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.

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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

Stock up on health essentials, school supplies, and more – without leaving the couch

DEERFIELD, Ill., (August 6, 2025) — Move-in season is here, and Walgreens is making it more affordable for college students to hit the ground running. From August 10–23, students can save 20% off all regular-priced items* in the entire store and online. Just show a valid student ID or use code STUDENT20 at checkout online. Whether you’re picking up school supplies, last-minute toiletries, managing prescriptions, or loading up on snacks, Walgreens has everything you need, when you need it.

With hundreds of locations on or near college campuses, Walgreens is the convenient, go-to spot for students settling into campus life. And with 1-hour Delivery or 30-minute Pickup, stocking up on essentials is as easy as ordering from your dorm or apartment.**

“Starting a new school year can be overwhelming with a very long to do list,” said Bala Visalatha, SVP, Chief Experience & Growth Officer at Walgreens. “We’re here to support and take a few things off students’ lists with fast delivery, in store pick up, savings on everyday essentials and healthier alternatives.”

From cold meds and energy boosters to notebooks, stress-relief supplements, personal care, snacks, and more, Walgreens is stocked with the supplies students need to stay healthy, focused, and on top of it all. Prescriptions? No problem with Same-Day Rx delivery***, seamless transfers, and access to in-store and virtual pharmacy support. We make staying healthy easier than ever.

Join the Walgreens Rewards program to unlock exclusive savings, personalized offers, and so much more!

For more information on Walgreens back-to-campus savings and services, visit https://www.walgreens.com/ or find your local Walgreens via the store locator: https://www.walgreens.com/storelocator/find.jsp

About Walgreens

Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations, and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni-channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.

Walgreens is the flagship U.S. brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. Its retail locations are a critical point of access and convenience in thousands of communities, with Walgreens pharmacists playing a greater role as part of the healthcare system and patients’ care teams than ever before. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions.

Media Contact 

Kamara Turner
media@walgreens.com

*Offer available only on Walgreens.com from Aug 10-23. Exclusions apply. Code STUDENT20 is valid up to 1 use per order, 3 uses per account on select regular priced items. Visit walgreens.com/offerdetails.
**Exclusions apply. Visit walgreens.com/samedaydelivery for more information.
***Exclusions apply. Visit Walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy.jsp for more information.

Amber is a leading global student housing solutions provider. The firm’s annual scholarship program, Amberscholar 2025 Edition, is gaining momentum across the United States. Aimed at supporting students through their higher education journey, this year’s edition offers up to $12,000 in scholarships and has seen a notable spike in applications from domestic US students.

The Amberscholar Scholarship Program, in its last 3 editions, has supported university students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in the US, UK, Canada, or Ireland. Applicants are invited to submit a creative Statement of Purpose (SOP) that reflects their goals and aspirations. Submissions can be in the form of a video, presentation, or written format. The top three entries are awarded $6,000, $4,000, and $2,000, respectively. Students can also earn bonus points through peer referrals.

“As education costs continue to rise, students are increasingly looking for opportunities that go beyond the classroom,” says Saurabh Goel, Co-founder & CEO of AmberStudent. “Our primary focus has been to help students from all around the world. Amberscholar is our initiative to empower their ambition to pursue higher education through monetary support.”

Students can apply for the Amberscholar Scholarship 2025 on Amber’s website through a simple process. Applications close on August 16, 2025. Winners would be announced on September 5, 2025 across Amber’s social media handles.

Amber simplifies the student housing journey by helping students find & book verified accommodations near top universities globally. In the US, students can explore a wide range of accommodation options on Amber’s platform. From Los Angeles student apartments, to student apartments in Chicago and New York, as well as apartments near UT Austin, New York University, University of Houston, University of Washington, or any other top school, Amber ensures a safe, convenient, and seamless booking experience.

With an aim to help students with exclusive discounts and additional benefits, their Amber+ program offers student services such as visa support, SIM cards, free forex cards, banking tools, and travel offers, for a one-stop solution for college students.

About Amber:
Founded in 2017 by IIT Kharagpur alumni Saurabh Goel and Madhur Gujar, Amber was created to simplify the complex housing search for University & college students. Backed by $21 million in funding, Amber has expanded globally with over 2 million verified listings across 140+ cities and 25+ countries. Today, Amber partners with PBSAs, universities, and education consultants to deliver housing solutions tailored for students worldwide.

