Transitioning to college is a pivotal milestone for young adult students, and access to mental health support is crucial.

This is the second in a three-part series sponsored by Alkermes, Inc. exploring mental health support for adult college students and their communities.

Watch for part 3 of this series coming later this semester and refer back to part 1 for the complete series!

College is a season of new beginnings, with new environments, freedoms and possibilities. On top of expected college stressors, the pandemic has created a new environment with unexpected and unprecedented obstacles that may pose new challenges for students.^1,2,3

In addition to this already stressful season, the college years may coincide with the onset of a mental health condition. In fact, according to a 2021 global report from the World Health Organization, 75% of lifetime mental health disorders begin prior to the age of 24, which is the time that many young adults are making the transition to college.⁴

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions experienced by college students receiving mental health services, according to the 2020 Annual Report of the Center for Collegiate Mental Health.⁵ In a separate online questionnaire of 2,031 U.S. students conducted in 2020, approximately 80% of 1,994 completed responses showed some level of depression, and 72% of 2,014 completed responses showed some level of anxiety. Common challenges identified by students as contributing to their mental health issues included the fear of the pandemic outbreak and risk of infection, changes in sleep patterns, trouble concentrating and pandemic-related barriers to maintaining social connections.¹

The same stressful circumstances that result in anxiety can also place students at risk for serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.^1,6,7 And, unfortunately, only a small number of students with mental health conditions obtain treatment, which can make the journey to health and wellness even more challenging.^4,6

Here are some simple mental health strategies to consider during the transition to college:

• Start talking. Maintain relationships and open lines of communication with loved ones. Connection is essential to health and well-being.^8,9

• Create positive habits. From staying organized to prioritizing sleep, eating healthy food to staying physically active, positive habits support mental health. Remember: small changes may make a big difference.⁸

• Normalize the experience. Remind yourself that challenges are common, and transitions such as starting or returning to college are often difficult. Bumps in the road are easier to deal with when you accept them as normal parts of the process.^6,9

• Access resources on campus. Consider beginning by accessing resources on campus: mental health resources available on campus may be able to help with everyday concerns and could be a good place to start if a student has concerns about developing a mental health problem⁹

• Speak to a doctor. Primary care physicians or on-campus clinics can be a great place to start. If they can’t provide the support themselves, they can suggest helpful resources.^8,9

The college transition is challenging in any year, and the pandemic has added to the stress. It’s important for students to remember that experiencing mental health challenges or being diagnosed with a mental health condition is common during this time of life.⁶

If you are experiencing mental health challenges personally or are concerned about a friend or loved one due to differences in behavior, consider seeking the guidance of a trusted healthcare professional. The following resources are also good starting points for more information: The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Mental Health America (MHA).

Up next in this 3-part series, we will look at common behaviors and symptoms of mental health conditions that commonly arise during the college years. Part 3 will highlight the importance of early intervention and discuss sources of support post-diagnosis.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Alkermes does not endorse and is not affiliated with the organizations listed above.

References

¹ Wang X, Hegde S, Son C, Keller B, Smith A, Sasangohar F. Investigating mental health of US college students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional survey study. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2020;22(9). doi:10.2196/22817

² Anderson G. Mental health support systems for coping with pandemic. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/03/31/mental-health-support-systems-coping-pandemic. Published March 31, 2020. Accessed January 3, 2022.

³ Active Minds. COVID-19 IMPACT ON COLLEGE STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH.; 2020. https://www.activeminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Student-Survey-Infographic.pdf. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁴ WMH-ICS Initiative. The WHO World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) Initiative. The World Mental Health. https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/wmh/college_student_survey.php. Published 2021. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁵ Penn State University. Center for Collegiate Mental Health 2020 Annual Report. Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH). https://ccmh.psu.edu/assets/docs/2020%20CCMH%20Annual%20Report.pdf. Published 2020. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁶ Pedrelli P, Nyer M, Yeung A, Zulauf C, Wilens T. College Students: Mental Health Problems and Treatment Considerations. Acad Psychiatry. 2015;39(5):503–511. doi:10.1007/s40596-014-0205-9

⁷ Blanco C, Okuda M, Wright C, Hasin DS, Grant BF, Liu SM, Olfson M. Mental health of college students and their non-college-attending peers: results from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008 Dec;65(12):1429-37. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.65.12.1429

⁸ National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Support. Published August 2017. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁹ Managing a Mental Health Condition in College. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults/Managing-a-Mental-Health-Condition-in-College. Accessed January 3, 2022.

