Latest news with #RAISE
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Johnstown mayoral candidates King, DeBartola bring opposing views to Central Park effort
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Whether to spend millions of dollars remodeling and modernizing Johnstown's Central Park is a question that exemplifies the city's differing political opinions, including for candidates in this year's mayoral race. Deputy Mayor the Rev. Sylvia King, the Democratic nominee, is part of the establishment that has promoted the project that will include installing new sidewalks, a pavilion for entertainment, monuments walkway, greenery and infrastructure upgrades. King recently voted in favor of a motion approving a final plan for the park that passed Johnstown City Council by a 6-1 vote. Republican Party mayoral candidate John DeBartola, who considers himself a political outsider, has used his platform on Revitalize Johnstown and in public forums to oppose the plan. The project, which is expected to cost between $6 million and $8 million, is being funded by American Rescue Plan Act money for COVID-19 pandemic relief. City Council approved putting the funds toward the park project from among the $30.7 million it received in ARPA money that it was awarded in 2021. 'The vast majority of the public opposes spending $8 million to completely redesign Central Park,' DeBartola said. 'The city could have used that money to remove blight in neighborhoods, build a new police station, or support a grocery store downtown. … It's a shame city leaders prioritized Central Park over the police, fire department or our neighborhoods.' DeBartola added: 'All the public wants is honest and fair leadership. The way the city has handled the Central Park project shows they have neither.' King pointed out that the city used ARPA funds in numerous ways, including programs for home repairs, home purchases, sewer assistance, stormwater upgrades, community neighborhood development, nonprofit assistance, food insecurity and the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center. The money is also linked to the $8 million in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant (formerly Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) for a streetscape in the Main Street corridor. 'The ARPA funds were used as leverage to complement the RAISE grant,' King said. 'Because they are leveraged funds, they are tied to specific projects which were outlined in the RAISE grant application – and therefore cannot be reallocated for other uses. The use of ARPA funds to invest in infrastructure projects supports the revitalization of downtown.' King said the proposed changes will, in her opinion, make Central Park 'more interactive' for visitors and easier for people using mobility aids to navigate, while helping boost the economy. 'Being able to invest in the infrastructure of the city is paramount,' King said. 'The changes being made will stimulate and motivate our local economy. Hopefully it will spark more entrepreneurship initiatives. There will be inconveniences along the way. We ask for your patience during these upgrades.' The RAISE (now BUILD) grant was awarded in 2021. 'After 4 years, the RAISE grant seems to be inching along,' DeBartola wrote in an email. 'The problem is that in those 4 years, the cost of building materials has skyrocketed. The inability to execute the grant has caused us to lose millions due to inflation.'
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada Launches Landmark National Program to Equip Nonprofits with AI for Social Impact
Funded by DIGITAL, the Human Feedback Foundation, The Dais, and Creative Destruction Lab will deliver a transformative program to close the AI adoption and skills gap in Canada's nonprofit sector — positioning Canada as a global leader in responsible AI for social impact TORONTO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Human Feedback Foundation (HFF), The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) are proud to jointly announce the launch of the Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact (RAISE) pilot program, a first-of-its-kind national initiative to help nonprofit organizations across Canada adopt artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and effectively. With co-investment from DIGITAL, Canada's Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, the program aims to establish Canada as a global leader in responsible AI adoption for social good and create a replicable model for AI for Good, positioning Canada as a global leader in human-centered, responsible AI adoption. Canada's nonprofit sector, with over 170,000 organizations contributing $192 billion to the economy (8.3% of GDP), faces a significant digital skills and technology gap. Only 4.8% of nonprofits report using AI, and less than 1% of the workforce is engaged in tech roles, according to a 2024 CCNDR report. This gap limits the sector's ability to leverage AI to meet growing community needs. 'We believe nonprofits have the potential to lead in ethical, trustworthy AI adoption,' said Elena Yunusov, Founder and Executive Director, Human Feedback Foundation. 