Xfinity Internet is the Most Important Back to School Essential for University Students – Without Breaking the Bank

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 24, 2025 – College life runs on connection. Whether you’re making a call to family to share how your first day of class went, joining a Zoom on your group project, playing Call of Duty with friends after a long day, or streaming your favorite reality show with your roommates – Xfinity is the backbone to all these experiences. Xfinity delivers fast, reliable WiFi for studying, streaming, gaming and more.

Starting July 14^th, Xfinity has a special offer for university students looking to lock-in the nation’s largest, fastest and most reliable WiFi network in Comcast markets* this back-to-school season. University students living off campus can choose from a range of speed tiers – from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps. For just $50 a month for one year, students can get 1 Gig speeds, the Xfinity Gateway, and unlimited data—perfect for pulling an all-nighter studying, streaming, or video chatting with a long-distance bestie. Plus, the perks don’t stop with speed. University students with Gig speeds can enjoy two years of Peacock Premium and $200 in gift cards to Uber Eats and Amazon. That means movie marathons, late-night snacking and last-minute shopping are all covered. With fast, reliable internet, awesome extras, and no stress—Xfinity makes student life easier and a lot more fun.

For whatever your needs and budget may be, Xfinity has four tiers available as part of this new offer.

Xfinity Internet – From lecture notes to late night scrolls—With a connection you can count on.

Having a fast, reliable connection isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Xfinity delivers the most reliable WiFi** with unbeatable wall-to-wall coverage and a low-lag connection for streaming or gaming – the perfect break from homework. All plans include the Xfinity WiFi Gateway, which provides cybersecurity protection, the capacity to connect hundreds of devices at once, and other advanced features, accessible through the Xfinity app for a seamless user experience.

Xfinity Mobile – Gig speeds on the go.

Xfinity Mobile is built for the way consumers use mobile – with WiFi at the center – and every customer gets access to the nation’s most reliable 5G network and the largest network of WiFi hotspots for seamless connectivity at home and on the go. Now, all Xfinity Internet packages include an unlimited line of Xfinity Mobile for one year.

For college students, having fast speeds both at home and on the go is essential. In fact, more than half of Gen Z say they’d be more likely to switch their provider if it meant they could get up to Gig speeds in and out of the home. Xfinity Mobile recently launched a feature called WiFi PowerBoost, that automatically gives customers speeds up to 1 Gig when they connect to WiFi both at home and on the go.

Visit https://www.xfinity.com/student to view these exclusive university student offers. You can also sign up through visiting your local Xfinity store or by calling 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489).

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

* USA, Fixed Broadband Experience, May 2025 | Opensignal

**Opensignal Awards USA: Fixed Broadband Experience Report, August 2024.​

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Media Contact

Camillia Travia
(267) 582-6411
camillia_travia@comcast.com

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society—today announced the recipients of its 2025 Fellowships. The fellowships, totaling $500,000, were awarded to 48 of the nation’s top scholars at institutions with an active chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.

Established in 1932, the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship has become the Society’s signature award, providing funding for the first year of graduate or professional study. This year’s program awarded two awards at $35,000 each, the 1897 Fellowship and the Sherrill Carlson Fellowship; six $15,000 Marcus L. Urann Fellowships, named for the Society’s founder; and 40 fellowships of $8,500 each.

“Each year, our Fellowship recipients exemplify the academic excellence and leadership that define Phi Kappa Phi,” said Society Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer. “These scholars inspire us with their potential to make a meaningful impact in their fields and communities, and we are proud to invest in their continued success.”

The 2025 class of fellows represents students from nearly 50 colleges and universities across the nation. The recipients—drawn from all academic disciplines—are pursuing post-baccalaureate programs of study ranging from science and engineering to arts and humanities.

The selection process for a fellowship is based on the applicant’s evidence of graduate potential, undergraduate academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement of educational perspective and career goals, and acceptance in an approved graduate or professional program.

Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships are part of the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which gives more than $1 million each year to outstanding members and students on chapter campuses through study abroad grants, graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

To see the complete list of 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows, visit www.phikappaphi.org/2025Fellowships.

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

New podcast episode, “Sticking With Style,” inspires college students to decorate their spaces with confidence

ST. PAUL, MINN. – JULY 14, 2025 – This Back to College season, Command™ Brand is taking dorm and other small space decorating to the next level with the launch of “Sticking With Style,” an original podcast episode hosted by DIY expert and interior decorator Tay Nakamoto (AKA Tay BeepBoop), featuring special guests and co-hosts of “The Burnouts,” Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni.

From merging styles with roommates to changing up your space with new trends, “Sticking With Style” is packed with inspiration for college students to fearlessly stick their vision and change it up anytime.

