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Business Wire
6 days ago
- Science
- Business Wire
A Group of the Nation's Most Accomplished STEM Teachers Selected as Albert Einstein Educator Fellows
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--15 K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States have been named 2025-2026 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows. Selected Fellows will spend eleven months serving in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional office in Washington, DC, engaged in the national STEM education arena. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 STEM educators to apply their extensive classroom knowledge and experiences to their host offices to inform federal STEM education efforts. The 2025-2026 Einstein Fellows are as follows: Rachell Ashley Brooklyn, NY Natasja Brown Ocean Springs, MS Phillip Cook Valparaiso, IN Diana De Paula Brooklyn, NY Candace Jackson Spring, TX Kyle Kuhlers Urbana, IA Michael Lowry Chattanooga, TN Kwesi Matthews Redford, MI Robert Mayne North Stonington, CT Michael Smith Chagrin Falls, OH Lora Taylor Chattanooga, TN John Tietjen Lebanon, NH Sequoyah Wharton Selden, NY Shane Wines Lusby, MD Natalie Woods Idaho Falls, ID Expand The 2025-2026 Einstein Fellows come from K-12 schools across the country and represent diverse teaching backgrounds—with expertise in science, engineering, computer science and mathematics. Federal agencies and U.S. Congressional Offices will benefit from Fellows' real-world experiences as educators. In return, Einstein Fellows will gain understanding of the role of the Federal Government in the U.S. education enterprise, knowledge of resources available to students and educators, and broader perspectives on national education issues that can be applied to the classroom or to leadership positions in their districts or elsewhere. The AEF Program, now celebrating its 35th year of operation, is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science's Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists in collaboration with the sponsoring agencies and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). Sponsoring agencies for the 2025-2026 Einstein Fellows include DOE, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition to sponsoring placements at DOE headquarters, DOE sponsors eight placements in U.S. Congressional offices. Applications will open on August 8, 2025, for the 2026-2027 cohort. Additional information about the program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits, application requirements and access to the online application system may be found at The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is a world-class DOE institute designed to strengthen a scientific workforce; promote the integrity of scientific research through peer review; provide 24/7 medical response to radiation accidents; evaluate human health data to protect workers from occupational hazards; and conduct independent environmental cleanup assessments. Follow the AEF on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UnitedAg's Sponsored Agribusiness Education Foundation Opens 2025–2026 Scholarship Applications
2025-26 AEF Scholarship Application Now Open! Irvine, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Agribusiness Education Foundation (AEF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by UnitedAg, is proud to announce that applications are now open for its 2025–2026 scholarship program. Since 1989, UnitedAg has awarded scholarships to support the educational goals of its members, their employees, and their dependents. In 2000, UnitedAg expanded its commitment to education by establishing AEF to provide greater financial assistance, business skills training, and leadership development opportunities to the agricultural community. To date, AEF has awarded more than $2 million in educational grants to over 1,200 students pursuing college, university, and vocational studies. The scholarship programs are open exclusively to students affiliated with active UnitedAg member companies. For the upcoming academic year, AEF will award a total of $86,000 in scholarships for students pursuing academic and professional degrees, and an additional $10,000 for students seeking vocational certifications in agriculture-specific fields. The application window is now open and will close on December 31, 2025. 'We are honored to continue investing in the future of agriculture by supporting students who are working hard to build a brighter tomorrow,' said Kirti Mutatkar, CEO of UnitedAg. 'Education, leadership, and opportunity are cornerstones of our mission, and AEF plays a key role in making that vision a reality.' Apply Now Students interested in applying for the 2025–2026 scholarship program can visit: About UnitedAg: UnitedAg is a member-owned agricultural trade association dedicated to providing comprehensive health benefits, fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders, and advocating for members' interests with lawmakers. Our mission is to support the sustainability and success of our members and the agricultural sector through tailored health benefits, leadership development, and legislative advocacy. Currently, we operate in California and Arizona, with planned expansion into Oregon and Colorado. For more information about AEF and its programs, please visit For more information about UnitedAg's scholarship programs, please contact Jessica Lopez at 800.223.4590 or jlopez@ Attachment 2025-26 AEF Scholarship Application Now Open! CONTACT: Maribel Ochoa UnitedAg 7146155583 mochoa@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
AEF outcomes: Powering South Africa's energy transition