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2022 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Media Contact
Dede McKelvy
Finn Partners
(860) 806-4358
Dede.McKelvy@finnpartners.com

Educational curriculum was built with input from college students across the country

SMITHTOWN, N.Y., and FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (February 9, 2022) – A new online educational resource designed by and for students to help prevent the spread of Meningitis B on college campuses is now available. College students are 5+ times more likely to contract Meningitis B than non-college students[i] – making it particularly important for students to be informed about how to help prevent Meningitis B infection.

The new Meningitis B Student Hub was specifically designed for peer health educators and students with simple key messages to help explain the disease, educational materials for download, sample presentations and even inspirational podcasts from other peer health educators across the country. It also includes ideas for activating a Meningitis B education campaign on campus and suggestions for engaging student health centers and college administrators to advocate for better Meningitis B prevention measures on campus. The resource was developed with input from college students with support from the Meningitis B Action Project, an initiative by two mothers who each lost their college-aged daughters to Meningitis B.

“Alicia and I each lost our daughters, Kim and Emily, to Meningitis B, and we don’t want that to happen to anyone else,” said Registered Nurse Patti Wukovits, who is a Co-founder of the Meningitis B Action Project and Executive Director of the Kimberly Coffey Foundation. “We share our personal stories with students, parents, healthcare providers, and many others, but we also recognize that peer-to-peer education is an incredibly powerful tool. That’s why we wanted to create a resource to help students talk to other students about Meningitis B.”

Meningococcal meningitis is the most common type of bacterial meningitis among young adults. It can kill in less than 24 hours or lead to permanent complications like brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, or even limb amputations. It affects all ages but is more common among 16-23-year-olds.[ii] 50+ college campuses have reported cases of meningococcal meningitis since 2013.[iii] Meningitis B accounts for 100% of all meningococcal meningitis outbreaks on college campuses in the U.S. since 2011.[iv] Two separate vaccines, MenACWY and MenB, are necessary to be fully immunized against meningococcal meningitis, yet few colleges currently require both vaccines. That is one reason why most adolescents and young adults have received the MenACWY vaccine, but few have received the MenB vaccine [v] largely due to lack of awareness of its availability.

“Our goal is to make sure that students have the information they need to help prevent Meningitis B,” said Alicia Stillman, Co-founder of the Meningitis B Action Project and Executive Director of the Emily Stillman Foundation. “You can’t act on what you don’t know. Many campuses are not educating students about Meningitis B and we felt it was critical to close this gap.”

To view the new Meningitis B curriculum, visit meningitisbactionproject.org/forcolleges.

About the Meningitis B Action Project
The Meningitis B Action Project is a joint initiative by two mothers who each lost their young, healthy daughters too soon to a now vaccine-preventable disease, Meningitis B. The project aims to increase awareness of Meningitis B on high school, college and university campuses and empower young adults and their parents with the information to proactively talk to their healthcare provider about Meningitis B and the vaccine available to help prevent it. Learn more at meningitisbactionproject.org.

Press Contact
Info@MeningitisBActionProject.org

[i] Gary S Marshall, Amanda F Dempsey, Amit Srivastava, Raul E Isturiz, US College Students Are at Increased Risk for Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease, Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2020, Pages 244–247, https://doi.org/10.1093/jpids/piz024
[ii] Age as a Risk Factor. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/risk-age.html
[iii] Meningitis B Cases Tracker, Meningitis B Action Project, https://meningitisbactionproject.org/menbtracker
[iv] Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC
[v] Elam-Evans LD, Yankey D, Singleton JA, et al. National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:1109–1116. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6933a1

Transitioning to college is a pivotal milestone for young adult students, and access to mental health support is crucial.

