Stony Brook University leads Long Island‘s MBA programs with 530 students enrolled in 2024, operating from Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Andrea Goldsmith serves as president. The program offers part-time and online options with tuition of $7,615. The school provides financial aid to 38 percent of students and admits 85 percent of applicants. The university founded its MBA program in 1957 with concentrations in innovation and operations analytics.
Hofstra University ranks second with 445 students, including 234 full-time and 212 part-time enrollees, with Susan Poser serving as president. The university operates from Hempstead and charges tuition of $62,352. The institution provides financial aid to 51.69 percent of students and admits 50.32 percent of applicants. Hofstra founded its MBA program in 1935.
New York Institute of Technology enrolls 401 students, with 322 full-time and 79 part-time students. The school operates from Old Westbury with Henry Foley serving as president
Operating from Jamaica, Queens, with Long Island-based students, St. John’s University has 338 students, all enrolled part-time. The university charges $1,575 in tuition.
St. Joseph’s University, New York, which is based in Patchogue, enrolls 120 students, with 54 full-time and 66 part-time. Donald Boomgaarden serves as president. SJUNY charges $22,860 in tuition, provides financial aid to 61 percent of students, and admits 78 percent of applicants. The program began in 1916.
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Have you been looking for a new style to try for the next school year? If so, I recommend checking out the dark academia aesthetic.
The dark academia aesthetic is perfect for those of us who love to feel cozy and feminine at the same time. So, if you are looking for some outfits that you can wear for the upcoming school year, give dark academia a shot.
To help you in your search for your new wardrobe for the school year, I have put together a list of outfits that give off the dark academia vibe, plus tons of simple styling tips!
Key Elements of the Dark Academia Aesthetic
Neutrals
Good neutral pieces are one of the most important things you will want to add to your wardrobe to achieve this aesthetic!
Having good neutral basics that you can use to make many different outfits will make styling your dark academia looks so much easier.
And, even though you are going for the dark academia look, which means lots of black, chocolate brown, and camel, don’t be afraid to add some lighter neutral basics like cream to your looks as well.
Fabrics
Fabrics are a fun part of the dark academic aesthetic, which is all about rich textures. You can get creative with the type of fabric that you add to your looks!
For example, you might want to add a leather skirt to make your outfits edgier, or a chunky knit sweater to your outfits to make them more comfortable.
Patterns
Another way to get creative with dark academia looks is with patterns! Patterns like plaid, tweed, or houndstooth are great additions to your outfits to help you achieve this aesthetic.
So, when shopping for dresses, skirts, or even blazers, seek out those classic academic patterns.
Dark Academia Outfit Ideas
Turtleneck Sweater & Pleated Pants
If you are looking for a comfy but stylish outfit that fits the dark academia aesthetic, then I recommend checking out this one.
This outfit comes with a comfy and cute turtleneck that is paired with pleated pants. You can also dress this outfit up a bit by adding some heels or leather boots.
Button-Up Shirt & Leather Skirt
If you want something stylish but also more feminine, I recommend checking out this look! It features a leather skirt and button-up shirt for a vibe that’s one part edgy, one part academic.
The leather skirt will add something unique to your look to help you achieve the dark academia aesthetic.
Also, to finish this look you can pair it with a cute pair of heels or even loafers!
Plaid Tweed Dress
For those of us looking for a dress that gives off the dark academia aesthetic, then you may want to try out this plaid tweed dress.
This dress comes with a simple black and white plaid design and pinafore fit that will make it perfect for the dark academia aesthetic.
Also, it comes in a tweed material that will make you fit the aesthetic even more.
Pinafore Button Dress
If you want a more basic dress that also fits the dark academia aesthetic, I recommend this pinafore button dress.
You can pair this dress with a cute button-up shirt of your choosing to go underneath. Create contrast with white or go dark with a black shirt. You can also pair this dress with your favorite pair of boots or Mary Jane flats to finish the look.
Long Jacket
If you live in an area with colder weather, you might be considering ways to bundle up while achieving the dark academia aesthetic.
If so, you might want to consider this type of outfit! It features a longer jacket, mini skirt, and high-neck top to give you a stylish but warm, layered outfit that you could totally wear in the colder weather.
Oversized Knit Sweater
Also, this is another great outfit if you want to be comfy while achieving the dark academia aesthetic.
This outfit features an oversized knit sweater with a collared shirt underneath to give you that dark academia vibe.
Also, what you will love about this type of outfit is you can pair it with basically any type of shoe, depending on the look you are going for.
For example, you could pair this outfit with some loafers or even some more casual sneakers if you want a look that is a bit more cool and comfortable.
Plaid Blazer Outfit
You might also be looking for an outfit that fits the dark academia aesthetic but is a bit more professional.
