Financial Aid Awareness Month provides an opportunity to understand the numerous financing options available to alleviate the up-front cost of higher education, such as tuition and room-and-board.
For many students and families nationwide, affordability remains a high concern as they consider investing in a college degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 85% of students receive some form of financial aid; however, it is not always easy to access and understand all available options. Determining how to access and apply for financial aid can be overwhelming. At the heart of most tuition assistance options is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), an online form in which families provide household size, income, and other facts used to determine eligibility for various financial aid programs.
Let’s take a look at some of the options available to ensure students and families understand the tools available to make the best financial decisions while pursuing higher education.
Grants
One of the most popular forms of financial aid comes in the form of government grants which can be awarded by federal or state governments, nonprofit organizations, and from schools directly. Grants do not need to be paid back and are typically given to students who demonstrate financial need. Students will be automatically considered for federal loans by completing the FAFSA form, and any qualifying options will be applied to your financial aid award annually. Additionally, students may be eligible for grants at the state level. Although state grants may require students to fill out forms outside of the FAFSA, it is wise to explore all options to reduce costs.
Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program allows students with financial need to work part-time to earn money that can be used to help pay for education-related expenses. When filing out the FAFSA form, students must indicate an interest in participating in the program. While this is often a great opportunity for students to gain professional experience, not all schools participate in the program and jobs are not guaranteed. Unlike grants which are automatically applied to aid letters, securing a work-study job is the responsibility of the student once they arrive on campus.
Loans
Perhaps the most well-known form of financial aid comes in the form of loans. Unlike grants, loans must be paid back and accrue interest overtime. Loans can either be federal or private, and the process for obtaining and repaying each loan greatly differs. Regardless of loan type, students and parents should have a clear understanding of each loan’s interest rate, the time in which they must repay the loan, deferment options, and other fees associated with payment.
Federal student loans are accounted for when students receive financial aid packages and are calculated based on your FAFSA. If you qualify, students will be offered two types of federal loans in financial aid packages: direct subsidized or direct unsubsidized loans. With a direct subsidized loan, the federal government pays the interest while you are in school, in the first six months after you leave school, and during deferment. If a student takes out a direct unsubsidized loan, they are responsible for always paying the interest.
Private loans are borrowed from a private lender – companies, banks, or credit unions – and require additional application processes. While private loans can help bridge gaps between other financial aid offerings and outstanding costs, students should always consider all federal student loan options before seeking out private ones. Because most private loans are credit-based, borrowers must show positive credit history. Additionally, interest rates are often higher than federal loans as they are fixed at a specific rate. There is less flexibility when it comes to repaying private loans and default on these loans comes with greater consequences.
Paying for a college education is among the most expensive investments a family will make, and it is important to remember that it does not come risk-free. Most financial aid offerings include clauses that require repayment if the student withdraws and fails to complete the semester. This Financial Aid Awareness Month, students and families should consider protecting their investment with tuition insurance. An unexpected – and uninsured – withdrawal can be costly as about 40% of student loan borrowers failed to complete their undergraduate degree. To learn more about GradGuard’s Tuition Insurance plans, visit www.gradguard.com/tuition.
About GradGuard
GradGuard is an authority on protecting students and families from the risks of college life. Trusted by a network of more than 400 participating colleges and universities, today GradGuard is the number one provider of tuition and renters insurance for college students. Since 2009, GradGuard has protected more than one million members. For more information visit gradguard.com or follow GradGuard on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Program designed for non-investment professionals aims to promote continuing education and develop knowledge of key investment concepts across the workforce
New York, 14 February 2023—CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has launched a new edition of its CFA InstituteInvestment Foundations® Certificate(“Investment Foundations Certificate”), a self-paced online certificate-level program that provides the global workforce with a clear understanding of how the global investment industry works.
The Investment Foundations Certificate is designed for non-investment professionals who work or seek to work in marketing, communications, sales, HR, IT, legal and compliance roles at investment organizations, such as firms in asset management, private equity, real estate, or venture capital.
The Investment Foundations Certificate covers foundational concepts about the investment industry, including its purpose, structure, key functions, roles and responsibilities, commonly used vocabulary, investment types, ethical considerations, financial regulation, and more. It also enables professionals, or those aspiring to get a job in the industry, with an ability to think critically, ask the right questions, and ultimately open doors to roles in the industry.
The major benefits of the Investment Foundations Certificate for participants:
• Job seekers without a finance background, as well as undergraduate students, who aspire to work in the industry will learn the foundational components, increasing their financial literacy and skillset. • Learners who pass the assessments will be issued with a digital certificate and badge, which can be used to demonstrate knowledge and understanding on resumes/CVs and social-media career profile platforms. • Learners for whom English is a second language may find the Investment Foundations Certificate helpful in mastering core investment industry concepts in English.
Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute, comments:
“Our vision for CFA Institute is to be where the investment industry comes to skill, upskill, and reskill, which is why we are so excited to bring this new version of the Investment Foundations Certificate to the market. The program will enable participants to communicate more effectively, apply critical thinking to their work, and collaborate more effectively with colleagues in investment teams based on shared knowledge. Employers are now seeking a broader skillset amongst their workforce, and the Investment Foundations Certificate can offer the foundational content that individuals will need, whether already in the industry, or working towards their first role.”
What does the course of study involve?
• Through 60-90 hours of online study over 12 months, the Investment Foundations Certificate provides learners with the essential investment industry concepts in a low-stakes study environment. • New content on Decentralized Finance, Financial Technology, ESG Investing, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Practice, draws on CFA Institute research, policy, and standards to inform the materials.
Certificate Experience
The Investment Foundations Certificate is refreshed with entirely new topics, course structure and an optimized learning experience. It is made up of six self-paced interactive courses, each delivered through modules that include interactive text graphs, images, video, discussion prompts, and assessments to deliver a compact, modern, and highly accessible learning environment.
The course topics are:
• Course 1: Industry Overview and Structure • Course 2: Types and Functioning of Markets • Course 3: Investment Instruments • Course 4: Investment Inputs and Tools • Course 5: Serving Clients Needs • Course 6: Serving the Greater Good
Leading organizations are already accessing the Investment Foundations Certificate to complement organizational learning agendas designed to help people work more effectively with global colleagues through a common industry understanding. Organizations that will be offering access to the Investment Foundations Certificate learning materials to their teams following today’s launch include State Street Global Advisers.
Lori Heinel, CFA, Global Chief Investment Officer, State Street Global Advisors, comments:
“Investing in the financial literacy of State Street Global Advisors’ employees through the CFA Institute Investment Foundations Certificate provides long-term benefits for both the individual and the organization, creating a workforce more equipped to make informed decisions, help clients and drive growth for the company.”
• The Investment Foundations Certificate registration is priced at is US$350. From the point of registration into the program, learners have 12 months to complete all six courses–including all course assessments and the end-of-certificate assessment. All assessments take place within the learning platform. • The end-of-certificate assessment comprises 100 multiple choice questions over a maximum test time of 140 minutes. The final assessment will be available to learners starting 15 March 2023. Participants who successfully complete all six courses and the end-of-certificate assessment will receive a digital certificate and a digital badge. • A free Investment Foundations Certificate demonstration, via access to the Decentralized Finance material in Course 2, Module 2, Lesson 5, is available here: What is Decentralized Finance (DeFi)? • The Investment Foundations Certificate is not an academic degree/diploma or equivalent and does not in itself allow for progress to higher-level academic studies in any education system.
About CFA Institute
CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion of ethical behavior in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. Our aim is to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. There are more than 190,000 CFA charterholders worldwide in 160 markets. CFA Institute has nine offices worldwide and 160 local societies. For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on Linkedin and Twitter at @CFAInstitute
The annual program will distribute almost half a million dollars to help fund food and beverage education for future industry leaders
NEW YORK(February 7, 2023) – The James Beard Foundation® (JBF) announced today that applications for its 2023 Scholarship Program are now open. The Scholarship Program—an annual initiative aimed at supporting aspiring culinary students, future restaurateurs, beverage professionals, and more—will offer more than $470,000 to recipients this year.
The JBF Scholarship Program supports the life cycle of a culinary career, providing financial assistance to both emerging and established culinary talent looking to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school, hospitality institution, college, or university. Established in 1991, the Scholarship Program serves a particular need in a post-pandemic world, with culinary school applications decreasing while the projected need for head cooks and chefs rising an estimated 15 percent from 2021 to 2031—over double the growth of other professions.1,2 As of 2023, JBF will have awarded nearly $9 million in financial aid to over 2,000 recipients, thanks in part to new partnerships with the Tasting Texas Food and Wine Festival and donor Jamie Hormel.
“The James Beard Foundation was founded to not only celebrate, but support and empower the future of the culinary industry,” said Anne E. McBride, PhD, Vice President of Programs, James Beard Foundation. “Now more than ever, we are proud to foster up-and-coming talent through funding and scholarship opportunities, helping us to create a more equitable and sustainable industry.”
Scholarship award amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000, and eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Applicants, generally, must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a program at a licensed or accredited culinary school, hospitality institution, college, or university in Fall 2023. International students may also qualify for many of the scholarships and are encouraged to apply. Previous recipients are also eligible to apply again, and interested applicants are eligible to apply for more than one scholarship. There is no application fee required.