'The RAISE pilot is designed to build practical skills, AI governance expertise, and technical capacity so nonprofits can use AI as a force for good – amplify their impact and deliver on their missions, – while prioritizing inclusion, diversity, ethical standards, and trust.' Three Core Components of RAISE The RAISE pilot will accelerate responsible AI adoption through three integrated components: Organizational AI Adoption AcceleratorA 12-month program for 5 large nonprofit organizations to adopt AI in alignment with their missions, creating scalable, positive outcomes across multiple sectors. Led by Creative Destruction Lab, this initiative builds on the acclaimed Putting AI to Work program, helping nonprofits move from strategy to responsible implementation. CAMH Foundation - Mental Health & AddictionCAMH Foundation is responsible for raising funds for CAMH, Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and a world-leading research centre in addiction and mental health. Canadian Cancer Society - Oncology & Patient AdvocacyThe Canadian Cancer Society funds groundbreaking cancer research, provides support services, and advocates for public policies to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. Furniture Bank - Housing & Community SupportFurniture Bank is a Toronto-based charity that collects and distributes gently used furniture to help individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness or displacement. CanadaHelps - Charity Infrastructure & PhilanthropyCanadaHelps sparks generosity that powers the positive change that Canadians want to see. As the country's largest online donation and fundraising platform, CanadaHelps has raised more than $3.5 billion in support of thousands of Canadian charities and develops technology to help these organizations raise critical funds for their cause. Achēv - Employment & Newcomer IntegrationAchēv is one of the largest providers of employment, settlement, language, women, youth and technology solutions services in the GTA, that is committed to creating faster paths to prosperity for clients. AI Upskilling for Key RolesTargeted training for 500 nonprofit professionals to build AI literacy and integrate AI into roles like fundraising, data stewardship, policy, and service delivery. Led by The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, this initiative leverages their Secure and Responsible Technology Policy (SRTP) program to equip participants with AI literacy, practical skills, and governance fundamentals for responsible AI adoption. Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact Governance FrameworkLed by the Human Feedback Foundation, this governance framework and AI adoption playbook will be co-developed with participating nonprofits to guide responsible AI adoption across the sector – prioritizing ethics, equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and measurable outcomes. Consortium Partners In addition to CDL and the Dais, the RAISE pilot proposal has been supported by Imagine Canada / Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR), Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, UHN – Cancer Digital Intelligence, Achēv, Camp Tech, MindPort, and Gambit Technologies, among many others who have all provided strong letters of support and will play a role in co-developing the sector-wide framework, sharing expertise, and ensuring the pilot addresses the needs of the sector and delivers meaningful impact. Partner Quotes André Côté, Interim Executive Director at The Dais, stated: 'We at the Dais believe that equipping non-profit workers with the knowledge and skills to responsibly use AI is essential for ensuring these powerful technologies amplify the sector's collective impact for Canada, while staying true to the principles of equity, transparency, and social good that guide our work.' Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab, shared: 'Through CDL's Putting AI to Work program, we are supporting organizations to translate artificial intelligence adoption into measurable productivity impact. Now, we're bringing that proven approach to Canada's nonprofit sector. By equipping nonprofit leaders with the tools and skills to adopt AI responsibly, we aim to amplify their missions nationwide.' About the Partners About Human Feedback FoundationThe Human Feedback Foundation is a leading Canadian AI nonprofit and a member of the Linux Foundation AI & Data. It is dedicated to advancing human-centered AI development, adoption, governance, and education, ensuring AI benefits all Canadians by amplifying human agency, input, and values in AI systems. For more: About The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan UniversityThe Dais is a public policy and leadership think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University, working at the intersection of technology, education and democracy to build shared prosperity and citizenship for Canada. Visit us at About Creative Destruction LabCreative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Its nine-month program allows founders to learn from experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their likelihood of success. Founded by Professor Ajay Agrawal in 2012 at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, the program has expanded and now has 12 sites across six countries: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, Paris, Madison, Seattle, Estonia, Berlin, Melbourne, and College Station. Companies that have participated in the CDL program have created over $51 billion (CAD) in equity value. Learn more at About DIGITALDIGITAL is a national non-profit that accelerates the development, adoption and commercialization of made-in-Canada digital technologies and the skilling of Canadian talent with an innovation model led by industry. Through a unique combination of co-investment, cross-industry collaboration, IP creation and digital talent development, it has built one of the strongest digital innovation ecosystems in Canada. DIGITAL is one of Canada's five Global Innovation Clusters: For media inquiries or to learn more about the RAISE pilot, please contact: Elena YunusovExecutive DirectorHuman Feedback Foundationelena@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Northern Ireland Department of Education To Launch Research Study to Evaluate AI's Role in Advancing Literacy for Students