“I’ve always believed that great design doesn’t have to be complicated – or permanent,” said Tay Nakamoto (AKA Tay BeepBoop), DIY expert and interior decorator. “That’s why I’ve partnered with Command Brand to share design tips with students headed back to campus, especially those looking to make their space feel like home on a budget, and without the hassle.”

“We know how important it is for your space to feel like you, especially when balancing classes, a social life and everything in between,” said Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, co-hosts of “The Burnouts.” “With Command Products, you don’t have to compromise. Whether you’re creating a cozy corner for studying or styling your dream gallery wall, Command Brand upgrades your space without breaking the bank—or the rules.”

As College Students’ Most Trusted Brand for Damage-Free Hanging*, Command Products make it simple to bring your personality to life, then take it all down when the semester ends.

Command Products hold strongly on surfaces without screws and remove cleanly without consequence.

Must-have Command™ Products to grab this Back to College season include:

• Command™ Limited Edition Color Collection – Featuring five new shades like Watermelon and Candied Plum, this collection lets you color-match your mood and stand out from the crowd.
• Command™ 20 lb Picture Hanging Strips – Go bold with oversized wall art, mirrors or dry-erase boards that hold strong without holes or hassle.
• Command™ Folding Clothes Hanger – A space-saving essential that folds out to hold five hangers and folds back in when you’re done using it.
• Command™ Clear Mini Hooks – Great for hanging lights, vines or organizing cords—no tools needed.
• Command™ Poster Strips – Perfect for banners, posters, and signs with zero damage or residue.
• Command™ Decorative Double Hooks (Matte Black or Brushed Nickel) – Stylish meets functional with a sleek design that holds up to 4 lbs.
• Command™ Large Organizing Caddy – Create a makeshift vanity, stash toiletries, or organize tech accessories, no screws required. Holds up to 10lbs.

“Whether you’re decorating your first dorm or moving into a new apartment, Command Brand brings 30 years of innovation and clever products to make it happen,” said Tate Galvin, global vice president, Home Improvement, 3M. “Command Brand is all about empowering you to try something new and bring your unique style to life. We’re thrilled to partner with Tay, Phoebe and Sophia to share creative, real-world tips for making your space reflect you without the worry of damage.”

“Sticking With Style” is available to stream now on Command Brand’s YouTube channel (@command), Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

To explore the full product line and discover where to shop for dorm and apartment décor essentials, visit Command.com. Follow @Command on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for more Back to College inspiration, DIY hacks and behind-the-scenes content from Tay, Phoebe and Sophia.

About Command™ Brand

Command™ Brand exists to help you turn everyday spaces into places you love. We believe there’s excitement that comes from being able to try new things, and that nothing should hold you back from being brave enough to go after what you want in life. Command™ Products hold strongly on most surfaces even where screws and nails can’t to help empower you to create your own happy space.

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.

Media Contact

Tim Post
Tpost3@mmm.com

*Based on a 2023 Methodify survey of college students hanging and mounting product users.

Three Exceptional Pre-Med Students Receive $50,000 Fellowship Grants to Train in Cutting-Edge Interventional Pain and Behavioral Health

New York, NY — Manhattan Restorative Health Sciences (MRHS), a leader in integrative and regenerative medicine, is proud to announce the inaugural class of Medical Assistant Student Fellows—three outstanding future healthcare leaders who have each been awarded a $50,000 grant to participate in an immersive, 12-month fellowship focused on interventional pain, behavioral health, and restorative care.

The program is housed at MRHS’s flagship facilities, in Manhattan and New Hyde Park, along with satellite locations across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Designed to offer unparalleled hands-on training, this highly competitive fellowship equips students with real-world clinical experience in minimally invasive procedures, behavioral medicine, and patient-centered innovation.

“We are proud to invest in these future leaders who share our mission to move medicine forward through compassionate, evidence-based care,” said Dr. Timothy Canty, Founder and Medical Director of MRHS. “This fellowship is more than just training—it’s a partnership in transforming how we treat pain, trauma, and chronic illness.”

2025 Inaugural Fellows

Nathalie Ramirez Rodriguez, Pre-PA – Boston University, Undergraduate Class of 2025
Originally from Long Island, NY, Nathalie graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology on the pre-Physician Assistant track. A proud first-generation college graduate and fluent Spanish speaker, she is passionate about breaking down language and cultural barriers in healthcare. Her commitment to increasing Latinx representation in medicine is matched by her dedication to health equity and inclusive care—especially in underserved communities. During her time at MRHS, she looks forward to working closely with patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly women, and plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant with a special interest in women’s health. A personal motto she embraces is: “All it takes is a smile.”

