Allstate Announces Partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Passback Program to Collect and Redistribute Soccer Equipment to Underserved Communities

May 10, 2016

NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Allstate Insurance Company announced today it will be an official partner of the U.S. Soccer Foundation‘s Passback program. Since its inception in 1991, Passback has collected and redistributed more than one million pieces of soccer equipment to youth in underserved communities throughout the United States. An official sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Mexican National Team (MNT), Allstate shares a mutual passion for the sport and a well-established history of supporting grassroots community initiatives to help the next generation of soccer fans and players.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM88193-b

On May 14, Allstate will host a kickoff event in Dallas at the Copa Alianza Tournament in Trinity View Park. Soccer players and their families can come together at the event to celebrate the sport and give back to their community. As some of the top amateur soccer talent in the area take to the field, fans will have the opportunity to meet former U.S. Men’s National Team and MLS legend Brian McBride and Mexican National Team legend Adolfo Rios. McBride and Rios will be on-hand to collect donations of new and gently-used soccer equipment and gear as part of Allstate’s partnership with the Passback program and mission to support the local community.

“Allstate shares its passion for soccer with the millions of fans across the country and around the world, and there’s no better way to celebrate them than with community empowerment initiatives like the Passback program,” said Pam Hollander, vice president of marketing for Allstate Insurance Company. “We are thrilled to partner with Passback to make a lasting impact on the soccer community and support future generations of this great sport.”

Throughout the year, Allstate will host community collection events ahead of select MNT and MLS matches and during select Copa Alianza Tournaments. Donations can also be made at the Allstate Fan Zone or Fútbol Fiesta – a fun and interactive experience where fans can take part in family-friendly activities and meet Adolfo Rios or Brian McBride before MNT and MLS matches.

The full schedule follows:

Date	Event	Location and Venue
5/14-5/15	Copa Alianza Tournament	Dallas, TX – Trinity View Park
5/28	MNT International Friendly	Atlanta, GA – Georgia Dome
5/28-5/29	Copa Alianza Tournament	Houston, TX – Cullen Park
6/1	MNT International Friendly	San Diego, CA – Qualcomm Stadium
6/11-6/12	Copa Alianza Tournament	Atlanta, GA – Wade-Walker Park
7/2-7/3	Copa Alianza Tournament	Denver, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
7/23-7/24	Copa Alianza Tournament	Chicago, IL – Naperville Polo Grounds
7/28	MLS All-Star	San Jose, CA – Avaya Stadium
8/13-8/14	Copa Alianza Tournament	San Francisco, CA – Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Complex
8/27-8/28	Copa Alianza Tournament	Los Angeles, CA – San Bernardino Soccer Complex
9/3-9/4	Copa Alianza Tournament	El Paso, TX – Westside Sports Complex
9/17-9/18	Copa Alianza Tournament	Miami, FL – TBD
10/7	MNT International Friendly	Nashville, TN – Tennessee Nissan Stadium
10/11	MNT International Friendly	East Rutherford , NJ – MetLife Stadium
TBD	MLS Cup	TBD

To reward those taking action in their communities, Allstate and the Passback program will distribute Soccer.com gift cards specifically to those who make a donation on-site at one of the scheduled Allstate activations throughout the year (schedule listed above). Additionally, Allstate will match community contributions by donating 1,500 new soccer balls, to be handed out along with donated equipment and gear to youth leagues across the country.

“The Passback program is excited to partner with Allstate to continue the positive work they’ve had within the soccer community over the years. We look forward to working together to provide equipment to those who love the sport but may not have the resources to play,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “The Passback program allows people who love soccer to recycle their gear and enrich the lives of children at the same time.”

No stranger to supporting grassroots initiatives in the soccer community, Allstate has been bringing communities together around the soccer field for years. Through its ongoing sponsorship of MNT and MLS, the company has demonstrated its commitment to the sport and had a positive impact on youth soccer leagues across the country. A company that prides itself on keeping its customers in good hands, Allstate’s partnership with Passback is a natural fit and creates opportunities to connect with soccer fans and give back to the community on a larger scale.