If so, I recommend checking out this look! The plaid design will give you the dark academia aesthetic while also making you look a bit more professional with the blazer and pleated pants.
Long Sleeve Pleated Dress
Also, if you are trying to achieve the dark academia aesthetic, you should consider adding a plaid dress to your wardrobe.
For example, this long-sleeve pleated dress with a plaid design would be the perfect addition to your new school year wardrobe. It’s super versatile and can be worn for lots of different occasions from casual to fancy.
Button-Up Shirt & Pleated Skirt
For those of us who like the pleated design, you might want to also consider adding a pleated skirt to your wardrobe.
For example, this pleated skirt and button-up shirt outfit would be great to add to your wardrobe and wear as an everyday look!
To complete this look, you need only add a cute pair of loafers and some ankle socks.
Pinstripe Tailored Dress
Another great dress option that you should consider adding to your wardrobe is a pinstripe dress like this one!
This pinstripe dress, when paired with chunky loafers, will give you a stylish dark academic outfit that you should definitely add to your wardrobe for the upcoming school year.
Peter Pan Collar Dress
Another super cute dress style to consider is the Peter Pan collar dress.
This black dress features a white contrasting Peter Pan collar, which not only gives the dress a super cute design, but also will help you to achieve the dark academia aesthetic.
Neck-Tie Shirt
Finally, if you are looking for a short-sleeved option, check out this neck-tie shirt.
This shirt comes with an adorable neck-tie and stripe design that makes it stand out. Pair it with a black skirt or pants to give you a unique dark academia outfit that you will love to wear.
And, you can finish this outfit with your favorite black heels to complete the look.
Dark Academia Styling Tips
How to Adjust Your Look for the Seasons
Do you live in an area that has warm weather year-round? If so, don’t worry because there are definitely ways that you can adjust your dark academia aesthetic looks to fit a hot climate.
For example, instead of wearing long-sleeved collared shirts, wear short sleeves. Instead of wearing pleated pants, wear a pleated skirt.
These are just some examples of the many ways that you can adjust your wardrobe to fit warmer weather. For more options, make sure to check out this video to see how else you can adjust your wardrobe to rock dark academia in any climate.
Essentials for the Dark Academia Aesthetic
There are certain essentials you need for the dark academia aesthetic if you want to really nail the vibe with every single one of your outfits.
For example, a good pair of Mary Jane shoes or loafers may be just what you need to complete a look. So, check out this video to see a few other things you should consider adding to your wardrobe to achieve the dark academia aesthetic.
Adding a Vintage Twist
Are you trying to add your own unique twist to this aesthetic? If so, then I recommend trying to add more vintage pieces to your dark academia outfits.
This will allow you to get more creative with your looks and find pieces that are unique to wear! Plus, shopping vintage is a great way to save money on your clothes.
What dark academia outfits will you be adding to your wardrobe?
What pieces will you be shopping for to add to your wardrobe? What is your favorite dark academia aesthetic look?
More than 3 million children across the country go to school every day without the glasses they need. The need is most acute in low-income communities, where 90% of children who need glasses do not have them. Vision To Learn helps address the issue by providing vision screenings, eye exams and glasses to children at schools in low-income communities. Vision To Learn recently launched efforts in Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore., February 7, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Austin Beutner, Nick Kristof, Jim Kelly and Portland Public Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero joined teachers, school staff and students at Sitton Elementary School to recognize Portland Public Schools’ efforts to provide eye care to students.
In October 2023, non-profit charity Vision To Learn launched an effort in Oregon which has since provided vision screenings to more than 3,200 students and glasses to more than 500. Vision To Learn brings the services to where children are almost every day, their local neighborhood school.
“More than 3 million children across the country go to school every day without the glasses they need,” said Vision To Learn Founder Austin Beutner. “Every child in every school, everywhere in the country, should have the glasses they need to succeed in school and in life.”
“When children go to school hungry, we feed them. We make sure they have the books and school supplies they need. Why not glasses?” said Jim Kelly. “What we’re doing here in Oregon is a start, but the federal and state governments across the country need to make sure every school child has the glasses they need.”
“Improper optical care causes cascading problems for a school district,” said Superintendent Guadalupe Gurerrero. “Vision To Learn enhances our ability to offer thousands of students a higher-quality teaching and learning experience. We thank them for their partnership and for filling this critical gap.”
“Kids can’t learn if they can’t see the blackboard,” said Kristof, who is from Yamhill, Oregon. “I’m thrilled to see Vision to Learn come to Oregon and get kids the glasses they need. This is one of the most cost-effective interventions in the world of education, and I hope it can reach every corner of the state.”
