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<h2>What if volunteering could do more than meet a community need? What if people could leave with a skill they could use for the rest of their lives?</h2>That's the idea behind ServeWeave.ServeWeave is a hands-on learning and service model developed by TruBLEND Learning that brings together students, families, schools, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers to learn, serve, create, and lead.We believe our communities are strongest when people don't just receive help—they have the knowledge and skills to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors.<blockquote>“A comprehensive approach that addresses food safety, food defense, and food security considerations improves resilience and protects public health.” — U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS)</blockquote><h3>Learning a Skill Can Change Everything</h3>Food is something every family needs.But how many of us know what to do if we suddenly cannot get to a grocery store, food becomes hard to find, or our families need to stretch what we have for a longer period of time?ServeWeave introduces children, parents, and community members to practical food preservation skills that can help families become more prepared and resilient.Participants can learn through hands-on experiences such as:🫙 Preserving rice and beans 🥒 Pickling vegetables 🍓 Making and preserving jam 📦 Building emergency meal kits 🤝 Preparing food and care packages for others ✍🏽 Writing messages of encouragement and gratitude This isn't learning by watching someone else do it.&nbsp;Participants learn by doing.<figure id="figure-ve9jb2lrrmspou04i"><img id="ve9jb2lrrmspou04i" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/11UcICVtjHH6lLua8cmVXUvwa4oo57AuW3eawB4QPgAEUeXj9RBwRNWQPCNuT2fT.jpg" alt="social media strategy" title="social media strategy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/11UcICVtjHH6lLua8cmVXUvwa4oo57AuW3eawB4QPgAEUeXj9RBwRNWQPCNuT2fT.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;"></figure><h3>From Service to Skills</h3>ServeWeave was built around a simple belief:<ul><li>The best service experiences leave something behind.</li><li>They leave food on a shelf.</li><li>They leave a skill in someone's hands.</li><li>They leave confidence in a young person.</li><li>They leave a connection between neighbors.</li><li>And they leave a community better prepared than it was before.</li></ul>That's what makes ServeWeave different.A student might arrive thinking they're coming to volunteer for a few hours.They leave having learned how food can be preserved, how a team works together, how to lead others, and how their contribution can make a difference.<h3>A Place for Students to Lead</h3>ServeWeave creates meaningful opportunities for young people to move from volunteers to leaders.Students can help lead teams, welcome participants, support learning stations, assist with food preparation, help with packaging and distribution, document the experience, and encourage other volunteers.For students looking for service-learning opportunities, ServeWeave can also provide opportunities to connect service with leadership, workforce readiness, and community impact.And this is just the beginning.We envision multiple opportunities throughout the year where students can continue serving, learning, and leading.<blockquote>Schools are an ideal setting to teach and provide students with opportunities to improve their dietary and physical activity behaviors. — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</blockquote>And the CDC emphasizes that schools have direct contact with more than 95% of U.S. youth ages 5–17, making them an incredibly powerful place for learning and healthy behavior development.<h3>A Program for Schools and Communities</h3>ServeWeave isn't limited to a single event.&nbsp;USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture describes community nutrition as involving many different partners — including schools, community organizations, health organizations and local food systems — and says these partnerships help create and sustain local solutions.Local solutions are stronger when communities work together.We're developing opportunities to bring the model into:Schools Food preservation learning labs, student leadership, family workshops, food pantry/resilience spaces, and service-learning opportunities.Community-Based Organizations Hands-on learning experiences that bring youth, parents, and community members together around a shared purpose.Families Practical skills that can help families become more prepared and confident.Businesses and Sponsors Opportunities to support community learning through funding, supplies, volunteers, equipment, and in-kind contributions.Community Leaders Opportunities to bring people together around something practical, positive, and useful.<figure id="figure-dpeuz0uhamspou1vo"><img id="dpeuz0uhamspou1vo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1dMJRYAXum8DtcYK54FRTCgBhpuKHGUVyRqvF99PWeC91ThORUszItXAZC9UiT3W.jpg" alt="short form video" title="short form video" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 95%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="95%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1dMJRYAXum8DtcYK54FRTCgBhpuKHGUVyRqvF99PWeC91ThORUszItXAZC9UiT3W.