PeanutButterJelly marketplace: https://www.peanutbutterjelly.io/marketplace
Note: Textbook Deals and SAT Prep are available under the Academia menu. Scholarship details and FAQs are available under the Scholarship menu.
2. Choose a merchant and complete your purchase on the merchant’s website (as usual).
3. PeanutButterJelly may earn an affiliate commission via standard affiliate programs.
4. Commissions are allocated toward scholarship-related funding initiatives per the project’s stated policy (through 2028).

College Ambassador Program (Now Recruiting)
PeanutButterJelly is recruiting college students for its Ambassador Program to help strengthen the campus experience year-round. Ambassadors will provide feedback to improve the marketplace and platform experience, support campus awareness through student networks, and participate in ongoing community discussions.

Students interested in joining the Ambassador Program can request onboarding details by emailing information@peanutbutterjelly.io with the subject line “College Ambassador Program.”

Giveaway (No Purchase Necessary)
PeanutButterJelly will host a limited-time giveaway featuring four (4) USD cash prizes of $250 each (ARV: $1,000 total). No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve chances of winning. Token purchases are not required and do not improve odds. To enter, participants must (1) join the official Telegram community, (2) follow PeanutButterJelly on either X (Twitter) or TikTok (official links available on the PeanutButterJelly website), and (3) register on the PeanutButterJelly website under “Connect with Us.” The drawing will occur when 500 eligible entries are received or on April 15, 2026, whichever occurs first. Odds depend on the number of eligible entries received. Fake entries, bots, or automated behavior will be disqualified; PeanutButterJelly reserves the right to verify eligibility, match submitted usernames to the registration email for winner confirmation and filter out suspicious accounts and entries. Prizes will be paid in USD and deposited to the winner’s wallet in accordance with the official rules. Official rules, eligibility, and entry terms are available on the PeanutButterJelly website. Void where prohibited. Not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with X, Telegram, or TikTok.

Operational independence and brand integrity
PeanutButterJelly’s marketplace functions as a curated portal and operates independently of third-party retailers and service providers accessed through standard affiliate programs.

Trademark / brand notice: Third-party names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation, or joint venture is implied. Merchant availability may change.

About PeanutButterJelly (PJELLY)
PeanutButterJelly (PJELLY) is a community-driven digital initiative focused on exploring platform features aligned with social-impact objectives, including efforts related to education access and hunger relief. PeanutButterJelly is a brand and trademark of Veritas Network Holdings LLC.

Important Notice
This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or investment recommendation.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding plans, initiatives, and expectations related to marketplace expansion, traffic growth, optimization efforts, and allocation initiatives. Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties, including changes in marketing performance, merchant availability, platform performance, tracking and measurement limitations, regulatory considerations, and broader market conditions.

Media Contact:
PeanutButterJelly Communications
Email: information@peanutbutterjelly.io

Marketplace: https://www.peanutbutterjelly.io/marketplace
Website: https://www.peanutbutterjelly.io
X: https://x.com/PButterJelly
Telegram: https://t.me/PBJelly_Official
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com@pjelly.pbjelly

The Collaboration Celebrates the Power of Youth Voice alongside the Upcoming Premiere of Project Hail Mary

NEW YORK, NY — DoSomething, the leading digital hub for youth-centered leadership and service, is working with 3M and Amazon MGM Studios to launch Project STEM Heroes. This nationwide initiative equips young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and build STEM skills, while amplifying their voices as they share their excitement for the mentors who helped spark their STEM journeys. The program is being released in conjunction with Project Hail Mary, the film from Amazon MGM Studios film.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Through a short video submission, participants will have the opportunity to earn a $1,500 scholarship and be considered to attend the New York City premiere of Project Hail Mary alongside a teacher or mentor.

Project STEM Heroes mobilizes youth nationwide to record a 60-second video sharing why they are passionate about STEM, how it has shaped their interests or goals, and to shout out a teacher, mentor, or adult who helped ignite that passion. The youth workforce exploration initiative equips young people to learn about careers in STEM through The Road to 2060 Career Guide, a shareable resource that explores the wide range of exciting careers in STEM and piques  young people’s skills and curiosity about how they can translate those learnings to real-world impact.

Two DoSomething members will be selected to join the New York City premiere of Project Hail Mary for an unforgettable celebration of science, creativity, and storytelling.

A video featuring Ryan Gosling, who plays Ryland Grace in Project Hail Mary, spotlights the initiative and can be viewed here: https://dosomething.org/program/project-stem-heroes

STEM careers are among the fastest-growing in today’s economy, yet many young people lack access to quality STEM learning opportunities and role models who help them navigate pathways forward. Project STEM Heroes aims to spotlight youth leadership and mentorship as powerful tools to inspire today’s digital native youth to embrace STEM skills for the good of their communities and the world.

“Every STEM journey begins with that first spark, whether it was a teacher who made science exciting, a mentor who encouraged problem-solving, or an adult who connected your curiosity to real-world purpose,” said DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething. “Project STEM Heroes gives young people the tools to explore STEM careers while celebrating those moments, sharing what they’ve learned, and inviting younger students to imagine themselves as inventors, thinkers, and solution-makers of tomorrow.”

“At 3M, we believe education is the cornerstone of innovation, and we are proud to support opportunities that help young people unlock their potential,” said Michael Stroik, Vice President, 3M Community Impact. “For more than 11 years, our partnership with DoSomething.org has helped empower young people. Project STEM Heroes builds on that commitment by encouraging youth to strengthen their skills and explore new possibilities.”

DoSomething is the leading hub for youth-centered leadership and service, with over 1 million active members (13-25). DoSomething has engaged over 8 million young people in every U.S. area code and in 189 countries over the last 33 years, fueling young people to change the world, equipping members to become leaders who shape the future and address issues that matter most to their communities. DoSomething and 3M have been partnering for over a decade to equip today’s digital native youth to explore careers in STEM. Project STEM Heroes creates space for young leaders to share their STEM journeys, uplift the adults who inspired them, and help ensure that innovation and opportunity are within reach for every student.

Participants can learn more, download The Road to 2060 Career Guide, and submit their videos at https://dosomething.org/program/project-stem-heroes.

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About DoSomething:

DoSomething is the leading digital hub for youth-centered impact and service with over 1 million active members and a 31-year legacy of mobilizing over 8 million young people in every U.S. area code and 189 countries to take action. We fuel young people to change the world. We specialize in transforming civically curious young people into civically committed leaders. Our actions and programs educate and equip young people, ages 13 to 25, to build solutions to the issues that matter most to them. DoSomething has registered 425,000 young people to vote since 2018 and awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to young people committed to doing good in their communities since 2010.

About 3M:

3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

CONTACT:

DoSomething | marcia@unbendablemedia.com
3M | 3MNews@mmm.com