WVIN News

Top Stories, January 7, 2026

No Injuries In Bus-Involved Accident In Cohocton This AM

There were no injuries from an accident that happened this morning on Route 415 in Cohocton.  We’re told by officials that truck that went on the ice and hit a school bus.  Again, no students were injured and nobody else was either.  We talked to Steuben County Public Safety Director Tim Marshall afterwards.  Marshall says some side roads were slick from the warm rain and snow melting and that some of the secondary roads were a sheet of ice. 

 

Half A Dozen Recalled Products, From Karison Foods 

From the USDA:  

FOOD BUSINESS KARISON FOODS & SNACKS INC RECALLS ‘PANJIRI’, ‘ALSI PINNI’, ‘PUNJABI PINNI’, ‘BESAN LADDOO’, AND ‘NO SUGAR ADDED BESAN LADDOO’ DUE TO UNDECLARED MILK ALLERGEN.

Karison Foods & Snacks Inc of Port Washington, NY 11050 is recalling 12 oz containers of ‘PANJIRI’, ‘ALSI PINNI’, ‘PUNJABI PINNI’, ‘BESAN LADDOO’, and ‘NO SUGAR ADDED BESAN LADDOO’ due to undeclared milk allergen.

Product was distributed in New York state through retail stores. The products are packaged in 12 oz clear plastic containers with the respective UPC codes (Panjiri- 897307002437, Alsi Pinni- 897307002512, Punjabi Pinni- 897307002154, Besan Laddoo- 897307002406, No Sugar Added Besan Laddoo- 897307002215) and expiration date Aug 29, 2026.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. During a routine inspection conducted at the firm, it was found that the milk allergen is undeclared on labels.

Consumers who have purchased KARISON ‘PANJIRI’, ‘ALSI PINNI’, ‘PUNJABI PINNI’, ‘BESAN LADDOO’, and ‘NO SUGAR ADDED BESAN LADDOO’ are urged to return products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 516-944-9000.

 

State Police: Stolen Vehicle Incident In Urbana/Savona

FROM NSYP:   The New York State Police arrested Cloey S. Hoaglin, age 22, of Painted Post, following an investigation into a stolen motor vehicle and an impaired driving incident in Steuben County.

On January 5, 2026, State Police responded to a report of a vehicle off the roadway in the town of Savona. An investigation determined the vehicle, a 2012 Ford Fusion, had been reported stolen from the town of Urbana earlier that day. Troopers identified Hoaglin as the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle.

Further investigation revealed Hoaglin was operating the vehicle while impaired by drugs and was in possession of a controlled substance. The vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner.

Hoaglin was arrested and charged with:
•    Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree (E felony)
•    Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree (A misdemeanor)
•    Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs 
•    Multiple vehicle and traffic violations.

Hoaglin was processed at State Police Bath and remanded to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment.

 

Troopers:  A Bath Resident Was Charged For Allegedly Returning Items, She Did Not Purchase From Walmart

FROM NSYP:  The New York State Police arrested a Steuben County woman following an investigation into a fraudulent retail transaction at a Walmart location in the town of Erwin.

On December 30, 2025, State Police responded to a report of a fraudulent transaction at Walmart located on Silverback Lane in Painted Post. An investigation determined that a female suspect selected merchandise from the store, proceeded to the customer service desk, and returned the unpaid items for cash by falsely claiming they had been purchased.

Store asset protection personnel provided documentation and surveillance footage, which assisted troopers in identifying the suspect.

As a result of the investigation, Michelle L. Burleson, age 33, of Bath, NY, was arrested on January 4, 2026, and charged with:
•    Petit Larceny (A misdemeanor)
•    Falsifying Business Records 1st degree (E felony).

Burleson was processed at SP Bath and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Erwin Court on February 25, 2026.

 

Federal Changes To Vaccines For Children 

On Monday, President Trump and RFK Jr put out a statement.  Summed up, it makes it so the Covid, Hepatitis and Flu vaccines are "not recommended for all children".  Kennedy, who has been fighting certain drug companies for years on this, is publicly thanking President Trump for doing this. US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says that move is based on pseudo-science and extremism.    