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 95%;"></figure><h3>Building Community Resilience</h3>We live in a time when being prepared matters.Weather emergencies. Power outages. Disruptions in food supply. Economic challenges. Unexpected events.We don't know what tomorrow will bring.But we can make sure more people know what to do when something unexpected happens.That's why food preservation is more than a cooking activity.It's a life skill.And when that skill is taught through service, it becomes something even more powerful: a way for people to take care of themselves and each other.<figure id="figure-ma6nobwkcmspou45r"><img id="ma6nobwkcmspou45r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13tvtAAn1VRxLeRgrvMdAt821WMCBLtrc5tBRNRoiUHh3Y0epHcKzwoS9uVgcGtj.jpg" alt="influencer marketing" title="influencer marketing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13tvtAAn1VRxLeRgrvMdAt821WMCBLtrc5tBRNRoiUHh3Y0epHcKzwoS9uVgcGtj.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 55%;"></figure><h3>We Want to Build This With You</h3>ServeWeave is growing.We're looking for schools, CBOs, businesses, sponsors, community organizations, educators, parents, students, volunteers, and community leaders who want to be part of the work.You might have:<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>A school or community space we can use </li><li>Students who want to serve </li><li>A team of volunteers </li><li>Supplies or equipment to contribute </li><li>A business interested in sponsorship </li><li>A community that would benefit from the program </li><li>Expertise you'd like to share </li><li>Or simply a desire to help</li></ul></li></ul>There is a place for you in ServeWeave.<h3>Let's turn service into skills.</h3>Let's teach our young people how to lead.Let's help families become more prepared.Let's build stronger connections between schools and communities.And let's create experiences where people don't just ask, "How can I help?"They learn:"What can I do?""What can I teach?""What can I make?""Who can I help?"And ultimately:"What can we build together?"USDA recognizes that strong community nutrition systems bring together schools, community organizations, health partners, local food systems and others to create and sustain local solutions. ServeWeave brings those pieces together.<h3>Interested in bringing ServeWeave to your school or community?</h3>Join us. Sponsor us. Volunteer. Host a learning experience. Bring your students.Send us a note at Info@TruBlendLearning.com to learn more and register your interest.ServeWeave is a TruBLEND Learning initiative.&nbsp;Turning service into skills that strengthen our communities.

ServeWeave: Turning Service Into Skills That Strengthen Our Communities

<h3>Transforming Remembrance into Action Through Food Preservation, Community Service, and Workforce Learning </h3>We are excited to announce that TruBLEND Learning, in partnership with ServeNYS, has been awarded a Youth Engagement Grant from 9/11 Day to create and deliver ServeWeave for 9/11 Day, an innovative community-wide Day of Service commemorating the 25th Anniversary of September 11.This isn't just another volunteer event.ServeWeave is designed to help people learn practical skills while making a real difference in their communities. Participants won't simply pack food — they will learn how to preserve it, understand why food resilience matters, and leave knowing they helped feed families, honor veterans and first responders, and strengthen their community."About 1 in 9 working-age Veterans experience food insecurity." — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs / USDAVeterans are 7.4% more likely to experience food insecurity than demographically similar non-Veterans.&nbsp;&nbsp;— Ensuring Food Security in Veterans - Office of Health EquityServeWeave for 9/11 Day adds another layer of community support to mental-health services, housing services, employment services, and veteran case management: practical food security, preparedness, service, connection and education.<h3>A Different Kind of Day of Service</h3>On September 11, students, families, educators, veterans, first responders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and volunteers will come together for a unique hands-on experience that combines learning with service.Our guests will:<ol><li>Learn the basics of dry food preservation using rice and beans </li><li>Assemble shelf-stable meal kits for local food pantries </li><li>Prepare appreciation care packages for veterans and first responders </li><li>Write handwritten messages of gratitude and encouragement </li><li>Learn about food insecurity, civic responsibility, and the legacy of 9/11 </li><li>Discover how simple skills can strengthen community resilience </li><li>Every participant will contribute something meaningful that will directly benefit someone else.</li></ol><h3>Why Food Preservation?</h3>Food preservation is one of humanity's oldest survival skills, yet many people have never learned how to safely store food for emergencies or reduce waste at home.ServeWeave introduces food preservation in an engaging, hands-on way that teaches participants:<ul><li style="">Food security </li><li style="">Sustainability </li><li style="">Emergency preparedness </li><li style="">Nutrition </li><li style="">Teamwork </li><li style="">Logistics </li><li style="">Community responsibility</li></ul>It is workforce learning disguised as community service.<h3>We Need the Community's Help</h3>Building an event for more than 1,500 participants takes an entire community.