For more information on the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Passback program, including how to donate, please visit www.passback.org.

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation

The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter at @ussoccerfndn and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ussoccerfoundation.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Now celebrating its 85th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®.” The Allstate brand’s network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In 2015, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $36 million to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 230,000 hours of service across the country.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allstate-announces-partnership-with-the-us-soccer-foundations-passback-program-to-collect-and-redistribute-soccer-equipment-to-underserved-communities-300266043.html

Building a Grad Nation Report Examines Roadblocks on the Path to 90% High School Graduation Rates for All Students

May 10, 2016

The GradNation campaign, led by America's Promise Alliance, Civic Enterprises, Everyone Graduates Center and the Alliance for Excellent Education, focuses on raising the on-time high school graduation rate to 90 percent by the Class of 2020 and increasing postsecondary enrollment and completion.

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Even as the nation reaches an all-time record graduation rate of 82.3 percent, low-graduation-rate high schools – a key focus of the recently passed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) – pose a significant roadblock to the national goal of a 90 percent graduation rate for all students. While the number of low-graduation-rate high schools has declined considerably over the past decade, in some states they still predominate.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160508/364938
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160508/364937LOGO

Today, Civic Enterprises and the Everyone Graduates Center at the Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with America’s Promise Alliance and the Alliance for Excellent Education, released the 2016 Building a Grad Nation report, the seventh annual update on the progress and challenges in raising high school graduation rates. The four organizations lead the GradNation campaign, a nationwide effort to boost on-time high school graduation rates to 90 percent by the Class of 2020.

This report is the first to analyze 2014 graduation data using new criteria established by ESSA, which defines a low-graduation-rate high school as one that enrolls 100 or more students and has an Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) of 67 percent or below. States and districts are now required to improve these schools using evidence-based reforms.

New analysis conducted for this report shows that under the ESSA definition, 52 percent of the nation’s low-graduation-rate high schools are charter, virtual and alternative high schools, all of which have grown in number since 2000. Moreover, while collectively charter, virtual and alternative schools account for 14 percent of high schools and 8 percent of students, 20 percent of high school students who do not graduate on time attend these schools. Regular district high schools account for 41 percent of low-graduation-rate high schools and are where the majority of students who do not graduate on time can be found.

There is significant variability in these numbers at the state level. (For state-level data, see Appendix L, ESSA High Schools -100 or more students – with ACGR 67 percent or below, by State and Type, 2014.)

“Many of these schools exist to serve a vulnerable student population, and therefore deal with significant challenges,” said Robert Balfanz, research scientist and co-director of the Everyone Graduates Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. “That’s why it’s so important that educators identify struggling students at the beginning of their high school careers and provide the things all students need to be successful, including the chance to build relationships with caring adults, strong and tailored instruction, and opportunities to engage in learning experiences that connect school to life.”

“We followed the evidence to understand more about low-performing high schools,” said John Bridgeland, president & CEO of Civic Enterprises. “Regardless of the type of school, we must insist upon results and ensure every student receives a high quality education. We need to get beyond labels and get all students what they need to succeed.”

“As the number of low-grad-rate schools grows in some states, it is necessary to take a closer look at when and where these schools are part of the solution or a wrong turn on the path to 90 percent graduation rates for all students,” added Jennifer DePaoli, senior education advisor at Civic Enterprises and the report’s lead author.

The Building a Grad Nation report is based on the most recent comprehensive data from the National Center for Education Statistics at the U.S. Department of Education (2013-14). The 2016 report provides a new national and state-by-state analysis of low-graduation-rate high schools; the number of additional students it will take for the country and each state to reach 90 percent; a look at the validity of graduation rates; and policy recommendations for change.