Full statement from the Dept of Health And Human Services: 

Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill, in his role as Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), today signed a decision memorandum* [PDF, 894 KB] accepting recommendations from a comprehensive scientific assessment [PDF, 1.05 MB] of U.S. childhood immunization practices, following a directive from President Trump to review international best practices from peer, developed countries.

On December 5, 2025, via a Presidential Memorandum, President Trump directed the Secretary of HHS and the Acting Director of CDC to examine how peer, developed nations structure their childhood vaccination schedules and to evaluate the scientific evidence underlying those practices. He instructed them to update the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule if superior approaches exist abroad while preserving access to vaccine currently available to Americans.

After consulting with health ministries of peer nations, considering the assessment’s findings, and reviewing the decision memo presented by National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Food and Drug Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Acting Director O’Neill formally accepted the recommendations and directed the CDC to move forward with implementation.

“President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better,” Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. “After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”

The scientific assessment compared U.S. childhood immunization recommendations with those of peer nations, analyzed vaccine uptake and public trust, evaluated clinical and epidemiological evidence and knowledge gaps, examined vaccine mandates, and identified next steps.

The assessment reviewed 20 peer, developed nations and found that the U.S. is a global outlier among developed nations in both the number of diseases addressed in its routine childhood vaccination schedule and the total number of recommended doses but does not have higher vaccination rates than such countries. In fact, many peer nations that recommend fewer routine vaccines achieve strong child health outcomes and maintain high vaccination rates through public trust and education rather than mandates. For example, in 2024, the U.S. recommended more childhood vaccines than any peer nation, and more than twice as many doses as some European nations. At the lower end is Denmark, which immunizes children against 10 diseases compared to a total number of 18 diseases for which protection was provided in 2024 in the U.S.

“After reviewing the evidence, I signed a decision memorandum accepting the assessment’s recommendations,” Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill said. “The data support a more focused schedule that protects children from the most serious infectious diseases while improving clarity, adherence, and public confidence.”

Under the accepted recommendations, CDC will continue to organize the childhood immunization schedule in three distinct categories, all of which require insurance companies to cover them without cost-sharing:

  1. Immunizations Recommended for All Children
  2. Immunizations Recommended for Certain High-Risk Groups or Populations
  3. Immunizations Based on Shared Clinical Decision-Making

The first category will include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox).

“All vaccines currently recommended by CDC will remain covered by insurance without cost sharing,” Dr. Oz said. “No family will lose access. This framework empowers parents and physicians to make individualized decisions based on risk, while maintaining strong protection against serious disease.”

The assessment also documents a significant decline in public trust in health care institutions between 2020 and 2024, alongside falling childhood vaccination rates and increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Public health works only when people trust it,” Dr. Makary said. “That trust depends on transparency, rigorous science, and respect for families. This decision recommits HHS to all three.”

The accepted recommendations recognize there is a need for more and better gold standard science, including placebo-controlled randomized trials and long-term observational studies to better characterize vaccine benefits, risks, and outcomes. HHS agencies are called on to fund this gold standard science for all vaccines on the schedule.

“Science demands continuous evaluation,” Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said. “This decision commits NIH, CDC, and FDA to gold standard science, greater transparency, and ongoing reassessment as new data emerge.”

HHS and CDC will work with state health agencies, physician groups, and other partners on next steps and implementation and will educate parents and clinicians on the updated immunization schedules.

 

FROM US SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND: “Once again, the Trump administration is putting pseudoscience and extremism over the health and safety of our children. In the midst of an increasingly severe flu season, this new vaccine schedule removes the recommendation that all children get the flu vaccine, along with those for other deadly diseases like COVID and bacterial meningitis. It’s nonsensical. This decision will endanger our children and make America sicker, and I am calling on the CDC to immediately reverse course.”

 

Palmesano's Monthly Grant Action List, January, 2026

State Grants:

 

NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets, Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grants

These funds must be used to increase farmers’ market resiliency. Examples of projects supported by this program include the development and enhancement of farmers’ market infrastructure, online infrastructure, marketing and outreach efforts and/or delivery capabilities across the state.