This year, JBF will offer three basic types of scholarship awards in the categories of Culinary and Pastry Arts, Wine Studies, and Food Systems. The types of awards are:
• Scholarships: Cash grants applied to tuition and, on a case-by-case basis, other school-related expenses
• Tuition Waivers: Tuition waivers granted by educational institutions, which are renewable in some cases
• Work Study Grants: Grants for working culinary professionals that cover expenses from programs offering experiential learning at farms, fisheries, wineries, and other venues of food production, under the auspices of the Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant
Below is a selection of the scholarships JBF will be offering for the 2023 year:
• The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship: The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship honors the life of vintner Debbie Lewis. Debbie had a lifelong passion for mastering the business of wine and set an inspiring example of dedication and hard work to all those around her. Woman-identifying students over the age of 21 who reside in the U.S. and are planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a beverage, wine studies, hospitality management, master sommelier, or culinary program at an accredited culinary school, hospitality institution, college, or university will qualify. Up to one [1] scholarship of $5,000 will be granted.
• The JBF Caviar Chefs of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund: The JBF Caviar Chefs of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund was established in partnership with Caviar with the mission to increase diversity in the premium restaurant industry and aims to support BIPOC individuals who reside in the United States who are planning to pursue culinary or pastry training at an accredited institution. Up to two [2] scholarships of $20,000 will be granted.
• The JBF Mondelēz Foodservice Scholarship Fund for Equity in Leadership: The JBF Mondelēz Foodservice Scholarship Fund for Equity in Leadership is open to women-identifying and BIPOC individuals who are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited institution, focusing on culinary arts, pastry and baking, culinary science, or food business, and who reside in the United States. Up to three [3] scholarships of $10,000 will be granted.
• The JBF Visit San Antonio Culinaria Scholarship Fund: The JBF Visit San Antonio Culinaria Scholarship Fund is open to women and BIPOC individuals who reside in the state of Texas and are pursuing a degree at an accredited institution in culinary, pastry, restaurant management, or wine studies. Up to four [4] scholarships of $10,000 will be granted.
• The JBF National Scholars Scholarship: The JBF National Scholars Program, which launched in 2016, provides ten [10] high-impact scholarships of $20,000 each to food-focused candidates of exceptional talent. Candidates for the 10 National Scholarships are selected according to academic merit, personal and professional recommendations, and demonstration of the potential for leadership roles in culinary arts, food studies, agriculture, hospitality management, and related fields. To ensure regional diversity of this national program, one [1] awardee will be selected from each of the 10 geographic regions defined by the JBF Awards.
The Scholarship Program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), an independent company that specializes in managing sponsored educational assistance programs. ISTS hosts the online application process, vets the initial candidates for eligibility, and disburses awards to recipients on the Foundation’s behalf. The JBF Scholarship Selection Committee reviews the semifinalists and approximately 40 recipients are selected. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023.
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future—what we call Good Food for Good®. JBF brings its mission to life through the annual Awards, industry and community-focused programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. Coming soon, for the first time in the Foundation’s history, exceptional culinary talent, industry leaders, and visitors from NYC and beyond can experience unforgettable dining and educational programming at Pier 57—inspiring food and beverage devotees for decades to come. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our newsletter, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.
EnlightenED community to elevate the voice of the student and provide platform to shape the future of EdTech
February 6, 2023—RESTON, Va. —Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, today announced the launch of its student ambassador program, EnlightenED. This new initiative incorporates and amplifies the student voice alongside EllumiNation, Ellucian’s thriving customer advocacy community.
Through EnlightenED, Ellucian Student Ambassadors are selectively accepted into a high-engagement community to provide their unique perspectives on the evolving student experience while gaining behind-the-scenes insights into the strategic priorities of the market leading technology provider for higher education. EnlightenED builds on the success of EllumiNation, a program connecting more than 1,000 higher ed technology experts to provide peer-based support and insight. Since its launch in January 2022, EllumiNation members have had a greater than 85% monthly engagement rate. Similarly active and rigorous engagement by students in EnlightenED will help inform Ellucian’s product roadmap and customer communications through their thoughtful and direct feedback on new features, user interfaces, messaging, and more.
“Students are the most important stakeholders in higher education, and the launch of EnlightenED demonstrates Ellucian’s dedication to student success and improving the student experience in partnership with institutions around the world,” said Laura Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian. “Students who participate in this program will be able to influence higher education technology in a way that represents the student voice like never before. I look forward to their fresh perspectives and welcome students to join us as we work to improve the future of higher education.”
By partnering with the market leading technology company dedicated to higher education, Ellucian Student Ambassadors have opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain significant career experience, and build meaningful connections with their peers and the broader higher education community. EnlightenED supports Ellucian’s commitment to drive digital transformation in higher education in a way that better incorporates students’ needs and perspectives.