This is the first in a three-part series sponsored by Alkermes, Inc. exploring mental health support for adult college students and their communities.

Watch for parts 2 & 3 in the series coming later this semester!

The leap from home to college life is proving more challenging than ever as another academic year under the shadow of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues. According to a nationwide study by The Healthy Minds Network of nearly 33,000 college students, in the fall of 2020 more than 40% reported a lifetime diagnosis of a mental health condition. In that study, four in five students—83% of those screened—said their mental health status had hurt their academic performance in the past month.¹

And mental health conditions among students are on the rise, too, according to a 2021 survey by The Ohio State University. While rates for anxiety and depression both rose by about 4% compared to the prior year, burnout rates increased by 31%. Bernadette Meinyk, dean of the College of Nursing at Ohio State, said, “Two thirds of students who are no longer in college are not [there] due to a mental health issue.”²

With the increase among mental health challenges apparent, how can students consider if what they’re experiencing is expected behavior or indicative of a mental illness (for example, difficulty sleeping, excessive worrying or fear, extreme mood changes)?³ For more information, check out this NAMI resource.

If you, a friend or family member are concerned about your mental health or the behaviors you are exhibiting, there are actions that may be helpful:

• Take stock of what’s happening. If you are noticing differences in your behaviors, such as the signs listed above or one of the others shared by NAMI, take notice.³ This may help when seeking additional resources or support from a healthcare professional (a physician, psychiatrist, etc.) in the future. To assist in tracking what you’re feeling, consider taking advantage of resources available through your school, making an appointment with your healthcare provider, visiting a local community mental health agency, speaking with trusted peers or taking an online screening tool available from mental health advocacy organizations to better understand what you might be experiencing.^4,5

• Keep talking. Ask questions and set aside time to talk with trusted friends or loved ones about how you are feeling. Consider asking them if they’ve noticed any concerning changes in your behavior.⁵

• Speak to a healthcare professional. Set up an appointment and make sure you discuss mental health, the college transition and any behavioral changes you might notice.⁵

• Act as quickly as you can. In some studies, participants with early identification of their condition and intervention experienced disease management and improved outcomes.⁴ Early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can assist in illness management and long-term outcomes.⁶

The college experience can come with challenges, and those have been amplified by the pandemic and other cultural and political events.⁷ Knowing what to look out for and where to seek help if necessary are critical for mental health in college and beyond.

If you are concerned about behavioral changes in yourself or someone else, consider reaching out to a local healthcare professional or taking advantage of mental health resources—such as screening tools, treatment locator tools and educational resources—from organizations like Mental Health America (MHA), The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

In the second piece of our 3-part series, we’ll discuss the importance of early intervention and support when a mental health diagnosis has been received.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Alkermes does not endorse and is not affiliated with the organizations listed above.

References

¹ Eisenberg D, Ketchen Lipson S, Heinze J. Healthy Minds Study Fall 2020 National Data Report. https://healthymindsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HMS-Fall-2020-National-Data-Report.pdf. Published February 15, 2021. Accessed January 3, 2022.

² The Ohio State University. Survey: Anxiety, depression, burnout rising as college students prepare to return to campus. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaselisting/survey-anxiety-depression-burnout-rising-among-college-students. Published July 26, 2021. Accessed January 3, 2022.

³ Warning Signs and Symptoms. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁴ Pedrelli P, Nyer M, Yeung A, Zulauf C, Wilens T. College Students: Mental Health Problems andTreatment Considerations. Acad Psychiatry. 2015;39(5):503–511. doi:10.1007/s40596-014-0205-9

⁵ National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/MentalHealth-Conditions/Depression/Support. Published August 2017. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁶ Mental Illness Policy Org. Schizophrenia fact sheet. Mental Illness Policy Org. https://mentalillnesspolicy.org/medical/schizophrenia.html. Published January 23, 2019. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁷ Boston University. Depression, anxiety, loneliness are peaking in college students. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210219190939.htm. Published February 19, 2021. Accessed January 3, 2022.