? Deadline: February 4, 2026, 3 PM

? Eligible Applicants: Governmental entities, not-for-profit entities, tribal organizations

? Total Funding Available: $500,000

? Contact: Olivia Weeden

? Email: Olivia.weeden@agriculture.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities

♦ https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0396-farmers-market-resiliency-grant-program-regional-sub-grant-program-round-4

♦ https://agriculture.ny.gov/request-proposals-rfa-0396-farmers-market-resiliency-grant-program-regional-subgrant-program-round

 

NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Home Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI) Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Funding

The HBCI teams will serve youth ages 5 years to 20 years, 11 months who are returning home from inpatient settings or residential services and are at risk for a rapid readmission or are at imminent risk of entering such settings. HBCI ensures the child and their family have the level of support services and access to clinical professionals they require to sustain any gains made in crisis response or from high-end services. HBCI teams deliver intensive crisis intervention to children and families to help maintain the child/youth in the home, school and community.

? Deadline: February 5, 2026, 2 PM

? Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit entities

? Total Funding Available: Approximately $3.6 million

? Number of Available Awards: 6

? Contact: Carol Swiderski

? Email: omhlocalprocurement@omh.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/hbci/index.html

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/hbci/hbci_idd_3_reissue2_final_rfp.pdf

 

NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for Children Funding

The goal of this award is to expand access to services for children with serious emotional disturbance (SED) and their families at a critical time in their lives, when they need to thrive and remain engaged in the community.

? Deadline: February 10, 2026, 2 PM

? Eligible Applicants: For-profit entities, governmental entities, not-for-profit entities, tribal organizations

? Total Funding Available: $1.5 million

? Contact: Amanda Szczepkowski

? Email: omhlocalprocurement@omh.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/phpcr/index.html

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/phpcr/php_for_children_2.pdf

 

NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Aging in Place Pilot Program Funding

This funding is available to develop five statewide pilot programs for adults who are aging and are currently, or could be, with enhanced support, residing at the community residence/single room occupancy (CR-SRO) level of care. Each of the five pilot programs will be developed within an existing CR-SRO program already operated by the applicant. The expectation is for an agency to set aside 20-25 existing units within the CR-SRO programs to support long-term care services for older adults and medically complex individuals. Agencies with multiple CR-SROs within 30 minutes travel time of each other may propose utilizing these enhanced services across multiple programs.

? Deadline: February 17, 2026, 2 PM

? Eligible Applicants: Health services, housing and shelter services

? Total Funding Available: Approximately $8.2 million

? Contact: Jerry Witkop

? Email: omhlocalprocurement@omh.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/app/index.html

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/app/rfp_mh253015_aging_in_place_pilot.pdf

 

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Open Space Conservation Funding

This funding will help to acquire land for the purpose of open space conservation and preservation. Projects funded through the Bond Act will increase climate resiliency and adaptation; buffer communities and diverse ecosystems to protect against impacts from large storm events; protect forests for the benefit of heat mitigation; offer large-scale habitat connectivity; and protect water quality through waterbody and waterway conservation. Additional priorities include projects that provide New Yorkers with enhanced access to recreational opportunities and preserve and improve ecosystems and biological diversity. Projects will also align with Open Space Plan priorities and the state’s 30x30 goals, achieve critical environmental and community resource protection needs and demonstrate geographic distribution across New York State.

? Deadline: February 18, 2026, 3 PM

? Eligible Applicants: Governmental entities, not-for-profit entities, tribal organizations

? Total Funding Available: $25.2 million

? Email: dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://dec.ny.gov/nature/open-space/open-space-conservation-grant

♦ https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/oscgrantrfa.pdf

 

NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), NYS Clubhouse Funding

Funding is available for NYS clubhouses, a member-driven model that provides a structured and supportive environment for adults 18+ experiencing serious mental illness (SMI) to make connections and build skills that support active community participation. The clubhouse model is evidence-based and provides a holistic approach to mental health care, addressing the social, educational and vocational needs of members by fostering community integration.

? Deadline: February 26, 2026, 2 PM

? Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit entities

? Total Funding Available: $33 million

? Contact: Amanda Szczepkowski

? Email: omhlocalprocurement@omh.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/nys-clubhouses/index.html

♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2025/nys-clubhouses/nys_clubhouses_final.pdf

 

NYS Agriculture & Markets, Farm to School Funding

This funding is dedicated to increasing schools’ purchase of New York farm products by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals of the program include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition and exposing students to new local culinary experiences.