Here are several of the report’s key findings:

Low-graduation-rate high schools and key subgroup data. The number of large, low-grad-rate schools (300 or more students) declined from 2,000 in 2002 (enrolling 2.6 million students) to 1,000 in 2014 (enrolling 924,000 students). Including schools of 100 or more students, as ESSA requires, increases the number of low-graduation-rate high schools to 2,397 with a total enrollment of 1.23 million students.
In 41 states, low-income students made up more than 40 percent of the enrollment in low-graduation-rate schools, and in 12 of those states, enrollment of low-income students was greater than 75 percent. In 15 states, Black students made up more than 40 percent of enrollment in schools with a graduation rate of 67 percent or less. In nine states, Hispanic/Latino students made up more than 40 percent of students.

Low-graduation-rate high schools by school types. Out of all low-grad-rate schools in the nation, 41 percent are regular district schools, 28 percent are alternative schools, 26 percent are charter schools and 7 percent are virtual schools.**

However, when you look within school types at the percentage of low-grad-rate schools, the research shows a different perspective of how these schools are doing.

Regular district schools (84% of all high schools). Seven percent (7%) of regular district schools, or roughly 1,000 schools nationwide, were low-graduation-rate high schools. Regular district high schools had an average graduation rate of 85 percent. The number of low-graduation-rate regular district high schools across states ranges from zero in Delaware, Hawaii, and Kentucky to more than 276 in New York and 203 in Florida.

Charter schools (8% of all high schools). Now authorized in all but seven states, the number of charter schools is rising with mixed results on graduation rates. Thirty percent (30%) of charter schools were low-graduation-rate high schools, while 44 percent had high graduation rates of 85 percent and above. Nationwide, charter schools reported an average graduation rate of 70 percent. Hawaii, Arizona, Indiana, Ohio and California have the highest percentages of low-graduation-rate charter high schools.

Alternative schools (6% of all high schools). Established to meet the needs of “at risk” students, 57 percent of alternative schools are low-graduation-rate high schools. They have an average graduation rate of 52 percent. Sixty percent (60%) of students at alternative high schools are students of color. In 10 states, including Kentucky, Texas, Washington, Idaho and Iowa, 50 percent or more of low-graduation-rate high schools were alternative schools in 2014. Other states have experienced greater success with alternative schools.

Virtual schools (1% of all high schools). Schools offering all instruction online have greatly increased in recent years. Virtual schools were disaggregated in NCES data for the first time in 2013-14. The data shows that 87 percent of virtual schools are low-grad-rate schools with an average graduation rate of 40 percent. States with the highest percentage of non-graduates coming from virtual schools include Ohio, Idaho, Pennsylvania and Colorado.

The research also takes a closer look at extended year graduation rates and how these calculations may impact the national graduation rate:

Extended graduation rates. For the first time, researchers were able to examine the impact of additional time on graduation rates. If all states were required to report five-year graduation rates, the national high school grad rate would go up about 3 percentage points. If all states were required to report six-year graduation rates, the rate would go up an additional percentage point.

Policy recommendations. The report recommends, among other findings, that policymakers: 1) Set clear definitions and give graduation rates the weight they deserve in ESSA. 2) Require all states to report extended-year graduation rates (5^thor 6^th year graduates) in addition to four-year rates to provide a more accurate picture of who is and is not graduating. 3) Create evidence-based plans to improve low-graduation-rate high schools. Without federally determined options for solutions, schools and districts have more flexibility in choosing the best strategies for improvement while still being prompted to set and reach high expectations for their students. 4) Ensure that alternative and virtual schools are included in state accountability and improvement systems.

“ESSA shifts much of the responsibility for student outcomes to states, which must develop robust accountability systems that target large graduation rate gaps that continue to exist between different groups of students, as well as high schools that fail to graduate one-third or more of their students,” said Gov. Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education.