Members of the EllumiNation community have noted the benefits of membership:
• “The EllumiNation community has provided opportunities to contribute to the development of new ideas and products, and I enjoy the added benefit of networking with other users.” – Scott Branum, Director of Admissions at Galveston College
• “I love the engagement on a variety of important topics, and I like being able to connect with peers and colleagues. It also allows me to help and provide support to my community.” – Todd Britton, Chief Information Officer at University of La Verne
• “I have been a Banner client for over 30 years, and I feel the community discussions and shared support have always been valuable; EllumiNation allows me to be part of that.” – Frank Abney, Director of Enterprise Applications at Eckerd College
Ellucian is the market leader charting the digital future of higher education with a portfolio of cloud-ready technology solutions and services. From student recruitment to workforce analytics; from fundraising opportunities to alumni engagement; Ellucian’s comprehensive suite of data-rich tools gives colleges and universities the information they need to lead with confidence.
Working with a community of more than 2,900 customers in over 50 countries, Ellucian keeps innovating as higher education keeps evolving. Drawing on its comprehensive higher education business acumen and suite of services, Ellucian guides its customers through manageable, sustainable digital transformation—so that every type of institution and student can thrive in today’s fast-changing landscape. To find out what’s next in higher education solutions and services, visit Ellucian at www.ellucian.com.
US Chegg Study Pack subscribers will now get a free DashPass Student membership which gives students more savings and convenience from their favorite merchants
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 2, 2023 – DoorDash, Inc. (NYSE:DASH) and Chegg (NYSE: CHGG), the leading student-first connected learning platform, today announced a new partnership to offer US Chegg Study Pack subscribers a free DashPass Student membership, including all the perks and benefits that come with it. Starting today, Chegg subscribers can activate their DashPass Student membership and gain access to convenient, affordable on-demand delivery of everything they need from thousands of eligible restaurants, convenience and grocery stores, and other local and national retailers to fuel their study sessions.
Through the partnership, new and existing US Chegg Study Pack subscribers can get a free DashPass Student membership bundled into their existing Chegg subscription.* With DashPass for students, members can enjoy access to always-on benefits and perks including unlimited $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders, 5% DoorDash credits back on every eligible Pickup order, and members-only promotions and DashPass exclusive menu items. Chegg Study Pack is a monthly subscription service offering learning support such as practice tests, and math and writing help.
“We are thrilled to partner with Chegg to empower students with the tools they need to manage their coursework and get everything they desire for school delivered on-demand,” said Rob Edell, GM & Head of Consumer Engagement at DoorDash. “Whether fueling up for a late night study session or stocking up on dorm essentials and supplies for the semester, Chegg Study Pack subscribers can now enjoy all the benefits of a DashPass Student membership for free and unlock convenient, affordable delivery from thousands of restaurants and retailers on DoorDash.”
“Chegg has always focused on saving students time and money. DoorDash is a brand beloved by our users, and through this partnership, we will not only be able to offer them additional value with free DashPass membership, but also help to alleviate some of the everyday stressors of being a college student,” said Mitch Spolan, EVP of Partnerships at Chegg.
DoorDash launched the DashPass Student membership in April 2022 and since then has seen that the back-to-school timeframe and finals were among the most popular times to order for college students. For just $4.99 a month, a DashPass Student membership is a wallet-friendly option for students at half the price of a standard monthly DashPass membership.
To learn more about the partnership and how to activate the free DashPass Student benefit, consumers can visit http://chegg.com/life/doordash.
About DoorDash
DoorDash (NYSE: DASH) is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local businesses in 27 countries across the globe. Founded in 2013, DoorDash builds products and services to help businesses innovate, grow, and reach more customers. DoorDash is building infrastructure for local commerce, enabling merchants to thrive in the convenience economy, giving consumers access to more of their communities, and providing work that empowers. With DoorDash, there is a neighborhood of good in every order.
About Chegg
Millions of people all around the world Learn with Chegg. Our mission is to improve learning and learning outcomes by putting students first. We support life-long learners starting with their academic journey and extending into their careers. The Chegg platform provides products and services to support learners to help them better understand their academic course materials, and also provides personal and professional development skills training, to help them achieve their learning goals. Chegg is a publicly held company based in Santa Clara, California and trades on the NYSE under the symbol CHGG. For more information, visit www.chegg.com.
*DashPass Student Membership Offer: Promotion valid until 8/1/2023 for current Chegg Study Pack subscribers who are at least 18 years old, reside in the U.S., and are enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S. Access to one DashPass for Students Membership per Chegg Study Pack account holder. You may only be enrolled in one DashPass plan at a time; current DashPass subscribers will need to cancel their current subscription to redeem this offer. If you cancel your Chegg Study Pack subscription or upon termination of the offer and 30 days’ notice from DoorDash, you will continue to be enrolled in the DashPass for Students membership and will be charged $4.99/month (plus any applicable taxes) on a recurring basis until you cancel your DashPass for Students membership. Any payment method designated in your DoorDash account may be charged. DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders that meet the minimum subtotal requirement listed on DoorDash for each participating merchant. Other fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity may apply on your DashPass orders. Offer subject to change and may be modified or terminated at any time. No cash value. Not transferable. See full offer terms and conditions here and full DashPass terms and conditions here.