Vision To Learn’s effort in Oregon has found a large unmet need among students in the state. About 27% of students provided with a vision screening by Vision To Learn needed an eye exam, 80% of students who received an eye exam needed glasses and more than 70% of them did not have them.
Experts estimate three to four million children across the country go to school every day unable to see the board or pages of a textbook clearly. About one in four children will naturally need glasses. Children who need glasses and don’t have them are more likely to be misdiagnosed with behavioral issues in kindergarten, be labeled “slow” learners by 5th grade, and to drop out of high school. Unfortunately, in low-income urban and rural communities, most children who need glasses don’t have them due to financial constraints, language barriers, unresponsive health bureaucracies or the simple fact there are no eye care professionals in their neighborhood.
Over the last decade, nonprofit charity Vision To Learn has worked to address the “glasses gap” by providing vision screenings, eye exams and glasses to kids where they are most days – at their neighborhood school. With a fleet of mobile clinics staffed with trained and licensed eye care professionals, Vision To Learn has helped ensure 2.8 million students across the country received vision screenings and provided more than 425,000 with glasses, all at no cost to the child or their family.
The impact of providing glasses to children at schools is shown in a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology by researchers from the Center for Research and Reform in Education and the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
The researchers conducted the largest and most rigorous study in the U.S. about the connection between glasses and academic achievement by comparing students’ standardized test scores before and after receiving glasses from Vision To Learn. Thousands of children from more than 100 schools in Baltimore participated in the study. The children who received glasses did much better in school and the impacts were greater than more costly measures such as lengthening the school day, providing computers, or creating charter schools. The children who showed the biggest gains, the equivalent of an additional four to six months of learning, were those who are often the hardest to help—students in the bottom quarter of their class academically and students with learning differences and disabilities.
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About Vision To Learn
Vision To Learn, a non-profit charity, was founded in 2012 by Austin Beutner and the Beutner Family Foundation. Vision To Learn serves the needs of the hardest-to-reach children; about 90% of kids served by Vision To Learn live in poverty and about 85% are Black or Latino. Vision To Learn has provided more than 2.8 million children with vision screenings and more than 425,000 with glasses, in 16 states and the District of Columbia. It has also identified more than 50,000 children with more complex vision and medical issues – all at no cost to children or their families. For more information on Vision To Learn, please visit www.visiontolearn.org.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Have you recently moved into your college apartment? If so, you may be searching for the perfect items to complete your new home!
While in college, you want to make sure that you have a comfy study space so that you have a place to get all your work done and stay productive.
To help you search for all the items you may need to complete your study space, I have compiled a list of 18 items you should check out to create a cute, productive study space for your new apartment!
College Apartment Study Space Ideas
1. Cute Mousepad
A simple but necessary item for your study space is a mousepad! A mousepad will be perfect for those of us who like to use a mouse while on the computer. (I prefer to use a physical mouse and keyboard with my laptop — more on that below.)
A mousepad like this one will make sure that your mouse works properly to make sure that you can get all of your work done on the computer. Also, it will add a bit of cute decor to your desk if you purchase this pink mousepad.
2. LED String Lights
Another important part of creating a comfy workspace is to give it a cozy vibe. One way to do this is by adding some decor, such as these fairy lights.
I absolutely love fairy lights because they always make a space look comfy and cozy. So, when you are setting up your new study space, make sure to get some of these lights to create the cozy vibe you are going for.
3. Faux Fur Seat Cushion
Also, you will want to consider how long you plan to spend studying at your workspace. If you plan to use this space for most of your studying, you will also want to think about making your chair as comfortable as possible.
One way to do this is by adding a cushion like this faux fur seat cushion to your chair to make sure that you are comfortable for long periods of time at your desk.
Also, you will love this seat cushion because it will add some color and decor to your study space!
4. Adjustable Back Cushion
Not only should you consider getting a seat cushion, but also you should consider getting a back cushion for your chair like this one!
A back cushion will ensure that you always have the support you need and never feel uncomfortable while sitting at your desk. Once you have one of these, you’ll never go without it.
5. Desk Bookshelf
One other item that you should consider adding to your study space is this desk bookshelf! A desk bookshelf will help you stay organized and productive at your desk!
By purchasing a bookshelf like this one, you will always have a place to put your desk items, and you will never have to go searching for your items.
6. Foldable Laptop Stand
For those of us who will be using our laptops frequently, I recommend getting a foldable laptop stand to place at your desk or in your study space!
This will make doing long hours of work on the computer much easier on your neck and back, and it will make sure that you always have a place for your computer.
7. Sticky Note Dispenser
One item that you may not have thought of but will help you stay productive at your desk is a note dispenser.
This note dispenser will not only help you stay more productive while having notes to write to-do lists, plans, etc., but also, if you get one like this one, you will have a super cute item to add to your study space to make it more fun!