? Deadline: March 12, 2026, 3 PM

? Eligible Applicants: Governmental entities, not-for-profit entities, tribal organizations

? Total Funding Available: $1.5 million

? Contact: Matthew Wilson

? Email: farmtoschool@agriculture.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0378-new-york-state-farm-school-grant-program-2026

♦ https://agriculture.ny.gov/request-proposals-rfp-0378-new-york-state-farm-school-grant-program-2026

 

NYS Department of Transportation (DOT), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funding

This funding supports bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and active transportation-related projects and programs that support the agency’s mission and the New York State Transportation Master Plan 2050. Projects selected under this solicitation will support the department’s commitment to community-centered transportation by providing safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation systems. Selected projects will also connect communities, enhance the quality of life, protect the environment and support the economic well-being of New York State.

? Deadline: March 12, 2026, 5 PM

? Eligible Applicants: Governmental entities, tribal organizations

? Total Funding Available: $97.4 million

? Email: TAP-CMAQ@dot.ny.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ www.dot.ny.gov/tap-cmaq

♦ www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/local-programs-bureau/tap-cmaq/repository/Appendix%20B%20TAPEligibility%202021.pdf

 

 

Federal Grants:

 

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM)

The S-STEM program seeks to increase the number of academically promising low-income students who graduate with an S-STEM eligible degree and contribute to the American innovation economy with their STEM knowledge. Recognizing that financial aid alone cannot increase retention and graduation in STEM, the program provides awards to institutions of higher education (IHEs) not only to fund scholarships, but also to adapt, implement and study evidence-based curricular and co-curricular activities that have been shown to be effective in supporting recruitment, retention, transfer (if appropriate), student success, academic/career pathways and graduation in STEM.

? Deadline: March 3, 2026

? Eligible Applicants: Others (click on the links below for more information)

? Program Funding: $120 million

? Expected Number of Awards: 60

? Minimum Award: $1 million

? Maximum Award: $5 million

? Contact: Thomas D. Kim

? Email: tkim@nsf.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/521e78f6-0598-41f6-bebd-6b6c086adb20

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/357498

♦ https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/s-stem-nsf-scholarships-science-technology-engineeringmathematics/nsf25-514/solicitation

 

U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grants

These grants support the implementation of a comprehensive plan that focuses on the revitalization of a severely distressed public housing and/or HUD-assisted housing project, while also improving the surrounding neighborhood and providing supportive services to improve quality-of-life outcomes for residents of the target housing project.

? Deadline: March 9, 2026

? Eligible Applicants: County governments, public and Indian housing authorities, city or township governments

? Program Funding: $75 million

? Expected Number of Awards: 4

? Maximum Award: $26 million

? Email: ChoiceNeighborhoods@hud.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/6d609326-fd89-4cde-a9a0-f4d856e74b06

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360950

♦ https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/6d609326-fd89-4cde-a9a0-f4d856e74b06/attachments/8bf01701-741b-4228-9d20-20930b480a8c/CN-Implementation-NOFO-Content_FR-6900-N-34.pdf

 

U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), HIV Vaccine Research & Design Funding

This funding supports multi-component, multi-disciplinary projects that address scientific questions relevant to AIDS prophylactic vaccine discovery research. Extensive evaluation of vaccine concepts in non-human primate models may be included.

? Deadline: March 13, 2026

? Eligible Applicants: County governments, city or township governments, public and Indian housing authorities, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, special district governments, state governments, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c) (3) status, nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3) status, other Native American tribal organizations, other independent school districts, private institutions of higher education, public and state institutions of higher education

? Maximum Award: $2.5 million

? Email: grantsinfo@nih.gov

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/9e953145-2d4f-4d9e-a0dc-1d175f66e5c3

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/350461

♦ https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-24-037.html

 

 

Private Grants:

 

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research (GFMR), Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research

These fellowships encourage and further the careers of postdoctoral fellows who are conducting research in the basic biology of aging, as well as translating advances in basic research from the laboratory to the clinic. The award is intended to provide significant research and training support to permit these postdoctoral fellows to become established in the field of aging.

? Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline: January 27, 2026

? Eligibility Criteria:

♦ The applicant must be a postdoctoral fellow (MD and/or PhD degree or equivalent) by the deadline date of the LOI submission, January 27, 2026

♦ The proposed research must be conducted at a qualified not-for-profit setting in the United States

♦ Individuals who are employees in the NIH intramural program are not eligible

♦ Postdoctoral fellows in laboratories that receive support as part of the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research are not eligible to apply

♦ Applicants who have received more than five years of postdoctoral training at the time of the start of the award must provide a justification for the additional training period

♦ Former GFMR postdoctoral fellowship awardees are not eligible to apply, but may be eligible to apply for GFMR postdoctoral fellowship Continuation Awards

♦ Fellows may not hold any concurrent funding for the same research project

? Award Amounts: $80,000

? Number of Fellowships Awarded: Up to 12

? Email: info@afar.org

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://glennfoundation.org/awards-programs/glenn-afar-research-grant-program-for-postdoctoral-fellows/

♦ https://www.afar.org/grants/glenn-postdoc

 

Organization for Autism Research (OAR), Applied Research Grants

These grants will fund studies that expand the body of knowledge related to autism intervention and treatment; produce practical and clearly objective results; have the potential to positively affect public policy and provide outcomes that offer to enhance quality of life for people with autism and their families. While applicants are always free to submit on any relevant area of research or intervention, this year, OAR will prioritize funding for early career investigators and projects that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Generally, OAR places special emphasis on research addressing the following areas:

♦ belonging and interpersonal skills

♦ community-based assessment and intervention

♦ community-engaged research

♦ communication and language

♦ community living and supports

♦ gender, reproductive and sexual health

♦ improving access to and effectiveness of existing systems and services

♦ intersectionality, equity and diversity

♦ mid-life and older adults

♦ physical health and mental health

? Letter of Intent Deadline: March 16, 2026, 11:59 PM

? Eligibility: At least one member of the research team must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and maintain a faculty position or equivalent at a college, university, medical school or other research facility. International researchers are eligible to apply

? Award Amounts: $50,000

? Expected Number of Awards: Up to nine

? Contact: Vivian Muhumuza

? Email: research@researchautism.org

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://researchautism.org/researchers/applied-research/#1651162398258-61664c54-68da

♦ https://researchautism.smapply.org/prog/2026_applied_research_competition/

 

Milbank Foundation, Empowering People with Disabilities Funding

The foundation’s current priorities are:

♦ consumer-focused, community-based initiatives that empower people with disabilities and foster independence and self-sufficiency

♦ rehabilitation and re-integration of veterans, especially veterans with disabilities

♦ helping seniors to age in the place of their choice through non-institutional, community-based health and social services

♦ market-oriented, patient-centered health care reforms across the country

♦ programs that address mental health issues and aim to prevent substance abuse and suicide, especially among young people

? Deadline: Rolling

? Eligible Applicants must be located in the United States and tax-exempt under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code

? Award Amounts: Vary

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://milbankfoundation.net/grant-guidelines/

♦ https://milbankfoundation.net/application-procedures/

 

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), U.S. Military & First Responder Grants

Year-round grants for adaptive sports equipment, prosthetics, coaching and more are provided to U.S. military active-duty service members, veterans and first responders with permanent physical injuries. Grants support sports equipment, training and competition expenses, empowering athletes to pursue the activities that help them heal, grow and thrive.

? Deadline: Rolling

? Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be active duty, honorably discharged (including general under honorable) veterans or first responders (police, fire, paramedic)

♦ have a permanent physical injury or condition that is classifiable by the Paralympic Committee (e.g.,

amputation, paralysis, severe TBI affecting motor skills, legal blindness)

♦ have proof of honorable service

♦ have medical verification of disability

♦ provide one letter of recommendation (coach, teammate, friend or medical professional)

♦ provide two photos of the athlete, preferably playing their sport

? Award Amounts: Varies, up to $3,500

? Email: cafgrants@challengedathletes.org

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.challengedathletes.org/caf-athletes/

♦ https://www.challengedathletes.org/grants/us-military-and-first-responder-grants/

https://challengedathletesfoundation.my.site.com/Grants/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2FGrants%2Fs%2Fstart-here

 

Scholar Awards:

 

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding Hispanic and Latino students across the country. Scholarship recipients are selected for their academic achievements, community impact, personal statement and financial need.