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2022 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Media Contact
Dede McKelvy
Finn Partners
(860) 806-4358
Dede.McKelvy@finnpartners.com

• Deloitte reveals five strategies to help students complete degrees and thrive after graduation — See the full report
• Interactive data tool shows how your university compares to other four-year institutions — Research a school

Jan. 25, 2022 — Deloitte’s Center for Higher Education recently analyzed more than 1,500 four-year colleges and universities in the United States to understand the strategies they use to help students succeed. The analysis found patterns of success across these institutions focusing on mental health, resiliency, data analytics, the transfer process, and better inclusion for first-generation students.

“While student success is a complex endeavor and no two institutions follow the exact same path, we wanted to understand which institutions are doing a good job across the student life cycle, from access and affordability through graduation and beyond,” said Betty Fleurimond, managing director, Deloitte Services LP and chair of Deloitte’s Center for Higher Education Excellence. “We found patterns showing that leading schools invest wisely in strategies that will deliver the best outcomes for their student body, particularly for underrepresented students, Pell Grant recipients, and first-generation students.”

The data — research that Deloitte has made available through an interactive benchmarking tool — reveals leading schools outperforming their peers or other four-year institutions across multiple parameters. The data includes, but is not limited to:

• Enrollment of underrepresented students, Pell Grant recipients, and first-generation students.
• In-state average tuition for full-time students and in-state per-credit-hour charge for part-time undergraduates.
• Six-year graduation rates for underrepresented students and Pell Grant recipients, and eight-year graduation rates for non-first-time, part-time students.
• Median earnings 10 years after entry, 10-year net present value, and three-year cohort default rate.

“When colleges were forced to lean into remote learning during the pandemic, many of them discovered the full functionality of their learning management systems,” Fleurimond explained. “This proved a valuable source of data for understanding engagement and other student success metrics.”

Through the pivot to virtual learning, students’ ongoing challenges with stress and mental health also became measurably apparent.

“Our research shows that 76% of students say they have trouble maintaining their well-being, as do 73% of staff,” said Allan Ludgate, managing director, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and director of Deloitte’s Monitor Institute, which works with higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations to strengthen student pathways to success.

The pandemic and virtual school environment hit both low-income and first-generation college learners especially hard. Even before the pandemic, these students had a 21% chance of completing a bachelor’s degree in six years, compared to a 66% chance among other students, according to the research.

One-third of first-generation students drop out of college after three years, compared to just 14% of students whose parents earned a degree.

“There is no doubt that the last year has made it even more challenging for students to complete their degrees. But it’s also true that many institutions are now looking for more creative and innovative solutions that can help their students remain successfully enrolled,” Fleurimond said.

About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 7,000 private companies. Our people come together for the greater good and work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today’s marketplace — delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthier society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Building on more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s more than 345,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.

Media contact
Candace Barron
cbarron@deloitte.com
(206) 965-5103

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 2022 awards program including Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service Awards, Study Abroad Grants, Literacy Grants, Fellowships and Love of Learning Awards. These awards honor and provide funding for graduate study, continuing education, professional development, studies abroad and local, national and international literacy initiatives.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi’s awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. Each year more than $1 million is awarded through programs that last year recognized more than 425 individuals.

Programs currently accepting applications include:

• Scholar and Artist: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to individuals who demonstrate the ideals of the Society through their lifelong activities, achievements and scholarship. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

• Distinguished Service: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

• Study Abroad Grants: One hundred twenty-five grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to both members and non-members studying abroad. The deadline to apply is March 15.

• Literacy Grants: Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members seeking funding for literacy initiatives. The deadline to apply is April 1.