The Road to 90. At 82.3 percent, the national graduation rate is at a new all-time high, but the 2013-14 school year marks the first time in four years that the country is not on track to reach its goal of a 90 percent on-time high school graduation rate by 2020. To stay on track, the national graduation rate must increase by 1.3 percentage points annually. For 2014, the rate went up just .9 percent.

“As the report points out, raising the graduation rate to 90 percent would require graduating an additional 285,000 students,” said John Gomperts, president & CEO of America’s Promise Alliance. “Putting it that way makes the goal appear that much more attainable. But to graduate this additional number of students equitably, the nation will have to focus on getting significantly more low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, English-language learners and homeless youth on track to earning a diploma. Persistence is key.”

Authors and sponsors. The 2016 Building a Grad Nation: Progress and Challenge Raising High School Graduation Rates report is co-authored by Jennifer DePaoli and John Bridgeland of Civic Enterprises and Robert Balfanz and his team at the Everyone Graduates Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. The 2016 report is presented by lead sponsor AT&T, with supporting sponsorship from Target and State Farm.

Full report. To read the full report, access graphics, state-by-state data and other resources, visit: www.GradNation.org/2016report.

Webinar. To learn more, register for the Building a Grad Nation webinar on Mon, May 9, 2016 at 3 PM ET. The researchers will discuss their findings and analysis.

**According to NCES definitions, there is inherent overlap between the alternative, charter, and virtual school categories, so these numbers do not add up to 100 percent. When looking just at district-operated alternative schools, they make up 23 percent of low-graduation-rate high schools, and when separating virtual schools out from charter schools, the percentage of low-graduation-rate schools that are charter schools falls to 22 percent. In addition, vocational and special education schools were omitted from the count but can be found in the appendix of the report.

Civic Enterprises is a public policy and strategy firm that helps corporations, nonprofits, foundations, universities and governments develop and spearhead innovative public policies to strengthen our communities and country. Created to enlist the private, public and nonprofit sectors to help address our nation’s toughest problems, Civic Enterprises fashions new initiatives and strategies that achieve measurable results in the fields of education, civic engagement, economic mobility, and many other domestic policy issues. www.civicenterprises.net

The Everyone Graduates Center at the Center for Social Organization of Schools at the School of Education at Johns Hopkins University seeks to identify the barriers to high school graduation, develop strategic solutions to overcoming these barriers and build local capacity to implement and sustain the solutions so that all students graduate prepared for adult success. www.every1graduates.org

America’s Promise Alliance leads the nation’s largest network dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. As its signature effort, the GradNation campaign mobilizes Americans to increase the on-time high school graduation rate to 90 percent by the Class of 2020 and prepare young people for postsecondary enrollment and the 21st century workforce. www.AmericasPromise.org

The Alliance for Excellent Education is a Washington, DC-based national policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, particularly those who are traditionally underserved, graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship. www.all4ed.org

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Daria L. Hall
America’s Promise Alliance
202.657.0621/718.404.7448
[email protected]

Kathleen McMahon
Civic Enterprises
703-868-6981
[email protected]

Mary Maushard
Everyone Graduates Center
410.516.8810
[email protected]

Jason Amos
Alliance for Excellent Education
202.828.0828
[email protected]

Available Topic Expert: John Gomperts
For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link.
ProfNet – https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=120616

PUERTO RICO LIMPIO sends letter to Congressman to warn about the crisis at the Island’s non-compliant landfills

May 10, 2016

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The multi-sectoral citizen’s group Puerto Rico Limpio sent a letter to Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on National Resources, to warn him and denounce the crisis Puerto Rico is living through with 22 of its 27 municipal landfills that are violating federal and local laws.