Research initiative, led by Oxford Brookes University (OBU) and using Amira, will evaluate evidence-based AI reading interventions to support students and inform national literacy policy BELFAST, Northern Ireland, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Northern Ireland Department of Education announced it will fund a national research study to evaluate the impact of AI-powered literacy interventions on reading outcomes with Amira Learning (Amira), particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as part of the RAISE initiative. The study, led by Oxford Brookes University (OBU) and using Amira, will assess the effectiveness of evidence-based AI literacy tools on improving reading outcomes. The study will use a matched-pair design to identify rigorous, policy-relevant evidence to inform national literacy policy and support targeted interventions. For this study, over 15,000 participating pupils will first complete a brief 15-minute baseline assessment to evaluate their literacy skills and identify potential challenges such as dyslexia. This assessment utilizes Amira's AI-powered technology, developed from decades of research at Carnegie Mellon and validated by leading universities, which listens to students read aloud and identifies reading challenges through next-generation assessment capabilities. Over the duration of the study, pupils will engage with Amira, an AI-assisted reading tutor for frequent sessions totaling 20-40 minutes weekly for 12 months. The research methodology includes continuous monitoring and data collection to evaluate effectiveness. Teachers will receive face to face and online training from Oxford Brookes University to support teachers to interpret assessment data through detailed reports, enabling them to identify struggling readers and then implement individualized, evidence-based, targeted interventions aligned with the Science of Reading. This comprehensive approach supports Northern Ireland's ongoing shift toward evidence-based tools making a positive impact on reading outcomes while providing data-driven insights to inform both classroom practices and broader educational policy decisions. Professor Tim Vorley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Oxford Brookes University, said, "This study gives us a chance to rigorously test how tools like Amira can support what we already know works in primary reading. It's about applying the evidence, not replacing it—with technology that complements and boosts the professionalism of the teachers, rather than competing with it." Minister of Education, Paul Givan MLA, said, "Literacy is core to allowing pupils to access knowledge and all areas of learning within the curriculum. It is the key to unlocking the curriculum and a love for learning. I am looking forward to the outcomes of this research project and how these can inform my Department's policy going forward." Mark Angel, CEO of Amira Learning, said, "Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and it's critical that we ground our efforts in evidence-based practices that actually move the needle for students. This study is an important opportunity to show how AI and the Science of Reading can come together to deliver real, measurable impact in the classroom. At Amira, we're proud to support educators with reading solutions that are not only research-backed, but proven in practice." For more information, visit: About Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes is one of the UK's leading modern universities, and is amongst the world's top universities in 23 subject areas. Set in a world-famous student city, it enjoys an international reputation for teaching excellence as well as strong links with business, industry and the public sector. The University is a national leader in teacher education, with over 25 years' experience in preparing teachers, supporting schools, and shaping education policy. Its research in primary literacy, inclusive pedagogy and professional development has informed practice across the UK and beyond. Through its education publishing and development arm, Hamilton Brookes, the university works directly with schools and systems to co-design practical resources that help teachers apply research in real-world settings. Visit for more information. About Amira LearningAmira Learning accelerates literacy outcomes by delivering the latest reading and neuroscience with AI. Propelling gains exceeding human tutoring, Amira is the only AI edtech validated by university and SEA efficacy research. Amira bridges assessment, instruction, and tutoring across one seamless cycle, helping districts achieve instructional coherence. Serving more than 4+ million students and trusted by more than 2,000 schools worldwide, Amira is the intelligent assistant teachers need to turn students into motivated and masterful readers. Visit to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Amira Learning
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnstown Central Park renovation funding sparks controversy