8. Headphone Stand
Another handy item for a study space is a headphone stand! This item will be perfect for those who like to use our headphones frequently when studying.
This stand will ensure that you always have a place to put your headphones and that they are always ready for you at your desk when you need to focus and get work done!
You might also want to consider getting a footrest to make your study space comfier. You may not have thought of this item, but trust me, you will not regret purchasing this item for your study space!
A footrest will make sure that you are always comfy and cozy while studying at your desk, so I would definitely recommend checking out this adjustable footrest for under your desk.
10. Desk Organizer with Charging Stand
To make your life a lot easier while studying at your desk, you should also consider getting a desk organizer like this one!
This desk organizer will make you more productive by having all of your desk items, like pens and pencils, ready for when you need them. Also, it will give you a way to charge some of your items, so you never have to leave your desk while studying.
11. Magnetic Whiteboard
If you want to create a cute and comfy vibe for your desk space, I recommend getting a whiteboard!
A whiteboard will help you to stay more productive by giving you a place to write down to-do lists, goals, etc., that you may have for your studying to keep you on track.
Also, it can be used to add something fun to your study space if you get a cute whiteboard like this one, where you can add some fun magnets for a decorative look.
12. Aesthetic Desk Accessory Kit
Another key item when putting together your study space is a desk accessory kit. A kit like this one includes all of the essential items you will need to get work done!
This will help to make sure that you are always productive at your desk and have everything you need. Also, this set comes in 11 cute colors to match any room aesthetic.
13. Push Pin Set
You may also want to check out this adorable push pin set for your study space if you plan on getting a board or a wall calendar for your desk!
A push pin set like this one will create a cute and comfy vibe for your desk space and will be perfect for those of us who like to use paper notes and bulletin boards.
14. Motivational Calendar
Another way to ensure you are always on track with your goals is by having a calendar at your desk so that you can always keep yourself up to date on your progress.
If you are looking for a fun and decorative calendar to add to your study space, definitely check out this super cute motivational calendar that will keep you on track and motivated to reach your goals!
15. Planner
A planner is also an essential item to have in your study space for those of us who like to write everything down and plan ahead.
So, if this sounds like you, check out a planner like this cool Poketo Concept Planner to make sure you have your schedule written out to keep you on track with your studying!
16. Wireless Keyboard
One of my favorite items to have on my desk is a wireless keyboard. While you can always use your built-in laptop keyboard, I find it’s much nicer to have a larger keyboard and mouse set up on your desk.
This wireless keyboard will make it easy for you to stay productive at your desk and will also add to the decor of your study space if you get a super colorful one like this one.
17. Wall Organizer
You may also want to check out a wall organizer like this one if you like to write all of your notes and your schedule on paper!
This wall organizer will make it super easy for you to see exactly what is on your schedule for the week so that you can get everything done on time.
18. Mug Warmer
Another item that you should consider for your study space that you may not have seen before is a mug warmer. This adorable mug warmer will be a must for your desk if you are a coffee lover like me!
Which of these college apartment study space ideas will you be trying?
What do you like to have at your desk? What do you like to use to make your study space comfy? Tell us in the comments!
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Creating an entrepreneurial mindset is a critical component for academics looking to become successful business owners, leaders or entrepreneurs — whom I refer to as academipreneurs. By using digital platforms, innovative technologies, massive open online tools (e.g., MOOCs) and proven business practices to establish and promote their own unique brand, entrepreneurial intellectuals can stand out in a crowded academic labor market, attract new funding and partnerships, seize new opportunities and boost their credibility as subject matter experts in their respective field.
Countless examples of successful academipreneurs abound. In fact, there’s a long history of this kind of activity in some fields like medicine, law, nursing and counseling, where academic faculty in specialized professions taught courses at not-for-profit universities while simultaneously running successful for-profit clinics, law firms and private practices. Medical experts have founded pharmaceutical companies, specializing in the development of experimental drugs, vaccine therapies and new cancer treatments. Law faculty have leveraged their expertise to launch enterprising, revenue-generating legal clinics, consulting firms and even technology startups that help people draft legal documents using artificial intelligence.
There are other scholars and intellectuals who have successfully turned their academic knowledge and expertise into profitable businesses. For instance, Neil deGrasse Tyson is a highly-regarded astrophysicist who leveraged his personality and scientific mastery to become a media guru hosting popular shows like StarTalk Radio. Angela Duckworth, a well-known psychologist who studied grit, wrote a bestselling book, founded Character Lab, monetized educational interventions and co-hosts a podcast, all contributing to an estimated net worth of $15 million, according to sources. Though not taught in most graduate programs or emphasized in faculty job announcements, an entrepreneurial mindset can go a long way in academe.