The co-founder of the group and its spokesman, Hiram Torres Montalvo, said that he was taking advantage of Grijalva’s visit to the Island to call his attention to the public health and environmental threat from the non-compliant landfills that are toxic for communities. “In the letter, he pointed out to the Congressman that 80% of our landfills have been out of compliance with federal and state regulations for a long time, but continue to operate and put in danger the health of the people and the environment. We told him in the letter about the specific problems like the outflow of toxic liquids that end up in bodies of water and drinking water systems. We also pointed out that the majority of the active cells of landfills are not adequately covered and there are no systems to control the accumulation of methane gas as required by law,” he said.

In the letter, the Congressman is also informed that many of the non-compliant landfills are close to residential communities and/or close to parks recreation zones, schools and main roadways.

“We want to alert him that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB) know about and have documented all of these irregularities at the landfills, but they still remain open and continue to operate without controls. The problem of trash and the landfills that are out of compliance is an environmental injustice to the people of Puerto Rico and action can no longer be delayed in addressing it, and for that we put ourselves at his disposal to share information on the matter now and in the future.”

To know more about Puerto Rico Limpio, its mission and important information about unsafe and non-compliant landfills, visit: PuertoRicoLimpio.org, Puerto Rico Limpio on Facebook, and/or follow us on Twitter at: @PRLimpioOrg

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® raises $4 million for children battling cancer, other life-threatening diseases during annual Univision Local Media event

May 10, 2016

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, May 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Working with Univision Local Media, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® raised $4 million during this year’s Promesa y Esperanza^® (Promise and Hope) radio event held in 17 media markets in the U.S. and Puerto Rico on April 7-8.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7758752-st-jude-univision-promesa-y-esperanza/

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Thanks to events like this one, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

By collaborating with Univision, coverage of the St. Jude mission extended across several of their platforms to reach Hispanic consumers from coast to coast who stay connected via its radio network, television affiliates, network programs, websites and social media. St. Jude content included more than 30 hours of radio programming and featured several patient family stories.

“I am proud of our steadfast commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and our community through this annual radio event,” said Randy Falco, president and CEO of Univision Communications Inc. “St. Jude’s mission and dedication to such an important cause aligns with our vision as a mission-driven Company and we are pleased to partner and create awareness and support among our radio listeners.”

Univision radio listeners still have the opportunity to become Angeles de Esperanza (Angels of Hope) by pledging to make a monthly donation of $20 or more by calling 1-800-998-8432 or visiting promesayesperanza.org.

Since the partnership’s inception in 2006, the St. Jude/Univision national radio event has raised more than $56 million dollars.

“The dedication and passion from everyone at Univision this year was truly remarkable,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “From radio talent who also shared their broadcasts on social media, to national TV personalities that told St. Jude patient families stories while proudly wearing a St. Jude lapel pin; their efforts will help St. Jude doctors and researchers find cures for children fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

Several Univision popular on-air personalities supported the event including: Javier Romero of Desayuno Musical, Raúl Brindis of El Show de Raúl Brindis, Alberto Sardiñas of Intimo, Enrique Santos of El Show de Enrique Santos, Omar Velasco and Argelia Atilano of El show de Omar y Argelia, Fernanda Kelly of Lanzate, Raúl Molinar, Sylvia del Valle and Andrés Maldonado of El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo, Pancho Mercado and Rene Pineda of Uforia Nation, María Esther Mendéz, and Verónica Rivera of Más Variedad, Donaji and Ysaac Alvarez of K-LOVE, Pamela Silva Conde of Primer Impacto, Carlos Calderón of Sal y Pimienta, Lili Estefan of El Gordo y La Flaca, Maity Interiano, William Valdés, Karla Martínez and Alejandro Chabán of Despierta América, among others.

Participating Hispanic artists included: Chino y Nacho, Grupo Intocable, Banda El Recodo, Gerardo Ortiz, Maná, Alexis y Fido, Roberto Tapia, Los Huracanes del Norte, Banda Los Recoditos, Bárbara Padilla, Noel Torres, Jay Ruiz, Frankie J., Duelo, Kevin Ortiz, Régulo Caro, Fey, Mario Bautista, Villa 5, Jorge Celedón, Jesús Mendoza, La Maquinaria Norteña, La Energía Norteña, La Reunión Norteña, Alto Mando, La Alianza Norteña, Los Pescadores del Río Conchos, Costumbre, Los Gallitos, Arsenal, La Fiera De Ojinaga, Grupo Control, among others.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following us on Twitter (@stjude).