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — The multi-million dollar renovation project of Johnstown's Central Park is moving forward and so is the fierce debate over where the money came from and how it should be used. The City of Johnstown received millions of dollars in relief funding following the COVID-19 pandemic from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The council earmarked it for upgrades to Central Park. The federal guidelines for how that money could be spent may be unclear and there's debate as to whether those funds should cover the cost of a park renovation estimated at up to $8 million. City manager Art Martynuska recently told WTAJ the project is on track with plans having been approved Thursday. Johnstown City Council approves designs for Central Park project 'The original plan was going for about $6 million. We hope to be around that same amount, if not lower,' Martynuska said. But Representative Frank Burns (D-72nd District) questions the price tag and the use of these particular funds. 'Casual upgrades, small upgrades to the park people are fine with. But 6 to 8 million in Central Park is ridiculous. And what people really wanted is meaningful things in their community and infrastructure,' Burns said. Burns proposed the money be put towards renovating or building a new police department, tearing down blighted homes or even building a new grocery store. But council has stated they believe the money must be put towards the park. 'City council members are telling us a former city manager, Ethan Imhoff, has misled them and they were told that they had to spend this money on the park…That's at least what they're telling us now, that they had to spend 6 to 8 million on Central Park as part of the Main Street program, which is not true at all,' Burns said. In a letter sent to each council member in May 2024, Burns stated he felt the lines were blurred between the ARPA funding and the city's RAISE grant when it came to how the project would be funded. The city's RAISE grant had to be used for transportation projects and could not be used for the park, according to the department of transportation who awarded the grant. WTAJ reached out to former Johnstown city manager Ethan Imhoff. He did not agree to a recorded interview but, in a phone conversation, said the decision to spend the money on the park was already made before he became the city manager. The grant specified that the money had to be allocated by the start of the year meaning the city has to move forward with current plans. It remains unclear whether this is an appropriate use of the funds as the grant was intended to be invested into COVID-19 response efforts or to address economic impacts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Portage RDC starts work on bond to open 450 acres to development; Marquette Greenway segment is included
The Portage Redevelopment Commission started the process of issuing a $10 million bond to pay for a bridge and other infrastructure improvements to open up about 450 acres on the city's north side for development. The RDC adopted a preliminary resolution for the bond Thursday, the first step in borrowing the money. The resolution covers hiring Barnes & Thornburg to do legal work for the bond. Redevelopment Director Dan Botich said the work includes connecting Burns Parkway to U.S. 12 from the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission office on Southport Road in the Ameriplex complex. The work is important not just for opening land for development but also for extending the Marquette Greenway, which will eventually stretch from Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan. The roadway will become a boulevard similar to national park roads, Botich said. The $10 million would be the local share of the project's total cost. Botich is still looking for funds for the remainder, including a potential federal RAISE grant or state READI funding. Once the road is completed, the city could see a $450 million to $500 million investment in that 450 acres, Botich said. The state requires the city to have 'skin in the game,' he said, so the bond is needed. Further along in the process, specific projects will be listed, Botich said. Mayor Austin Bonta said the city investigated other avenues for funding the road and trails, and the bond seemed the most appropriate option. 'You don't have to go for the maximum,' Botich said, if other funding sources arise. The $10 million figure sets a maximum amount to borrow, just as the maximum interest rate for the 20-year bond would be 7%. Portage Township School Board member Wilma Vazquez, a nonvoting member of the RDC, asked about the RDC's outstanding bond obligations. That's going to be spelled out in a work session next month, and it's listed in the RDC's annual report, Botich said. The RDC is also looking at residential tax increment financing districts for future subdivisions, including Bauer Farm and Sandy Trail, Botich said. The RDC delayed action on the proposal for another month while the city works out details with developers. Botich said the TIF plan calls for the developers to pay a fee to the city up front that would be used for a variety of purposes, including raises for police officers approved by the City Council this month. That annual fee would disappear when the subdivision is considered fully built out, meaning 90% of the lots have been developed. The fee would vary for each subdivision. 'The numbers will be different because of the size of the neighborhoods and the investment involved,' Bonta explained. Developers hope to see the program details ironed out within 30 days, Botich said. The RDC also agreed to budget up to $300,000 next year for the north side sewer interceptor project. That helps pay for relocating the planned major sewer line away from north side acreage so the property retains its high dollar value. The RDC purchased that property shortly before the city went to bid on the project, utilities department General Superintendent Tracie Marshall said. The city had built in $500,000 for that contingency, but the actual cost turned out to be up to $800,000. With the RDC paying the extra amount next year, the work can go forward. 'I want to stress it's not because utilities did anything wrong,' Bonta said. The city had designed the interceptor in the most cost-efficient way, but running the interceptor down the middle of that parcel would devalue the property, he said.