The following news announcement, issued by Taylor & Francis, is specific to faculty and students in your Environmental Sciences Department or program. It details a call for submissions for academic papers within this and related disciplines. As one of the top five academic publishers in the world, in operation since 1734, we’re prepared to move into an exciting new era with a fresh and diverse roster of scholars and investigators seeking to make a positive impact on their communities, regions, nations, and the planet through rigorous peer-reviewed scholarship. Early career researchers and scholars are strongly encouraged to submit their research. Please publish, forward, or cascade as appropriate to inform your students, deans, faculty, and library staff.
Thank you.
Taylor & Francis Corporate Communications Team
Taylor & Francis (T&F) today announced an ongoing Call for Papers in Environmental Sciences as a call to action for critical scientific research from authors to save the planet.
“Taylor & Francis is distinguished in the scholarly publishing industry by partnering with researchers to accelerate and apply their knowledge to improve humanity and human progress,” said Liz Marchant, Global Portfolio Director, Life, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Taylor & Francis. “We invite authors and experts, including early-career researchers, to publish in the T&F Environmental Sciences Journals Portfolio, propelling their research to a global audience and contributing to scientific breakthroughs.”
Meteorologist Douglas Hilderbrand, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service, who has published in the Taylor & Francis Environmental Sciences Portfolio, said: “Having my article, Building a Weather-Ready Nation One Ambassador at a Time, published by Taylor & Francis was a top career accomplishment – something I am very proud of. The process of getting ideas into print seemed daunting at first, but the T&F Editors eased my fears with their personalized guidance and collaboration along the way.”
To optimize exposure and reach, researchers are encouraged to publish open access, where articles typically receive 95 percent more citations and more than seven times the downloads compared to articles not published open, according to industry data.
The Environmental Sciences Portfolio at Taylor & Francis was established in the 1990s. The portfolio has more than 2,300 books, over 120 journals, and 144,000 peer-reviewed articles and a worldwide following of faculty, students, researchers, and professionals.
T&F publishes a broad range of topics in this subject area, including environmental policy, bioremediation, environmental communications, environmental technology, environmental management & planning, environmental health, environmental toxicology, soil, ecosystem services, and sustainability & development.
Key journals currently attracting attention include:
• Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology; • Climate Policy; • Human and Ecological Risk Assessment; • International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology; • Environmental Technology; • Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A – Toxic/Hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering; • Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research; and • Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association
For further information about the Environmental Sciences Call for Papers, click here. Taylor & Francis is a trusted partner for researchers throughout their career, providing a wide range of step-by-step information, services, and tools to support their publishing ambition, including articles and free webinars about open research, publishing ethics, maximizing impact factor, peer review, and much more. First-time and early -stage researchers are encouraged to respond. Click here for more details about the submission process.
Taylor & Francis is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion within its journal teams and decision-making processes. All applications will be treated as strictly confidential, and each will be judged on
its merits without bias for seniority of institutional affiliation. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (Including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or protected veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.
About Taylor & Francis
Taylor & Francis supports diverse communities of experts, researchers and knowledge makers around the world to accelerate and maximize the impact of their work. We are a leader in our field, publish across all disciplines and have one of the largest Humanities and Social Sciences portfolios. Our expertise, built on an academic publishing heritage of over 200 years, advances trusted knowledge that fosters human progress.
Our 2,650 people, based in a global network of offices in 17 countries, use their skills and the latest technology to curate, validate and share impactful advanced, emergent and applied knowledge. Under the Taylor & Francis, Routledge and F1000 imprints we publish 2,700 journals, 8,000 new books each year and partner with more than 700 scholarly societies.
Taylor & Francis is proud to be a Global Certified Accessible™ publisher and our operations and all our print publications are certified CarbonNeutral®.
# # #
Tanya M. Howard
Director, Communications, NA/U.S.
Taylor & Francis tanya.howard@informa.com
+1-757-266-6050
Five non-profits join Chegg in creating a global movement to destigmatize students’ mental wellness
#StudentMentalHealthWeek
SANTA CLARA, Calif.– Chegg, Inc. (NYSE: CHGG), today announced that it has partnered with five esteemed non-profits to establish Student Mental Health Week from February 6 to February 12, 2023. The inaugural global initiative, which Chegg plans to run annually, seeks to destigmatize mental health among students, encourage young people to be intentional about looking after themselves, and inspire conversations around what policymakers, education institutions, the wider community, parents, and learners themselves can do to support student mental wellness.
The organizations involved include Born This Way Foundation, launched and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, which supports youth mental health; the Jed Foundation (JED), which protects emotional wellbeing and prevents suicide for teens and young adults; the Inspiring Children Foundation, co-chaired by American singer-songwriter Jewel, which runs programs to nurture young people’s mental, emotional, and physical health; Young Invincibles, which leads advocacy efforts centered on improving the lives of young adults and increasing their access to mental health services; and the Varkey Foundation, which looks to improve the quality of education for every child by building the status of teachers around the world.