About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. The Company, a leading content creator in the U.S., includes Univision Network, one of the top five networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country reaching approximately 93% of U.S. Hispanic television households; UniMás, a leading Spanish-language broadcast television network reaching approximately 87% of U.S. Hispanic television households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network, as well as Univision tlnovelas, a 24-hour cable network dedicated to novelas, Univision Deportes Network, a 24-hour cable network dedicated to sports, ForoTV, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to news, and an additional suite of cable offerings – De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson and Telehit; Univision Television Group, which owns and/or operates 61 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Hispanic radio group which owns and operates 67 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; an Interactive network of online and mobile apps and products including UVideos, a bilingual digital video network serving Hispanic America, Uforia, a music application featuring multimedia music content, including over 65 radio stations, videos, exclusive digital channels and a custom radio offering with more than 25 million songs, Univision.com, the No. 1 most-visited Spanish-language website among U.S. online Hispanics, and Univision Partner Group, a specialized advertising and publisher network. UCI’s assets also include a minority stake in El Rey Network, a 24-hour English-language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, and a joint venture with Disney/ABC Television Network for Fusion, a news, pop culture and satire TV and digital network. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit Univision.net.

(Español) Convención Nacional Demócrata anuncia a través de Instagram contratación de empresa para el diseño de credenciales

May 9, 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

The Y to Offer 18,000 At-Risk Youth Free Access to Safety Around Water Program

May 9, 2016

CHICAGO, May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of National Water Safety Month, YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is awarding more than 18,000 scholarships for free water safety lessons (up from 13,000 scholarships in 2015) to children from underserved communities as a part of its Safety Around Water program.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160508/364935-INFO

Through the Y’s Safety Around Water program, parents and caregivers will help their children learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills. Armed with these skills, children will know how to reach the water’s surface if they become submerged, safely reach a pool’s edge, exit any body of water and respond to unexpected water situations.

While fatal drowning is a concern for all kids, children of color are disproportionately at-risk. The Y is dedicated to reversing the alarming statistics about youth drowning rates, especially in African American and Hispanic/Latino communities:

3 kids die every day from drowning ¹
Drowning is the second-leading cause of deaths for kids ages 5-14²
African American children ages 5 to 14 are 3 times more likely to drown than their white peers ³
70 percent of African American and 60 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim, compared to just 40 percent of Caucasian children ³
88 percent of kids who drown do so under adult supervision ⁴
60 percent of kids who drown are within 10 feet of safety ⁴
Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children one to four years old ⁵
More than 1 million kids take swim lessons at the Y every year ⁶

“Every year, the Y teaches more than 1 million children from all backgrounds invaluable water safety and swim skills. This year, we’re committed to addressing the disturbing statistics around fatal youth drownings by making free swim lessons available to more than 18,000 children in underserved communities,” said Kevin Washington, President and CEO of Y-USA. “It’s our mission to help mitigate the socio-cultural factors that inhibit today’s youth—especially those of color in urban communities—from receiving the potentially lifesaving skills to keep them safe in and around water.”

As one of the country’s longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to the nation’s most pressing social issues related to youth, health and community life, the Y is committed to working side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

The Safety Around Water program assists in developing potentially lifesaving skills, by increasing knowledge, ability and stamina to build smart, strong swimmers and confident kids.

For more about the Y’s Safety Around Water program, please visit ymca.net/watersafety.