South Africa has the potential to lead Africa's energy transition, says the author. Image: Freepik Last month, Cape Town hosted the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) for the first time in its 27-year history – a significant milestone for South Africa's growing role in shaping the continent's energy future. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, AEF brought together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, utilities, development finance institutions (DFIs) and private sector stakeholders. While the forum celebrated just how rapidly South Africa's energy market is maturing, it also highlighted the critical work that is still required to unlock its full potential. The industry's maturity is reflected in the growing number of trading licences being issued, as the sector shifts towards a competitive wholesale trading environment. South Africa's public procurement programme continues to serve as a blueprint for success, underpinned by a transparent and consistent auction process. While technology advancements enable more competitive pricing and improved system reliability, new risk management mechanisms – such as insurance products and credit guarantee vehicles – are enhancing project viability and attracting larger funding volumes. Further progress, however, will depend on the availability of adaptable financial structures. There is a growing need for instruments that can support projects with multiple offtakers or staggered power purchase agreement tenors, while maintaining appropriate risk allocation. DFIs remain essential in this space, not only by providing security packages for senior lenders, but by enabling project preparation in the early stages. Despite growing investor confidence, structural challenges persist. Grid infrastructure remains a core constraint for Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Until this is addressed, it will continue to limit how quickly new projects can be delivered. In the near term, implementing a curtailment framework would allow developers to proceed with projects in grid-constrained areas, with output managed while the necessary transmission infrastructure is rolled out. Permit delays are another concern. Although Environmental Authorisations are guided by a national legislative process, local capacity constraints can result in inconsistent turnaround times, creating significant delays in some jurisdictions. As demand increases, the availability of experienced construction partners will be a key factor in the sector's ability to execute projects at scale. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Nevertheless, the outlook remains positive for South Africa. In the next five years, we'd like to see a vibrant market with a day-ahead trading environment and several IPPs, including Mulilo, managing portfolios of 5 GW or more. We also hope to see an increased number of renewable energy professionals and expanded human resource capacity to support the sector. Continued collaboration between government and the private sector, through platforms such as the Energy Council of South Africa, will be central to achieving this. AEF 2025 confirmed what many in the sector already knew: South Africa has the potential to lead Africa's energy transition. With the right partnerships, policies and investment, the sector can go beyond energy security at home; it can deliver scalable, bankable solutions for the continent. Stuart MacWilliam, Chief Development Officer at Mulilo Image: Supplied Stuart MacWilliam, Chief Development Officer at Mulilo. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
The Star
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Africa Energy Forum presents a unique opportunity for African collaboration
In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She's never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa's biggest challenge when he said: 'Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive'. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked the first time in the event's 27-year history that it was hosted in South Africa. This year's theme, 'Africa United', could not be more fitting. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, it was attended by stakeholders who hold the key to accelerating energy access - African presidents, ministers, policymakers, continental executives, the World Bank, African Development Bank and DFIs. With South Africa chairing the G20 this year, the continent must use the momentum of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the G20 Summit to amplify a cohesive African voice in global energy governance. As geopolitical instability rises, with trade wars and fractured alliances, it's more urgent than ever to ask: Can Africa present a united energy agenda? And can it do so on its terms? To seize this opportunity, Africa must first agree on a set of shared energy priorities. These must include scaling up renewable resources like solar, wind and hydro, where the continent has a competitive advantage, while also affirming the sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear in the energy mix where needed. This is not a contradiction, but a necessity. Industrialised countries built their economies using all available energy sources. Africa must be afforded the same space to grow. Some of the critical arguments at this year's event will be around balancing the need for energy access and economic development with plotting a sustainable energy future that includes an abundance of Africa's renewable energy resources. Favourable terms for the financing of African energy projects will also be another important topic of debate. Although there are hundreds of initiatives to ensure the achievement of universal energy access on the continent, more than half the continent still lacks access to modern energy, which is why African energy stakeholders believe that amid the drive for reducing carbon emissions, Africa should have a sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear as part of its energy mix in line with how developed nations built their economies. What will the US role be in Africa's energy future? The first Power Africa Summit was launched by former US President Barack Obama in June 2013 as a private sector-led initiative with the ambitious goal of doubling electricity access on the continent. Through USAID, 12 US government agencies implemented Power Africa activities by providing financing and technical assistance to support the power sector in 40 African countries. Though different US administrations advised countries on electricity access for years, Power Africa's approach was different in that it took a demand-driven, transactional approach by reviewing actual transactions between private-sector players like investors, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, and with governments and then identified obstacles that were preventing transactions from moving forward. A large reason for the success of Power Africa in the past was the power of diplomacy to level the playing field for U.S. investments in the energy sector. US President Trump and his administration announced that Power Africa would be dismantled, after more than a decade of successful work on the continent. With almost all of Power Africa's programmes