According to sources, an entrepreneurial mindset (EM) is defined as the inclination to discover, evaluate, and exploit (or make use of) opportunities. It has five defining characteristics that include:
Passionately seeking new opportunities
Pursuing opportunities with enormous discipline
Pursuing only the very best opportunities with intentionality and focus
Focusing on execution amid realities of change and uncertainty
Engaging the energies of everyone in their domain
EM comprises a set of skills and interrelated beliefs that enable people, including academipreneurs, to be future-focused, resilient, resourceful and solution-oriented, making the most of a situation regardless of the prevailing conditions. To this end, authors have come to explain EM as mental habits tied to three key elements, known as the 3 Cs: curiosity, connections and creating value. Spotting and seizing possible opportunities despite resource constraints (curiosity), assessing financial and psychological risks (connections) and taking calculated action(s) that create value for others are all positive attributes of an entrepreneurial mindset.
Admittedly, there are some drawbacks or potential challenges that must be managed when operating according to this framework, including self-serving bias, overcommitment and taking new opportunities without attention to associated risks, to name a few.
Calls for an entrepreneurial mindset abound in academe. The term appears in over 2,000 job postings at HigherEdJobs at the time of this writing. For example, a private, 4-year, co-educational university in New Jersey seeks a chief executive officer who will provide strategic vision and “entrepreneurial leadership” to ensure the sustainability of the institution’s remarkable success in academic and operational excellence. As a former chief academic officer, I, too, have noticed an uptick in the number of schools looking for entrepreneurial academic leaders who present a proven track record in building market-driven degree programs, incentivizing faculty productivity and monetizing intellectual innovations, all while respecting time-honored traditions like academic freedom and shared governance.
Indeed, bringing an EM to the work gives a competitive advantage to executive leadership job candidates. It can also be essential for enterprising academic faculty. Faculty who aspire to connect their scholarship to broader audiences, monetize research tools (e.g., surveys) or generate revenue from curriculum materials and research products benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. Here are four tips on how academic entrepreneurs can use EM to enhance their success:
1. Think outside the box:
Successful academic entrepreneurs are often those who are able to find unique solutions to problems and challenge the status quo. By thinking outside the box, academipreneurs can bring fresh perspectives to their industry and develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that set them apart from competitors outside of academe. For example, as previously mentioned, faculty in law and counseling overcame challenges of physical distance presented by the Covid-19 pandemic by launching new startups with technology experts to offer telehealth, legal aid and counseling services online or via smart devices.
2. Network with intention:
Developing a robust professional network is critical for entrepreneurial success. By building relationships with people who have experience and expertise both within and outside their industry, academic entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights, advice, capital and support. Interindustry networking can also provide exciting opportunities for collaboration and scalable partnerships, which can help to accelerate growth, improve operational efficiencies and attract big funders.
3. Embrace failure:
Failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, not to mention the scientific method that’s so essential to research discovery. Rather than seeing failure as a setback, academipreneurs should view it as an opportunity to learn, grow and get better. It’s important to take time to reflect on what went wrong, the lessons learned and identify areas for future improvement, a process that I refer to as “failing forward.”
As one of my supervisors would say: “Go ahead. Succeed or fail. If you fail, just fail toward the future and learn something useful from it.” By embracing failure and reframing it as instructive, academic entrepreneurs can become more resilient business leaders, less risk-averse and better equipped to handle challenges down the road.
4. Be persistent:
Persistence is key for entrepreneurial success, regardless of your industry. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but the most successful entrepreneurs are those who don’t give up in the face of adversity. Instead, they use setbacks as fuel to keep moving forward and pursuing their goals. Persistence also means being willing to adapt and pivot when necessary to stay on track toward success.
One personal example drawn from my own experience relates to the near-universal shutdown of in-person conferences due to the imminent threat of Covid-19. The end of in-person conferences drastically curtailed my invitations to keynote meetings. I quickly restructured the company to hire more remote workers, monetize intellectual property, digitize popular presentations, and offer on-demand research consulting and fee-based online trainings.
By incorporating these tips into an entrepreneurial mindset, academics can develop the skills and mindset needed for success in the world of entrepreneurship. With a willingness to take risks and a future-focused perspective on innovation, academipreneurs can achieve their goals and impact bigger and broader audiences while making a difference in the world.
Estimates are 3-4 million public school children lack the glasses they need. Delaware has led the nation in addressing this issue.
Boeing announces multi-state support for Vision To Learn, including $100,000 to help kids in Delaware.
WILMINGTON, Del., June 13, 2023 (Newswire.com)
– Senator Chris Coons and Vision To Learn Founder Austin Beutner highlighted the need to provide vision care for public school children at an event today that recognized the work of Vision To Learn in Delaware. Senator Coons emphasized the critical role of vision health in academic success and how programs like Vision To Learn can help address widespread disparities in access to care.