• Fellowships: A total of 62 Fellowships are available each year – two at $35,000, six at $20,000 and fifty-four of $8,500 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. The deadline to apply varies by each Phi Kappa Phi chapter. Contact your local chapter for deadline information.

• Love of Learning Awards: Two hundred awards at $500 each, are available to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and professional development for active members. The deadline to apply is June 30.

“The Society’s dedication to educational and personal growth throughout one’s lifetime is so unique; I feel that as I develop as an individual, there will be a different Phi Kappa Phi program or initiative to involve myself with,” said Alysa Blakeney, Love of Learning recipient.

For more information including eligibility requirements and application instructions for each program, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

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 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 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 recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

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

BATON ROUGE, LA — Bradley Newcomer, dean of the Honors College at James Madison University, has been named executive director and CEO of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, making him the 12^th individual to hold the position since 1900.

Newcomer will assume stewardship of the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society on Jan. 18. The appointment comes at an exciting time for the Society as it will be celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year.

“We are delighted to welcome Bradley Newcomer as the next Executive Director and CEO of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi,” said Society President Dan Sandweiss. “Bradley’s record of service to the Society, his deep knowledge of higher education trends, his commitment and experience in honors education and his outgoing, collaborative style all make him an ideal addition to Phi Kappa Phi’s leadership.”

Newcomer was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2012 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and most recently served as president of the JMU chapter. He will take over for Acting Executive Director Traci Navarre, who has been serving in that capacity since Mary Todd retired in May 2021 after nearly 9 years of service, while continuing her long-standing role as chief operating officer.

As executive director and CEO, Newcomer will work with the Society’s board of directors to develop a strategic plan for Phi Kappa Phi that supports its mission “to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.” He also will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Phi Kappa Phi national office and participate in field activities such as campus visits and chapter installations.

Newcomer, who was appointed following a six-month national search, said, “Since its founding almost 125 years ago, Phi Kappa Phi has created a tradition of recognizing academic excellence across all disciplines and service to others. It is my great honor to join the Society’s board and national office staff as executive director and CEO.  Together, we will work with all of our partners to uphold and expand upon the traditions that are the heart of Phi Kappa Phi.”

While at JMU, Newcomer directed the process of establishing the Honors College. He formulated and initiated a strategic plan, led the revision of curricula and creation of a portfolio-based Honors Capstone Project pathway, transformed operations to assist strategic investments and increased the total endowment funds of the College. Under his leadership, the College’s enrollment grew almost 60 percent and was recognized by the Fulbright Program as a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students for consecutive years.

Before joining JMU in 2015, Newcomer served for 18 years at UAB in a variety of positions.

Newcomer earned a bachelor of science in physics from Juniata College, a master of physics and Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Wright State University and a master of business administration from UAB.

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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 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 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 recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

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

Oakland, Calif. (December 2, 2021)—In 2015 race and gender writer Tamara Winfrey-Harris’ award-winning debut The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America became a touchstone of Black feminist thought. Now, its expanded second edition paperback, released late 2021 via Berrett-Koehler Publishers, offers fresh analysis, while continuing to challenge the distorted caricatures surrounding Black women.

When African women arrived on American shores, the three-headed hydra—servile Mammy, angry Sapphire, and lascivious Jezebel—followed close behind. These stereotypes persist to this day through newspaper headlines, Sunday sermons, social media memes, cable punditry, government policies, big screen portrayals, and hit song lyrics. Winfrey-Harris reveals that while emancipation may have happened more than 150 years ago, America still won’t let a sister be free from this coven of caricatures.

The latest edition of this bestseller features new interviews with Black women about marriage, motherhood, health, sexuality, beauty, and more. Alongside these authentic experiences and fresh voices, Winfrey-Harris explores the evolution of stereotypes of Black women, with new real-life examples, such as the rise of blackfishing and digital blackface (which help white women rise to fame) and the media’s continued fascination with Black women’s sexuality (as with Cardi B or Megan Thee Stallion).