? Deadline: February 17, 2026

? Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be a high school senior

♦ be a legal U.S. resident, U.S. citizen or DREAMER/DACA recipient

♦ be under 21

♦ have a minimum GPA of 2.8

♦ be eligible to attend a two- or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school with a full-time course of study

♦ disclose other scholarship programs that you have applied for

♦ enroll and attend an accredited institution in the academic year after your selection (verification needed, as scholarship funds are paid directly to the schools)

♦ have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage

? Scholarship Value: Up to $100,000

? Number of Awards: 30

? Email: RMHC@applyists.com

? Link to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer.html

♦ https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer/eligibility-and-requirements.html

 

Vegetarian Resource Group, College Scholarships

These scholarships are for graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted veganism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs.

? Deadline: February 20, 2026

? Eligible Applicants Must Submit:

♦ all relevant information (click on the links below for more details)

♦ an essay (click on the links below for more details)

♦ a copy of transcripts or report cards for the past two years. (An official copy is not necessary. Photocopies of report cards will suffice)

♦ any documentation related to your promotion of vegetarianism and veganism in high school and/or community, including photographs, newspaper stories, etc.

? Number of Awards: one - $10,000; five - $5,000

? Email: vrg@vrg.org

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar

♦ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholarship_form.pdf

 

DEWALT Two-Year College or Vocational-Technical School Scholarships

These scholarships support individuals attending a two-year college or vocational-technical school who are pursuing a trade degree/certificate in an industry aligned with the DEWALT-supported industries.

? Deadline: February 28, 2026

? Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be enrolled or accepted in a post-secondary school or training program and pursuing a high-demand skilled trade

♦ live in the U.S. or Canada

♦ pursue educational training related to one of the following industries:

♦ construction – carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, HVAC, pipefitting, welding

♦ industrial – maintenance & repair technicians, manufacturing, plant operations, fabrication, quality control, robotics & automation

♦ motor/power – diesel, automotive, small engine repair, power plant operations, generators & turbines

♦ mechanics – automotive service, heavy equipment operations, aviation (mechanics, avionics), fleet maintenance, hydraulic & pneumatic systems

♦ technology – applied electronics & controls, computer-aided design (CAD), drafting, electrical engineering, mechatronics

* Employees and/or spouses or dependents of employees of Stanley Black & Decker or DEWALT are not eligible to apply

? Award Amount: $5,000

? Number of Awards: 40

? Contact Link: https://www.skillpointefoundation.org/contact

? Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.dewalt.com/growthetrades

♦ https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/dewalt-trades-us

♦ https://www.skillpointefoundation.org/scholarship-list

 

Pro Action Wins Gold Status From Pathways To Excellence 

Pro Action is extremely proud to announce that we have achieved Gold status in the National Community Action Pathways to Excellence Program. As the first agency in New York State to attain this prestigious honor, we mark a historic milestone for both our organization and our state.

The Pathways to Excellence Program, developed by the National Community Action Partnership, is a nationally recognized initiative that promotes excellence among community action agencies across the United States. The program provides a rigorous framework for organizational assessment and improvement, based on the principles of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Agencies participating in Pathways to Excellence undergo a comprehensive evaluation of their leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement and analysis, workforce development, operations, and results.

The gold standard represents the program’s highest achievement, signifying an agency’s commitment to quality, innovation, and ongoing improvement in serving low-income communities. Earning this distinction shows Pro Action not only meets but exceeds benchmarks for excellence in service, governance, and operations.

“Achieving the Gold Standard in the Pathways to Excellence Program is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire Pro Action team. We are honored to set this benchmark for the New York State Community Action network and to be recognized nationally for our commitment to empowering communities and driving impactful change. This achievement reflects our unwavering focus on innovation, excellence, and results in all that we do for the families and individuals we serve.” — Laura Rossman, CEO, Pro Action.

Pro Action extends heartfelt gratitude to staff, volunteers, and partners. This achievement would not have been possible without their continued support and collaboration. The agency looks forward to furthering its mission, advancing opportunities, and championing excellence in community action for years to come.

For more information, visit the National Community Action Partnership website at Standards of Excellence | National CAP.

 

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