“My mother and I were proud to help bring Vision To Learn to Delaware so students who are in need of glasses receive them to help them achieve their full potential, because improving the vision of a child opens up an entire new world to them,” Senator Coons said. “Vision To Learn has already helped thousands of Delaware’s kids with vision exams and glasses, and this grant will enable them to continue expanding their services for vision-impaired children across the state. I can’t wait to see the good work they’ll continue to be able to do with this new investment.”
Senator Coons called on federal and state leaders around the country to follow Delaware’s lead by taking additional steps to identify student eye care needs, developing statewide plans to address disparities in child vision care, and utilizing available federal and state funding to support school-based vision care.
Experts estimate three to four million children across the country go to school every day unable to see the board or pages of a textbook clearly. About one in four children will naturally need glasses. Children who need glasses and don’t have them are more likely to be misdiagnosed with behavioral issues in kindergarten, be labeled “slow” learners by 5th grade, and drop out of high school. Unfortunately, in low-income urban and rural communities, most children who need glasses don’t have them due to financial constraints, language barriers, unresponsive health bureaucracies or the simple fact there are no eye care professionals in their neighborhood.
Over the last decade, nonprofit charity Vision To Learn has worked to address the “glasses gap” by providing vision screenings, eye exams and glasses to kids where they are most days – at their neighborhood school. With a fleet of mobile vision clinics staffed with trained and licensed eye care professionals, Vision To Learn has helped ensure 2.3 million students across the country received vision screenings and provided more than 380,000 with glasses, all at no cost to the child or their family.
An estimated 10,000 kids in Delaware are going without the glasses they need to see the board, read a book, or participate fully in class. Since 2014, Vision To Learn has provided over 80,000 students with vision services, including providing more than 13,700 with glasses, at 183 schools and community organizations throughout the state.
Across the country, Vision To Learn has found about 27% of school students need glasses, but more than 80% of those who need them don’t have them. This school year in Delaware, an estimated 35% of students did not pass a vision screening.
“By helping millions of children across the country, Vision To Learn has demonstrated a school-based solution to the problem can be both cost-effective and scalable,” VisionTo Learn Founder Austin Beutner said. “But millions more children still need help. It’s time for federal and state leaders to take action to help make sure every child in every school, everywhere in the country, has the glasses they need to succeed in school and in life.”
Coons and Beutner highlighted several steps Vision To Learn’s program in the “First State” has taken to help ensure school children have the glasses they need.
Screening of every student in all grades at participating public schools.
Mobile optometry services are provided at schools in low-income communities.
Coordination and data sharing between state, Medicaid plans and VTL to find appropriate patient information for reimbursement.
First in the nation Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). HealthServices Initiative (HSI) to provide funding to supplement Medicaid.
The Bayard School at Pulaski is one of over 180 schools and community organizations served by Vision To Learn in Delaware. 232 students at Bayard were provided with a vision screening, 62 did not pass the screening and were provided with an eye exam, and 54 students were provided with glasses – all at no charge to students or their families.
Vision To Learn’s work in Delaware is supported by The Boeing Company, which presented Mr. Beutner and the organization with a $100,000 check on Tuesday. This grant builds on The Boeing Company’s recent funding of Vision To Learn’s program in South Carolina. “At Boeing, we are committed to investing in programs that help students of all backgrounds achieve their full potential,” said John Lyons, Senior Engineering Director for The Boeing Company. “We are proud of this partnership with Vision To Learn for exemplifying that commitment by bringing vision services to students in high-need, underrepresented communities.”
The Boeing Company’s support of Vision To Learn is aligned with its mission to boost “tomorrow’s innovators” through early learning and K-12 educational interventions. Providing access to free vision screenings, eye exams and glasses to students who are most in need will help improve students’ academic and life outcomes.
The impact of providing glasses to children at schools is shown in a study published in The Journal for the American Medical Association Ophthalmology by researchers from the Center for Research and Reform in Education and the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
The researchers conducted the largest and most rigorous study in the U.S. about the connection between glasses and academic achievement by comparing students’ standardized test scores before and after receiving glasses from Vision To Learn. Thousands of children from more than 100 schools in Baltimore participated in the study. The children who received glasses did much better in school and the impacts were greater than more costly measures such as lengthening the school day, providing computers, or creating charter schools. The children who showed the biggest gains, the equivalent of an additional four to six months of learning, were those who are often the hardest to help—students in the bottom quarter of their class academically and students with learning differences and disabilities.