The second edition also includes a new chapter on Black women and power that explores how persistent stereotypes challenge Black women’s recent leadership and achievements in activism, community organizing, and politics. The chapter includes interviews with activists and civic leaders and interrogates media coverage and perceptions of Stacey Abrams, Vice President Kamala Harris, and others.

Gabrielle Union’s I’ll Have Another Productions and Katie and Mauricio Mota’s Wise Entertainment have optioned The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women In America to develop as a 30-minute dramedy for television. The book is available via Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Penguin Random House and wherever books are sold. Winfrey-Harris has spoken at a variety of institutions including The Indianapolis Public Library, Ohio State, Princeton, Purdue, DC Public library, and many others.

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About the Author
Tamara Winfrey-Harris is a writer who specializes in race and gender and their intersection with politics, popular culture, and current events. She is the author of two books The Sisters are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America (now in its second edition) and Dear Black Girl: Letters from Your Sisters on Stepping into Your Power, and she has been called to share her analyses in media outlets such as NPR’s Weekend Edition and Janet Mock’s So POPular! on MSNBC.com. Winfrey-Harris is vice president of community leadership and effective philanthropy at the Central Indiana Community Foundation, and she speaks at university campuses nationwide. For more, visit tamarawinfreyharris.com.

Product Details: Paperback | $18.95 |Published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers |
Oct 12, 2021 | 192 Pages | 6 x 9 | ISBN 9781523093885

Media Contact:
Ann-Marie Nieves
Get Red PR
am@getredpr.com / (914) 393-1359

Program promotes postsecondary training and education in trade and technical skills

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (December 2, 2021) – McWane, a world leader in the manufacture of waterworks and monitoring products, today launched the McWane Scholarship for Skilled Trades, a new initiative aimed at promoting trade and technical education and in celebration of the company’s centennial year of operation.

Through the program, McWane will award up to 60 two-year, $1,000 scholarships for the annual academic year. The program complements McWane’s existing scholarship program, which designates four-year scholarships to dependent children of current team members, and brings the total number of scholarships to 100, one for each year the company has been in business.

“McWane has a history of investing in education in the communities where we operate, and in celebration of our centennial year of operation, we are excited to expand our current scholarship program to focus on skilled trade education,” stated Kevin McCarthy, VP, Human Resources, McWane. “Trade and technical education are vital to forging a path toward successful, lifelong careers, and this program reaffirms our commitment to filling the skilled labor pipeline by providing financial assistance to aspiring workers.”

To be eligible for this program, applicants must be a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent and be enrolled or plan to enroll in a trade-related program in the fall of 2022 at an accredited two-year college, vocational/technical school or other approved technical institute in the United States.

Administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services Inc., an independent, third party that specializes in managing sponsored educational assistance programs, the deadline to apply for the McWane Scholarship for Skilled Trades is February 10, 2022.

For more information and to begin the application process, visit https://www.mcwane.com/responsibility/community/.

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About McWane Inc.

McWane, Inc. is a family-owned business based in Birmingham, Alabama, with companies across the U.S. and around the world. The McWane Family of Companies casts ductile iron products, including pipe, valves, hydrants, fittings, and plumbing products; manufactures fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and steel pressure vessels; and builds network switches and monitoring equipment. McWane is the leader in delivering clean, safe drinking water around the world while focusing on the safe, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. With more than 6,000 team members, McWane has a longstanding commitment of support to the communities where our team members live and work. For more information, visit mcwane.com.

Media Contact

Carissa Miller
cmiller@applyISTS.com
(615) 777-3735

Predictive AI Technology Used to Successfully Match Applicants with Schools

An exciting new company called Troove has entered the higher education arena with the goal of making college search and admissions more efficient and accessible. Troove helps applicants find their ideal fit, in and out of the classroom, by engaging current college students and alumni in the search process for the first time.