Michelle Cho, Pre-Med – Georgetown University, Undergraduate Class of 2025
Michelle was born in Indiana and now calls Staten Island, NY home. She recently graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Healthcare Management and Policy on the pre-med track. While at Georgetown, she served as captain of the university’s cheerleading team, worked as an EMT with Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Services, and conducted research in the Forcelli Lab in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. Michelle plans to attend medical school and ultimately combine her systems-level understanding of healthcare with her clinical training to improve care for NYC residents, particularly non-English-speaking communities.

Joaquin Casino, Pre-Med – Cornell University, Undergraduate Class of 2025
Joaquin Casino grew up on Long Island, NY, and recently graduated from Cornell University. He plans to enter medical school in 2026 and is particularly interested in programs in the Northeast. Inspired by his mother and other mentors in the healthcare field, Joaquin chose to pursue medicine to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. In addition to his clinical interests, Joaquin enjoys snowboarding, walking his dog, spending time with friends, and watching movies.

Each fellow will rotate through MRHS’s interventional pain and behavioral health teams, engaging in high-volume procedural clinics, including spinal cord stimulation (SCS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), kyphoplasty, Intracept, and regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). Fellows will also contribute to innovative non-opioid programs, such as Ketamine-VR therapy for treatment-resistant depression, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for PTSD and anxiety.

Fellowship Details:

• 12-month program
• $50,000 grant per fellow
• Mentorship under board-certified physicians
• Exposure to real-world healthcare delivery, EMR platforms, and multidisciplinary care planning
• Access to MRHS’s high-volume clinics, performing over 40,000 procedures annually

Next Cohort & Application Info

Applications for the next cycle open January 2026. Interested students should send their CV and cover letter to people@mrhsclinics.com.

About MRHS:

Manhattan Restorative Health Sciences is a multidisciplinary medical practice dedicated to optimizing health through integrative medicine, interventional pain procedures, regenerative therapeutics, and behavioral health support. Founded by Dr. Timothy Canty, MRHS champions a low-opioid, high-engagement model of care grounded in innovation, ethics, and equity.

Dr. Canty, certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, received his training and taught anesthesiology at two Harvard teaching hospitals: Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, where he specialized in interventional pain medicine. Over ten years ago, he founded The Comprehensive Spine and Pain Center of New York and later, Manhattan Restorative Health Sciences (MRHS). Under his guidance, MRHS clinicians design customized, minimally invasive treatment programs that help patients achieve lasting relief from chronic and traumatic pain conditions.

Media Contact:

Manhattan Restorative Health Sciences
(917) 524-7246
info@mrhsclinics.com
www.mrhsclinics.com

Students Turn to Sophia Learning for Savings on College-Level Courses

June 05, 2025–(Herndon, VA.) To date, Sophia Learning has saved students over $1 billion in tuition. Through an easy-to-use online learning platform, students can move through college-level courses at their own speed, at an affordable monthly subscription, and can submit these courses for transfer credit review.

Sophia Learning offers more than 70 high-quality college-level courses that students often need to complete a degree. Sophia’s courses are recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education and are designed to be transferred to 80+ partner colleges and universities who have agreed to accept them. Students can also submit Sophia transcripts to non-partner intuitions to be evaluated for credit.

“Sophia is thrilled to celebrate this milestone of reaching $1 billion dollars in savings for students pursuing their college degrees,” said Shawna Thayer, Ph.D., CEO of Sophia Learning. “At a time when a college education is so valuable, yet can be cost prohibitive, we are proud to offer students an affordable and flexible pathway to completing their general education requirements—whether they are getting a head start on college while in high school or finishing up the final courses they need to complete a degree while working.”

Students can save up to 90% on their general education courses with Sophia compared to what they might pay at a traditional institution. The self-paced format of Sophia allows students to complete college-level courses in one third of the time compared with traditional semester-long courses. Courses are accessible around the clock from virtually any device.

“Sophia offers students a way to explore college-level courses while potentially reducing some of the financial strain that can come with higher education,” said Michele Spires, Assistant Vice President, American Council on Education. “ACE recognizes the value of approaches that make college more accessible, and the $1 billion students have saved through Sophia points to how alternative and innovative pathways can play a meaningful role in addressing college affordability.”

Younger students can also use Sophia to start exploring college-level courses and potential degree programs. To further this mission of accessibility, this summer, rising high school juniors and seniors can get a head start on college with access to six of Sophia’s college-level courses at no cost. The courses include biology, information technology, and college readiness. By participating, students can build academic confidence, explore areas of interest, and transfer their completed course for credit once they are ready for college.