Other states following Delaware’s lead would help children everywhere get the help they need at school. Sadly, in many parts of the country, outdated rules, inflexible school bureaucracies, reluctant insurance companies and unresponsive Medicaid administrators are still standing in the way. It’s up to federal and state leaders to get engaged and make this possible in every school across the country.
A national effort should start with the federal government encouraging states to set consistent, high standards for vision screenings. Currently, some states require screenings in most school grades while others do not require that a child be provided with one at all. The answer is simple; every child should receive a vision screening at a school every year. It’s quick, easy and relatively inexpensive.
Then all states should follow the example of Delaware, California, South Carolina, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and others where Vision To Learn has worked to update laws and rules to make it possible for children who do not pass a vision screening to receive a proper eye exam at school.
And finally, federal and state Medicaid officials need to make sure the funding is in place to cover the costs. They need to get tough with insurers to make sure the coverage system is working as Congress intended. Medicaid along with the Children’s Health Insurance Program can pay for it. Democrats and Republicans have been united on this issue since Medicaid was passed in 1965—a child from a family living in poverty should be provided with proper eye care.
Federal health and education officials can tie this all together by establishing the goal that every school child who needs glasses should have them. All 50 states need to publicly share their plan to make sure at least 90% of school children have the glasses they need by the start of the 2024 school year. When children come to school, they’re provided with food, textbooks and much of what they need to get the most out of their education. Glasses should be on the list.
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About Vision To Learn
Vision To Learn, a non-profit charity, was founded in 2012 by Austin Beutner and the Beutner Family Foundation. The program has helped children in more than 750 low-income communities in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Vision To Learn serves the needs of the hardest-to-reach children; about 90% of kids served by Vision To Learn live in poverty and about 85% are Black and Latino. Vision To Learn has helped ensure more than 2.3 million children received a vision screening and provided more than 380,000 with glasses – all at no cost to the child or their family. For more information on Vision To Learn, please visit www.visiontolearn.org.
About the Boeing Company
Through purposeful investments, employee engagement and thoughtful advocacy efforts, Boeing and its employees support innovative partnerships and programs that align with the company’s strategic objectives, create value and help build better communities worldwide. Boeing’s efforts are focused on improving access to globally competitive learning, contributing to workforce skills and development, and supporting our military and veteran communities. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.
An Innovative Approach to Empower Underserved Students, Hosted by First Gen Support
Press Release –
Jul 26, 2022
CHICAGO, July 26, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– Higher education is more important to financial stability now more than ever as the bachelor’s degree (BA) now accounts for 56 percent of all good jobs, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. However, students from underserved communities are not being afforded the same college preparation opportunities as their affluent peers as they face systemic barriers to college readiness, including lack of institutional support and adequate resources.
First Gen Support (FGS), a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through a grant by Cornell University, is dedicated to empowering first-generation, low-income, and immigrant (FGLI) students to successfully navigate high school and achieve college readiness. Set to launch its first annual College Prep-A-Thon Aug. 2-6, 2022, FGS has made this prep-a-thon unique in its interactive experience by combining elements of past FGS mentorship programs and last year’s college fair. Students will have the chance to learn from speakers and mentors from college prep programs and top universities such as UPenn, Stanford, Harvard, and Cornell. The FGS College Prep-A-Thon seeks to foster a supportive and competitive environment filled with incentives to ensure students finish daily challenges for college readiness. This event is open to all high school students for free. More information can be found here at this link.
Featuring 30+ college mentors, 10+ speakers, and 400+ signups, FGS is looking for 1,000+ student signups, 50+ college students as mentors, and donors/sponsors to sponsor prizes and the future operations of FGS.
As a first-generation immigrant, FGS founder Julia Sun (Cornell ’25) found that college preparation opportunities were not built equal, especially for lower-income and first-generation students. Inspired by the Black Lives Matters movement, she witnessed the socio-economic inequities and realized the staggering challenges that encompass finding college preparation resources, especially for students whose parents did not go to college. Julia gathered passionate changemakers across the nation to empower under-resourced students to know that college is accessible. To learn more about how FGS began, click here.
First Gen Support is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization with multiple advisors from top universities. Are you a rising college student? Do you have experience in higher education as a low-income, first-gen or immigrant student? Are you interested in partnering with First Gen Support to bring resources to underserved students? Or are you simply a student who wants to learn more about applying to colleges? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, learn more at this link.
First Gen Support relies on donations to get the word out, fund programming and connect with more students. Please visit the FGS website for more information.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 27, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– As children begin to attend childcare, camp and school, it is important for them to develop a sense of independence. Children’s Learning Adventure inspires their students to develop a strong and positive sense of independence, as they learn to explore the world around themselves. They offer innovative, enjoyable and exciting learning activities in a fun and engaging atmosphere, with just the right amount of support and challenge to encourage students to become confident and independent learners with a strong sense of self-worth.