“We are proud to launch Student Mental Health Week, and hope to put this issue right at the top of the policy agenda,” said Dan Rosensweig, CEO and President of Chegg. “Students around the world face a perfect storm of different challenges – from learning in the aftermath of the pandemic, rising debt levels,[1] and now global economic uncertainty.[2] Through this campaign, we want to continue our commitment to holistically supporting students, so that they can make the most of their education, their relationships, and their ability to face the future with confidence.”
Activities kicking off during the week of February 6-12, 2023:
• Chegg, for the very first time, will bring together the mental health resources of these five collaboration partners, including simple tips to improve mental wellness, under a centralized online resource, and signpost the support available to its millions of students worldwide, via a new Student Mental Health Week website.
• Student Mental Health Week will encompass a variety of events, including social media live events, to help educate policymakers, educational institutions, and communities on the mental health challenges students now face.
○The Jed foundation will co-host a 30-minute Q&A on Instagram Live to discuss current mental health challenges among students, how they can reach out for help, how they can give help to a friend, and where they can go to get more support.
• Finalists of the Chegg.org $100,000 Global Student Prize will be asked to share how they look after their mental wellness, which resources they turn to for support, facts about student mental health in their country, and projects they are involved with on the ground.
• Finalists of the $1 million Global Teacher Prize will highlight how they have seen mental health impact their students, and offer advice to their fellow teachers on supporting young people’s mental wellness.
• Chegg plans to also work with students around the world to develop Call To Action initiatives to their respective governments and policymakers calling for more robust mental health support.
Stanford University women’s basketball star Cameron Brink, who is Chegg’s newest student athlete brand ambassador, has also stepped forward to join the campaign. She said, “Students today are under a lot of pressure, whether they are juggling their degree with work, family, or, like me, sports. That’s why I am proud to be partnering with Chegg to highlight the importance of student mental wellness.”
In November 2022, Chegg partnered with Calm to give Chegg Study Pack subscribers around the world free access to Calm Premium’s subscription service, which includes guided meditation for anxiety and stress, and music tracks to cultivate focus and relaxation.
Earlier this year, the Chegg.org Global Student Survey, covering 21 countries, showed that nearly one-third of students worldwide (32%) felt that their mental health had worsened since returning to campus after lockdown restrictions. The same survey revealed that 39% of students around the world with study-related debt or loans lose sleep over it, and a quarter (25%) feel so anxious over their study loan that they have sought medical help. A new ‘Student Behavior Study’, commissioned by Chegg’s Center For Digital Learning in partnership with Hanover Research, which polled more than 2,000 higher education students in the US, UK, and Canada, found that nearly three-quarters (74%) of students tend to feel anxious about their classes and schoolwork, and 68% do not get enough sleep. It also revealed that many students suffer from loneliness, with almost half (45%) struggling to meet new people or make friends.[3]
“Born This Way Foundation is thrilled to partner with Chegg for their Student Mental Health Week initiative, which brings light to the need for mental health support among youth everywhere,” said Maya Smith, Executive Director of Born This Way Foundation. “Through this initiative, we are proud to share and distribute the Be There Certificate across many platforms to provide young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to safely and kindly support their peers who may be struggling with their mental health.”
“Now more than ever, it’s critical that students have opportunities and resources to develop mental health and wellness skills,” said Rebecca Benghiat, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jed Foundation (JED). “We are proud to collaborate with Chegg to reach and support students with information and resources to manage their emotional health, support one another, and cope with challenges. By building and mobilizing communities of care, we can spark real change.”
Jewel, US singer-songwriter and co-Chair of the Inspiring Children Foundation, said, “Since the Covid pandemic, anxiety and depression have reached historical highs, with young people particularly affected. We are proud to join this important campaign, to encourage students to share the simple ways in which they nurture their mental health to become their best selves, and how their communities can help them get there.”
Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles said, “We are excited to partner with Chegg to advance the conversation surrounding mental health and advocate for further resources and policies to support students. It is reassuring to witness mental health wellness finally receiving the attention it deserves, and we are determined to continue our efforts in shedding light on this issue. The Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected students’ mental health nationwide, and it is critical for young people to get quality, accessible mental health care, and support. We are prioritizing young adults’ demands for expanding mental health resources and will continue raising awareness with this inaugural Student Mental Health Week.”
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, said, “Today’s students face the monumental task of solving some of humanity’s greatest challenges to build a better tomorrow, and it’s essential that we support their mental wellness. We look forward to working with our Global Teacher Prize community to help share their insights from the frontlines of education, and alert policymakers to the tools educators need to support their students’ mental health, as well as their own.”
Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2022 winner Igor Klymenko, who recently moved to Canada from Ukraine, said, “Thank you to Chegg and all its partners for this important campaign. I am proud to be taking part in the very first Student Mental Health Week, and I look forward to connecting with other students to support each other and call attention to this issue. Attending university far away from home, sometimes I miss my family and friends and it can get me down. But whenever this happens, I pick up the phone to chat to a loved one, or I listen to music from my native Ukraine. I encourage others to reach out and connect with others if they are struggling with their mental health.”