listed for termination, the diminishing role of the US in Africa's energy sector opens opportunities for new alliances and greater intra-African collaboration. Energy financing must be favourable The challenge for Africa is that it needs to industrialise and electrify its economy, but at the same time, it needs the finances to do so in a sustainable way. Africa has also been most severely affected by climate change, and so its infrastructure development needs to be climate-resilient. Most African nations don't need an energy transition, but energy accessibility. Many African countries are grappling with rising inflation, which has also impacted the amount of developmental finance available to African nations. But America may want to maintain its presence and footprint in Africa's energy sector, especially as China seeks to play a leading role in the continent's infrastructure development. Despite the challenging global environment, Africa needs its member states and voices to unite with a collective vision to fund Africa's energy revolution with international financing mechanisms that are just. After all, Africa is responsible for less than 3% of the world's carbon emissions and home to massive, unlocked energy potential, while also being home to 1.2 billion youth aged between 15 to 24 years that account for 16% of the global population (according to the UN). Greg Nott is Director Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Africa Energy Forum presents a unique opportunity for African collaboration
In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She's never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa's biggest challenge when he said: 'Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive'. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked the first time in the event's 27-year history that it was hosted in South Africa. This year's theme, 'Africa United', could not be more fitting. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, it was attended by stakeholders who hold the key to accelerating energy access - African presidents, ministers, policymakers, continental executives, the World Bank, African Development Bank and DFIs. With South Africa chairing the G20 this year, the continent must use the momentum of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the G20 Summit to amplify a cohesive African voice in global energy governance. As geopolitical instability rises, with trade wars and fractured alliances, it's more urgent than ever to ask: Can Africa present a united energy agenda? And can it do so on its terms? To seize this opportunity, Africa must first agree on a set of shared energy priorities. These must include scaling up renewable resources like solar, wind and hydro, where the continent has a competitive advantage, while also affirming the sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear in the energy mix where needed. This is not a contradiction, but a necessity. Industrialised countries built their economies using all available energy sources. Africa must be afforded the same space to grow. Some of the critical arguments at this year's event will be around balancing the need for energy access and economic development with plotting a sustainable energy future that includes an abundance of Africa's renewable energy resources. Favourable terms for the financing of African energy projects will also be another important topic of debate. Although there are hundreds of initiatives to ensure the achievement of universal energy access on the continent, more than half the continent still lacks access to modern energy, which is why African energy stakeholders believe that amid the drive for reducing carbon emissions, Africa should have a sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear as part of its energy mix in line with how developed nations built their economies. What will the US role be in Africa's energy future? The first Power Africa Summit was launched by former US President Barack Obama in June 2013 as a private sector-led initiative with the ambitious goal of doubling electricity access on the continent. Through USAID, 12 US government agencies implemented Power Africa activities by providing financing and technical assistance to support the power sector in 40 African countries. Though different US administrations advised countries on electricity access for years, Power Africa's approach was different in that it took a demand-driven, transactional approach by reviewing actual transactions between private-sector players like investors, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, and with governments and then identified obstacles that were preventing transactions from moving forward. A large reason for the success of Power Africa in the past was the power of diplomacy to level the playing field for U.S. investments in the energy sector. US President Trump and his administration announced that Power Africa would be dismantled, after more than a decade of successful work on the continent. With almost all of Power Africa's programmes listed for termination, the diminishing role of the US in Africa's energy sector opens opportunities for new alliances and greater intra-African collaboration. Energy financing must be favourable The challenge for Africa is that it needs to industrialise and electrify its economy, but at the same time, it needs the finances to do so in a sustainable way. Africa has also been most severely affected by climate change, and so its infrastructure development needs to be climate-resilient. Most African nations don't need an energy transition, but energy accessibility. Many African countries are grappling with rising inflation, which has also impacted the amount of developmental finance available to African nations. But America may want to maintain its presence and footprint in Africa's energy sector, especially as China seeks to play a leading role in the continent's infrastructure development. Despite the challenging global environment, Africa needs its member states and voices to unite with a collective vision to fund Africa's energy revolution with international financing mechanisms that are just. After all, Africa is responsible for less than 3% of the world's carbon emissions and home to massive, unlocked energy potential, while also being home to 1.2 billion youth aged between 15 to 24 years that account for 16% of the global population (according to the UN). Greg Nott is Director Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