Students should be actively involved in learning activities both in and outside the school setting, even during school breaks. Taking a school break from school doesn’t mean there needs to be a break from learning. Children’s Learning Adventure’s School Breaks and Summer Camps are a perfect option to keep children actively engaged, focused and eager. Their holiday camps provide an amazing opportunity for campers to explore and engage in innovative activities, explore exciting hands-on projects and grow friendships.
“School breaks are a great time for students to relax, enjoy themselves and recharge. Students should be actively involved in learning activities both in and outside the school setting. Children’s Learning Adventure’s holiday and summer camps are a perfect option to keep children actively engaged, focused and eager during their school breaks. Our camps provide an amazing opportunity for campers to explore and engage in innovative activities, explore exciting hands-on projects and grow in their friendships,” said Rick Sodja, CEO.
At Children’s Learning Adventure, students are always gearing up for a new adventure. When school is out, it is “in” to join the fun. Each school break and summer camp offer a specialized, uniquely designed curriculum that encompasses STEAM learning and literacy. Each theme is developed to engage students of all levels in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.
It is important for children to get “plugged in” and stay engaged in their educational development throughout the whole year. In addition to their school break camps, Children’s Learning Adventure has created six programs, from infant care to after school, to promote and help students of all ages grow and learn. Children’s Learning Adventure’s summer camp is quickly approaching. To learn more about Children’s Learning Adventure’s Summer and Holiday Camps, please visit www.childrenslearningadventure.com.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 13, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– Children’s Learning Adventure enables students to discover their true potential through STEAM-based learning. Students are encouraged to take an innovative approach to learn with a wide variety of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics activities. This curriculum helps students find their passions by offering an array of innovative programs for them to participate in, while teachers also observe their students interests and skills, tapping into their strengths, encouraging their curiosity, and patiently guiding them towards discovering their own passion and a sense of purpose.
The first few years of a child’s life is a time of incredible growth and development. Positive learning experiences in a variety of settings, such as the home and a quality childcare center, is essential. Creativity and curiosity are important learning tools. They are the motivating factor that guides exploration, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Children’s Learning Adventure knows that children are born with a natural sense of wonder and curiosity. They express their curiosity through their creativity. Students are encouraged to embrace their creative abilities in every learning activities. The Arts are equally as important as the science, technology, engineering, and math skills that make up the Children’s Learning Adventures STEAM program. This enriches the students learning experience and creates a solid foundation that nurtures their natural curiosity.
“At Children’s Learning Adventure, we believe students should be given the opportunity to express themselves creatively. The arts are incorporated in our STEAM-based learning curriculum, through the implementation of art, music, and drama lessons in daily activities. We know that exposure to the arts is fundamental for early childhood brain development, as it allows children to express emotions and feelings in a positive and healthy way,” says Rick Sodja, CEO.
Children’s Learning Adventure also hosts monthly Open Houses to share their learning environment with every family! The next upcoming Open House is on Feb. 9.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 7, 2019 (Newswire.com)
– The first few years of a child’s life is a time of incredible growth and development. Positive learning experiences in a variety of settings, such as the home and a quality childcare center, is essential. Children’s Learning Adventure supports a child’s understanding of themselves, through the development of their self-esteem and independence; and others, through structured and nurturing learning experiences that guide the child to see the world around them and develop empathy, patience, perseverance, and other important life skills. Purposeful involvement with a quality early learning program will lead to social and academic success in the future.
A child’s character development is formed through interactions, activities, and relationships. Young children begin to adopt qualities and characteristics at a very young age. It is important for them to engage in activities that shape the development of their character. Children’s Learning Adventure accomplishes this through modeling, role play, a character development program, and their community outreach program. These opportunities are integrated into their curriculum to provide valuable skills to our students, promoting growth in their social and academic experience for years to come.
“At Children’s Learning Adventure, our team members work hard to create a culture that feels like family. This environment encourages students to develop into confident lifelong learners. We encourage our students to value education and make positive life choices,” says Rick Sodja, CEO of Children’s Learning Adventure.
Children’s Learning Adventure offers unique environments designed to capture a child’s imagination and encourages exploration. Their proprietary curriculum is STEAM based and is seamlessly integrated into every classroom. Each campus offers specialty classrooms and an outdoor playground that encourages students to actively engage in the learning process. Children’s Learning Adventure strives to make learning an adventure and encourage their students to actively participate in the learning process in a safe and welcoming environment.
Children’s Learning Adventure also hosts monthly Open Houses to share their learning environment with every family! The next upcoming Open House is on Feb. 9. To learn more about Children’s Learning Adventure, please visit www.childrenslearningadventure.com.