Sources:
^1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS™). Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars
^2.U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2012). Safety barrier guidelines for residential pools. Retrieved from www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/pool.pdf
^3.USA Swimming Foundation national research study by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis. Retrieved from http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1796
^4.Safe Kids Worldwide. (2007). Safe kids U.S. summer safety ranking report. Retrieved from www.safekids.org/research-report/safe-kids-us-summer-safety-ranking-report-april-2007
^5.Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1796
^6.Contact [email protected] for more detailed information

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Contacts:
Stephanie Cavataro
WME|IMG
212-774-4459
[email protected]

Ryu Mizuno
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8337
[email protected]

(Español) En Magnifica Figura, invierno es una temporada popular para la Cirugía Estética

May 9, 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

5miles releases first U.S. marketplace app experience in Spanish, intuitive translation capabilities in five other languages

May 9, 2016

DALLAS, May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — 5miles (5milesapp.com), a leader in local commerce, launched a series of brand new features today, becoming the nation’s first mobile marketplace that tailors the buying and selling experience to Spanish- and other non-English-speaking users.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160508/364933

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160508/364934LOGO

Enabling the translation of the app’s goods and services listings into multiple languages is the latest development by the Dallas-based company to respond to multi-ethnic consumer demand and reach broader communities in the U.S., where 5miles is among the fastest-growing marketplace apps.

“It’s exciting to see how the updates in this new version will facilitate transactions among and enhance the experience for our users who speak languages other than English,” said Rick Cantu, general manager for 5miles. “We are proud that 5miles is the first local marketplace app in the U.S. to deliver the same experience to Spanish-speaking buyers and sellers as to our English-speaking ones.”

The seven languages in 5miles’ initial translation function are Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Japanese, and Korean, in addition to of course English. The easy-to-use function, intuitively based on the language setting in a user’s phone or, for iOS devices, from manual selection options available on the app, will allow users to view the mobile interface, products and write and read messages in their preferred language.

The Spanish-language component is a major enhancement in the latest version of the app, which includes help desk support resources that previously were only available in English. Back-end assistance in which uses can chat live with 5miles “Awesome Experience” service representatives in Spanish also is now available.

Cantu said he expects positive response to the translation features, for one because more than a third of its users across the U.S. are Hispanic. This enhancement will make it easier and potentially gives some users more peace of mind about buying and selling goods and services locally, right in their own neighborhoods.

Offering an app optimized for Spanish speakers also reflects the business clout of Hispanics, a demographic that is growing at four times the pace of the general population and a key consumer set for e-commerce.

For more information about 5miles, visit 5milesapp.com.

About 5miles
5miles is a hyper-local, free to download mobile marketplace app, one of the nation’s fastest-growing online shopping ventures now available in all major U.S. markets. It is the first app of its kind to include services, housing and jobs, in addition to second-hand trading. 5miles launched in Dallas in January 2015, setting itself apart with an easy-to-use mobile interface, identity verification capabilities for added safety and security, and hyper-local curation of offerings – all within 5miles. In its first year of operation, buyers and sellers in major markets coast-to-coast have transacted more than $1 billion in merchandise through 5miles. The app is ranked routinely in the top 10 of all shopping apps on Google Play and boasts a growing adoption rate with iOS users via the App Store. Learn more at 5milesapp.com.

App Store: m.onelink.me/5fc10133
Google Play: m.onelink.me/674211f2

Media Contact:          Mark Brinkerhoff
                                 Tel: 1-817-681-5739
                                 Email: [email protected]

Excitement Mounts Over Launch of Advanced New Video and Chat Collaborative Platform VQuick

May 8, 2016

NEW YORK, May 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Excitement is building over the launch of VQuick, an innovative new mobile Video and Chat platform that will be unveiled at TechCrunch Disrupt NY 2016 (May 9-11), at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, in Brooklyn, NY. The company’s Founder & CEO Richard Bezjian will host two presentations, on Tuesday May 10 at 11AM and at 2:30PM. Attendees at the conference will have an opportunity to enter to win a number of prizes by putting the VQuick app to the challenge and their imaginations in gear. Included among the prizes, two state-of-the-art drones.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160506/364782LOGO