Notes for Editors:
About Chegg
Millions of people all around the world Learn with Chegg. Our mission is to improve learning and learning outcomes by putting students first. We support life-long learners starting with their academic journey and extending into their careers. The Chegg platform provides products and services to support learners to help them better understand their academic course materials, and also provides personal and professional development skills training, to help them achieve their learning goals. Chegg is a publicly held company based in Santa Clara, California and trades on the NYSE under the symbol CHGG. For more information, visit www.chegg.com.
About Chegg.org
Chegg.org is the impact, advocacy, and research arm of Chegg, Inc: addressing the issues facing the modern student. For more information, visit www.chegg.org.
About Born This Way Foundation
Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, supports the mental health of young people and works with them to build a kinder and braver world. Through high-impact programming, youth-led conversations, and strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships, the Foundation aims to make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Learn how the Foundation encourages people to practice kindness towards themselves and their communities at bornthisway.foundation and its storytelling platform Channel Kindness at channelkindness.org.
About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a non-profit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.
For more than 20 years, Jewel’s Inspiring Children Foundation (ICF) has been transforming the lives of at-risk youth in Las Vegas through a whole human approach to physical, emotional and mental health. ICF serves 2,500 youth in-person and millions online. 95% of students in our Leadership Program have earned college scholarships for academics & athletics (tennis) to some of the best colleges in the US. 100% of our last graduating class self-reported a full remission in their depression and suicidal ideation symptoms. Parts of the program are now being duplicated in 22 cities by other non-profits. For more information, please visit www.inspiringchildren.org.
About Young Invincibles
Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy organization with offices across the country, including California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, and New York. YI champions young adults ages 18 to 34 by uplifting their voices and advocating in support of policies that advance young people at the state and federal level. YI informs their advocacy work with quantitative research on issues of higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. For more information, please visit www.younginvincibles.org
About Varkey Foundation
The Varkey Foundation believes every child deserves a vibrant, stimulating learning environment that awakens and supports their full potential. The foundation believes nothing is more important to achieving this than the passion and quality of teachers. They support global teaching capacity and seed excellence and innovation in the next generation of educators. They also founded the Global Teacher Prize to shine a spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over the world. For further details: www.varkeyfoundation.org.
Venture Valley 2023 Competitive Events Season Kicks Off
Los Angeles, CA (Jan. 10, 2023) – The Venture Valley video game team is launching its 2023 competitive game tournament season with open tournaments starting January 16th and a collegiate cup starting in February. Participants have the chance to win prizes and cash by playing this free (no in-app purchases or ads) fast-paced multiplayer business simulation on PC (via Steam) and mobile (iOS and Android) from Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship.
Through in-person collegiate cup events and monthly online tournaments, Venture Valley competitors put their entrepreneurial skills to the test to create the most profitable companies and conquer business challenges. The event schedule can be found on the Venture Valley Events calendar.
“Venture Valley is a fun way for you to be your own boss and to learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” said Shelley Miles, CEO of the Singleton Foundation for Financial & Entrepreneurship. “With these events, we are preparing players to use the business and entrepreneurial skills they learn while playing Venture Valley to be successful in the real world.”
Open Tournaments (January 16th – June, 2023)
This tournament series will take place in the Venture Valley Discord server in monthly rounds, with the contests finishing on the last Friday of each month at 5 PM PST. Monthly 1st place prize winners will receive $2000; 2nd place will receive $1000; 3rd place receives 500; 4th – 8th will be awarded $100 each, and random awards of $50 will be gifted to up to 40 people during the event. Players can register in advance here. Tournaments are accessible to anyone over the age of 16 in the U.S. or Canada. At the end of each quarter, the final four players from each of the previous three monthly tournaments will be invited to participate in a single elimination bracket where the prizing is $5000 for 1st; $2000 for 2nd; $1000 for 3rd; and $500 for 4th.
Collegiate Cup
In February, the Venture Valley Collegiate Cup will be launched. These in-person events will be taking place at universities and colleges across the U.S., including Penn State, University of Arizona, University of Tampa, among others. These collegiate cups will start in the 1st quarter of 2023 and run throughout the year. Prizes will be the same as the open monthly online tournaments – 1st place prize winners will receive $2000; 2nd place will receive $1000; 3rd place receives 500; 4th – 8th will be awarded $100 each, and random awards of $50 will be gifted to up to 40 people during the event.
Venture Valley features both competitive esports-style multiplayer play and a single-player campaign with 35 unique missions, giving players both a fun outlet to compete with friends in positive ways and practice entrepreneurship and personal financial skills on their own. Budding entrepreneurs get to experience the highs and lows of being their own boss but need to keep in mind that along with success comes rivals.
