New Report Highlights Higher Education’s $2.3 Billion In NEPA, Northcentral PA

The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania has released a new report showing that twelve nonprofit colleges in NEPA and Northcentral Pennsylvania generate over $2.3 billion annually and support over 18,000 local jobs.

When combined with the outer network of over 80 member schools across the state, and affiliated hospitals, the economic impact rises to almost $65 billion.

These schools and their partners strengthen local economies and contribute to community outreach. 

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Reading Says $1 Million Grant Would Help it Get to Zero Traffic Deaths

Officials from the city of Reading have launched a new Vision Zero traffic safety initiative, which aims to achieve zero traffic deaths by 2033.

Reading is applying for a $1 million federal grant to improve safety infrastructure in its downtown, including bike lanes, speed cushions, and enhanced signs and crosswalks.

Crash data and community surveys will be used in determining priority programming. 

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Gov. Shapiro Highlights Investments in Violence Prevention to Create Youth Opportunity

The Shapiro Administration met with community leaders, educators, and local youth in Philadelphia to highlight the impact of investments in community-based violence prevention programs.

Beyond the Bars, a local nonprofit that empowers youth through music and leadership, has been able to expand outreach due to $530,000 in funding from the Violence Intervention Program.

Violence prevention is key to reducing crime and increasing opportunities for youth leadership.   



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The US and Canada are Going in Different Directions on Traffic Safety

Despite having similar infrastructure and vehicle patterns, automobile crash deaths are far higher in the United States than Canada, with the safety gap widening.

A collaborative study between the US Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Canadian Traffic Injury Research Foundation revealed that Americans are about two and a half times more likely to die in a crash than Canadians and drive roughly 50 percent more than their northern counterparts.

This article discusses further study findings and comparisons between American and Canadian traffic safety.

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How to Meaningfully Engage Youth in Designing Global Education Events

Although they make up roughly 41 percent of the global population, youth are frequently excluded from shaping dialogues on education.

This year, the Center for Universal Education’s annual symposium focused on co-creating agenda items and event programming with local youth.

Brookings research discusses eight lessons on youth diversity, the youth perspective, and how to effectively engage youth participation in global education initiatives. . 

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From Vision to Action: Aligning Tech Policy and Innovation within the AI Action Plan

With the growing prevalence of artificial intelligence in everyday life, many organizations and federal policy have considered making AI action plans to address innovation and security.

The three-pillar federal AI action plan developed last month focuses on accelerated innovation programs and the infrastructure needed to power widely distributed AI platforms.

The Bipartisan Policy Center describes each pillar of the action plan and how it can be implemented, as well as impact on national energy, health, and workforce.

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