“Today, we all rely on the digital experience of others in how we date, dine and decide what to binge watch next. Troove will use this same technology to match applicants with the schools where people who share their same priorities, values, and interests have already found the success they want,” said Troove founder David Hurwitt.

Troove believes that current students and graduates of a school are the best predictor of what it takes to be happy and successful. The data derived from their experiences define the unique characteristics of a school and allow prospective applicants to immediately understand the qualities and priorities they share.

The company’s methodology includes a series of questions that students answer about their learning and social culture preferences and priorities. This information is compared to data about every school in the country, as well as answers to the same questions provided by people currently in college and those who have graduated.

Troove rates compatibility by assigning either a Green (High), Yellow (Medium) or Red (Low) score. Green means their learning and social answers are a great fit. Yellow means one or both of their learning or social scores don’t fit very well, and Red means their answers don’t fit well. For each score, Troove will provide an explanation so students can dig further into any areas of concern and can then gather more information from their schools, family, friends, counselors and the internet. Troove’s objective is always to empower and support students with honest, direct and clear information. Maintaining the trust of students will always be the highest priority. Individual answers to questions are kept completely confidential and Troove only ever connects Green matches.

“The average college freshman today is twice as likely to drop out or transfer as they are to graduate on time from their first school,” Hurwitt points out. “We believe today’s best matching technologies can change this and help everyone find their people and their place right from the start.”

Troove’s mission is to change outcomes by focusing on the right fit and therefore increasing the chances of finishing college as opposed to just getting in, which is often the easier part. Hurwitt believes students will come to Troove for the best insights into major, career and school matches and schools for the deepest, most diverse pre-qualified selection of future graduates and opportunities to reach and engage alumni.

Visit www.troove.me for more information and to take the questionnaire.

Media Contact:
Karen Brennan
karen.brennan@zenogroup.com

StudentUniverse, the world’s leading travel booking site for students and youth, prepares to launch their biggest flight discounts of the year, coming on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

StudentUniverse, the world’s leading travel booking site for students and youth, has announced today that Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2021 will offer their best flight and travel deals of the year.

Black Friday (November 26, 2021) and Cyber Monday (November 29, 2021) are traditionally StudentUniverse’s biggest discount days of the year. This year, StudentUniverse has announced they’re partnering with United Airlines, American Airlines, British Airlines, Finnair, Iberia Airlines, Dubai Tourism, Korea Tourism and Qatar Airways to offer steep discounts and deals for student travelers.

StudentUniverse offers year-round discounts on flights, hotels and more, with most flights on StudentUniverse discounted up to 30% off for students. Travelers can take advantage of student-exclusive discounts by signing up with an .edu email address.

This year on Black Friday, students will be able to find extra steep discounts on all United Airlines flights, including last-minute holiday flights. Both domestic and international flights will be on sale. On Cyber Monday, students can expect to find extra discounts on ALL domestic flights and flights to or from the US. There will also be additional discounts on flights to featured destinations, such as India, Dubai, Korea and more. Cyber Monday partners American Airlines, British Airlines, Finnair and Iberia Airlines will also have additional discounts on their routes.

“Travel has been so difficult for much of the last two years,” Steven de Blois, Manager Director of StudentUniverse says, “especially for students—the pandemic has halted their college experiences, cancelled study abroad programs and eliminated many opportunities for work or internships abroad. Now that the world is opening up again, we are working hard to provide discounts to make sure as many students as possible can take advantage of the benefits and lessons international travel has to offer.”

Students can get early access to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales by signing up on StudentUniverse.com. In addition, all students who sign up for early access will also be automatically entered to win a $500 promo code off their flights.

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Launched in 2000, StudentUniverse is a Boston-based company that operates the world’s largest student and youth travel marketplace. Through negotiations with a network of global partners, StudentUniverse offers exclusive pricing and terms for its members.

With operations in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and the Philippines, StudentUniverse empowers students and youth to travel more. Acquired in 2015, StudentUniverse is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. For more updates, follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Rachel Bicha
rachel.bicha@studentuniverse.com