In Venture Valley, entrepreneurs start small with a dog (or llama!) walking business and then, by expanding and investing in new ventures, grow their Valley influence to include mini-golf, pizza parlors, a hovercraft ride-sharing service, and more. Along the way, business owners learn real-world financial and business skills and terms. They also experience all of the challenges of being their own boss and learn that success breeds competition. Luckily, competitors can be kept in check by strategically creating a custom card deck of boost and adversity cards that can be slammed down during gameplay to bolster a businessperson’s enterprises or leave opponents scrambling.
More information on the Venture Valley game can be found at www.venturevalleygame.com and through our social media channels:
Venture Valley is a free (no in-app purchases or ads) PC and mobile (iOS and Android) game. The game is a project of the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, a nonprofit with the mission of making financial competence fun and engaging for everyone by using the power of entertainment to capture attention, create change, promote entrepreneurship, and to inspire individual achievement. https://venturevalleygame.com
America’s Favorite Diner doubles down on deals with the launch of the Everyday Value Tee – a shirt that gives guests a year’s worth of free breakfast
SPARTANBURG, S.C., Nov. 16, 2022 – Denny’s, America’s Favorite Diner, is helping to simplify some of the toughest decisions – what to wear and what to eat – by dropping the hottest wearable of the year – the first T-shirt that doubles as a yearlong breakfast subscription for only $5.99.
The one-of-a-kind, value-inspired Everyday Value Tee is more than just a shirt – it’s a fashionable way to get an Everyday Value Slam FREE every single day, for a year! A $2,186 value for only $5.99, each shirt features a unique QR code sewn directly into the T-shirt design for easy in-restaurant redemptions.
Denny’s will only release 150 shirts across the nation, so Denny’s fans and deal seekers are encouraged to head to DinerDrip.com at midnight (12 a.m. EST/9 p.m. PST) on Nov. 24, or risk missing out.
The Everyday Value Slam is part of Denny’s All-Day Diner Deals value menu and one of the most beloved menu items. The meal includes two eggs and two bacon strips or sausage links, plus a choice of two buttermilk pancakes, one slice of French toast, or a biscuit and gravy.
“This year has been particularly tough on Americans’ wallets,” said Denny’s President John Dillon. “At Denny’s, we’re always looking for new ways to provide value for our diners while delighting them with delicious food, so creating an innovative, first-of-its-kind wearable offer to unveil on Black Friday was a natural decision for us. The wearable represents a fresh expression of our ongoing commitment to value, and we look forward to hearing what our fans think and seeing the shirts in our restaurants.”
Each unique QR code is valid through Dec. 31, 2023. One Everyday Value Tee offer per table, per day can be redeemed in Denny’s locations in 50 states. Dine-in only, offer is not valid with online orders.
For more information about Denny’s and the Everyday Value Tee please visit www.dennys.com.
About Denny’s Corp
Denny’s is a Spartanburg, S.C.-based family dining restaurant that was founded nearly 70 years ago for one purpose: We love to feed people. That purpose has led us to become a restaurant brand that guests worldwide rely on for delicious value and craveable contemporary meals across breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. Every day, we welcome guests to dine whenever and however they prefer, whether it’s at our brick-and-mortar locations, via Denny’s on Demand – the first delivery platform in the family dining segment, or at The Meltdown and The Burger Den, our two virtual restaurants. Our longstanding commitment to supporting our local communities is brought to life with our Mobile Relief Diner that delivers hot meals to our neighbors during times of disaster.
Denny’s is one of the largest franchised full-service restaurant brands in the world, based on number of restaurants. As of September 29, 2022, Denny’s had 1,613 franchised, licensed and company restaurants, which includes 153 restaurants in Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
New Way for Undergraduates to Springboard into Careers in Financial Services
Charlottesville, Virginia – 11/16/2022: As university students look to differentiate themselves in the hunt for a financial services internship or job, CFA Institute – the global association for investment professionals – has extended CFA Program candidate eligibility to include students with two years remaining in their undergraduate studies (typically junior year). This provides students who enroll in Level I with a clear signal to employers that they are committed to their career goals as they compete for their first role in financial services.
The CFA charter sets the standard as the most highly respected designation in the investment profession globally. Through the CFA Program, students gain knowledge developed by the world’s leading association of investment professionals. Enrolling in the CFA Program will offer candidates expanded opportunities for career advancement.
The change is effective immediately and applies to the May 2023 exam window for those atypical candidates who could graduate in or shortly before April 2024. Requirements to register for the Level II exam (students must have graduated before the exam date) and to ultimately earn the CFA charter remain unchanged, including the work-experience requirement.
CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion of ethical behavior in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. Our aim is to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economics grow. There are more than 190,000 CFA charterholders worldwide in more than 160 markets. CFA Institute has nine offices worldwide and 160 local societies. For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @CFAInstitute.