In today’s competitive digital landscape, connectivity, authenticity and collaboration are powerful drivers. We’ve seen that in the rise of the “sharing economy” and in the success of open source platforms like “Wikipedia.” The “me generation” has been replaced by the “we-generation” who are passionate about being creative, original and being part of a community, and this is where VQuick excels. The app has wrapped a host of new capabilities under one platform designed to promote and empower the creative spirit of its users, provide higher control over content visibility, while meeting the demand for collaboration within and across different social networks.

VQuickers will be able to work together on projects whether they are next door or across the globe. When VQuickers are asked, What’s your story?, they are no longer limited to telling a local version of that story. They can collaborate with family and friends anywhere is the country or around the world to produce powerful storytelling content.

According to Mr. Bezjian, “We believe that the introduction of VQuick comes at an especially pivotal moment, as studies confirm that social video content consumption amongst Generation Z and Millennials continues to experience exceptional growth.” Both power user groups have been quick adapters of the new social platforms and are driving engagement, usability and creativity. They are also influencing developers like VQuick to keep up with their demands for enhanced applications.

A few of the new features that VQuick is introducing, which sets it apart from competitors like Snapchat, include the addition of the talent profile – more than a photo, it allows users to highlight distinct skills, experiences and qualifications. Higher control over content means that users can chose whom to share with, where to share and they control when and if to engage the self-destruct feature. In addition, VQuick is introducing the Stovies (Story Movies) monthly contest. VQuickers will have an opportunity to enter their Stovies under select categories (Animals & Pets, Culinary, Family & Kids, etc.), for a chance to win a variety of exciting prizes.

The VQuick app is now available for download. Be one of the first VQuickers to record, collaborate, edit and share “your Stovie”. For more on VQuick visit http://www.vquick.com.

Labor Commissioner Accepting Applications from Port Trucking Companies for Motor Carrier Employer Amnesty Program

May 6, 2016

OAKLAND, California, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Labor Commissioner’s Office is accepting applications for the Motor Carrier Employer Amnesty Program (AB 621) from eligible commercial trucking companies performing drayage services at any California port. For a limited time, the voluntary program allows qualifying companies to reclassify their drivers as employees and avoid liability for misclassifying them as independent contractors. The amnesty program ends December 31, 2016.

Since 2011, port truck drivers have filed 799 wage claims with the Labor Commissioner’s Office for misclassification, seeking reimbursement for unlawful deductions and expenses. The Labor Commissioner has awarded more than $35 million to misclassified port truck drivers in 302 cases.

“The sheer number of claims filed and wages awarded to misclassified port truck drivers over the last several years demonstrates a significant problem in the industry,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “Worker misclassification is a form of wage theft as it denies workers all the rights and benefits of employee status. This amnesty program provides an opportunity for motor carriers to remedy these problems and correct past abuses.”

Under AB 621, port drayage trucking companies can enter into a settlement agreement with the Labor Commissioner and Employment Development Department (EDD). The motor carrier must agree to pay all wages and benefits owed to drivers misclassified as independent contractors, pay all taxes owed to the State as a result of misclassification, and agree to classify commercial drivers as employees. The settlement agreement will relieve motor carriers of liability for statutory and civil penalties based on previous misclassification of drivers.

Eligible motor carriers can apply for this voluntary program by filling out the Motor Carrier Employer Amnesty Program (AB 621) application and mailing it to Labor Commissioner’s Legal Section, 300 Oceangate, #850, Long Beach, CA 90802. The application may also be emailed to [email protected].

DIR protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws.

DIR’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), also known as the Labor Commissioner’s Office, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses and educates the public on labor laws.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Paola Laverde or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

1...2,6802,6812,682...3,055 Page 2,681 of 3,055