Eligible high school juniors and seniors for the 2025-2026 school year can sign up for the curated list of free college-level courses between June 2 and July 31, 2025. The offer will be good for 60 days after sign-up. Students must sign up for this offer at freehs.sophia.org.

How we made our calculations:

Our cost savings estimates are based on the average annual tuition at public four-year, in-state institutions as reported by the College Board Trends in its 2024 College Pricing Report. We base the calculation on Sophia Learning’s subscription price of $99 per month.

Our time savings estimate compares the speed that learners complete Sophia courses to the traditional 15-week semester. The average length for Sophia course completion is 28 days.

Of course, the cost and time savings that an actual Sophia learner might experience will differ depending on the number of Sophia courses they take, the time it takes to complete those courses, and the price per course at the college or university that the learner enrolls in.

Learn how to enroll in Sophia Learning.

About Sophia Learning

Sophia is an online learning platform that allows students at any stage of their higher education journey to get started on or continue their education by taking affordable and flexible college-level general education courses. Sophia courses are ACE®-recommended for college credit and are designed to be transferred to many colleges and universities. Sophia students have saved more than $1B in tuition dollars, completed more than 1M courses, and have been awarded more than 2.9M transfer credits at receiving institutions. For more information about Sophia, visit Sophia.org. Sophia is a subsidiary of Strategic Education, Inc.

Media Contact

Elaine Kincel
202-557-4920
media.relations@strategiced.com

Today, DoSomething.org, the hub for youth-driven leadership and service, announced the launch of ‘Safe Summer Season’ in collaboration with General Motors.  This summer, the initiative will tackle the urgent issue of improving road safety, helping young drivers stay sharp and safe during the 100 deadliest days—from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the reality is that teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day compared to any other age group. The National Highway, Transportation, Safety Administration’s research has found that dialing a phone number while driving increases teens’ risk of crashing by six times, and texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times. This campaign seeks to educate and equip young people to avoid risky driving behaviors and distractions that can lead to serious and often preventable crashes.

The campaign will include community and digital activations, including a Safe Summer Driving Kit, with tips for road trips, playlists to encourage focus, and guidance for how to avoid phone use. The initiative will also meet young people online through an interactive social media challenge where participants will share their pledge for a “safe summer.”

READ MORE ABOUT ‘SAFE SUMMER SEASON’ HERE: https://dosomething.org/program/safe-summer-season

DoSomething will kick off this initiative through a Mobile Safety Lab at the Detroit Grand Prix which will feature a booth with distracted driving simulators and activities to test reaction times, or responses to road safety scenarios.

“Car crashes remain the leading cause of death among today’s digital native American teens, and the number of distractions they face behind the wheel – from phones to peer pressure – continues to rise. That’s why we’re committed to doing our part to arm young drivers to make safer choices: buckle up, put their phones down, stay focused on the road, and inspire their friends to do the same,” said DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething. “When one young person chooses to drive safely, it can spark a chain reaction that makes a real difference in their communities that makes all of us safer. Through education, conversation, and awareness, we hope to underscore just how critical safe driving habits are and how they can save lives across the country.”

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at General Motors,” said Alexis Brandl, Road Safety Grantmaking Lead at General Motors. “Young people have the power to shape a safer crash-free future. We’re proud to support DoSomething for a Safe Summer Season – to give young drivers the tools, community and confidence they need to drive distraction-free.”

“Participating in DoSomething’s road safety campaigns really opened my eyes to how everyday choices, like avoiding distractions or speaking up when others are driving unsafely, can have life-saving impacts,” said Liliana C. “It made me more mindful not only of my own habits, but also of how I can advocate for safer roads within my community. I now see road safety as a shared responsibility, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that empowers young people to lead that change.”

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CONTACT
Marcia Rabinoff
marcia@unbendablemedia.com

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, today announced the recipients of a 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant. The $1,000 grants were awarded to 75 students across the nation.

The grants are designed to support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers from campuses that have Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.

“We are proud to recognize the outstanding recipients of the Study Abroad Grant,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer. “This opportunity is a testament to your hard work and commitment to academic excellence and the love of learning. May your journey abroad be filled with growth, discovery, and experiences that inspire your continued pursuit of excellence.”

The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation and acceptance into a study abroad program.

Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program is part of the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which currently gives more than $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

For the complete list of recipients from the program, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/2025studyabroad. The application process for 2026 will open on Dec. 15, 2025.

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 and its territories. 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