&nbsp;We are currently looking for partners who want to help make this vision a reality. We're Looking For:A Host Venue<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li style="">University campus </li><li style="">School </li><li style="">Community college </li><li style="">Convention or civic center </li><li style="">Large indoor facility with classrooms and gathering space</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>SponsorsFinancial sponsors can help provide food supplies, packaging materials, volunteer support, transportation, equipment, and educational resources.Food Industry PartnersWe're seeking chefs, food preservation specialists, food safety professionals, farmers, wholesalers, distributors, and organizations passionate about strengthening local food systems.Community OrganizationsYouth organizations, schools, colleges, civic groups, veterans organizations, first responder agencies, faith communities, and nonprofits are invited to participate as volunteer teams or collaborative partners.VolunteersWhether you can give two hours or the entire day, there is a place for you.<h3>Calling All National Honor Society Students!</h3>Start your service hours with purpose. Students who volunteer at ServeWeave for 9/11 Day will have the opportunity to earn up to four (4) verified community service hours that may be applied toward National Honor Society (NHS) and other school community service requirements (subject to each school's approval).Many NHS chapters expect members to complete community service each year, and this event is a meaningful way to begin fulfilling that commitment while learning practical food preservation skills, supporting local food pantries, and honoring the legacy of September 11 through service.This is just the beginning. ServeWeave will offer additional service-learning opportunities throughout the year, giving students multiple ways to continue serving their communities, developing leadership skills, and building a strong record of civic engagement.If you're a student, parent, teacher, or NHS advisor interested in participating, we'd love to hear from you!<h3>More Than One Day</h3>Although ServeWeave begins with a 9/11 Day of Service, our vision extends far beyond September 11.The educational framework being developed through this initiative will become a reusable workforce and community learning model that can be adapted for schools, community organizations, emergency preparedness programs, food security initiatives, family engagement events, and workforce development programs across New York and beyond.We believe the strongest communities are built when people learn together, serve together, and grow together.<h3>Join Us</h3>Whether you can provide a location, sponsor a service station, volunteer your expertise, donate supplies, or simply spend a few hours serving alongside your neighbors, we invite you to become part of ServeWeave for 9/11 Day.Together, we can honor the past by preparing communities for the future.&nbsp;Interested in partnering, sponsoring, volunteering, or hosting the event?We would love to hear from you. Reach us at <a href="mailto:Info@TruBlendLearning.com" data-mce-href="mailto:Info@TruBlendLearning.com">Info@TruBlendLearning.com</a>&nbsp;Learn more about <a data-mce-href="https://trublendlearning.com/blog/serveweave--turning-service-into-skills-that-strengthen-our-communities" href="https://trublendlearning.com/blog/serveweave--turning-service-into-skills-that-strengthen-our-communities">ServeWeave in our communities</a>.Let's weave service into the fabric of our communities — one act of kindness, one preserved meal, and one volunteer at a time.Strong communities are built when people have the skills, knowledge, and relationships to care for themselves and one another.<figure id="figure-u9iww6yicmsjnnut7"><img id="u9iww6yicmsjnnut7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/119ClOpEAceEa7tXubEHPdR0rKElS3WwEzqlelox569ZZEtm4OZfIU2fDPIyhNJi.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/119ClOpEAceEa7tXubEHPdR0rKElS3WwEzqlelox569ZZEtm4OZfIU2fDPIyhNJi.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

TruBLEND Learning and ServeNYS Awarded a Grant to Launch ServeWeave for 9/11 Day

TruBLEND Learning is always asking ourselves one question: "How can we create learning experiences that make a real difference?"That question, research, and the impact technology is having, inspired several new courses under our RISE-NY Workforce Enrichment Program.We're excited to introduce:<ol><li>Global Sports &amp; Leadership Pathways</li><li>GRIND (Get Real! Invest in New Directions)</li><li>Money in Action: The Opportunity Lab</li><li>School Year Startup</li><li>Parent with Purpose</li><li>Lead with Purpose</li><li>Building Strong School-Family Partnerships with Multilingual Families</li></ol>Some programs help students discover new possibilities. Some help parents feel more confident and connected to their child's education. Others give educators practical tools to strengthen relationships and engagement.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><figure id="figure-4nsd7lowmvimqmqusm0"><img id="4nsd7lowmvimqmqusm0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26PkoxBJeKPX90p2xCuGIkwNnreH4r6nfE7ooyOc3gc0h3Dso4AlLWlAgRDRu8mi.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/26PkoxBJeKPX90p2xCuGIkwNnreH4r6nfE7ooyOc3gc0h3Dso4AlLWlAgRDRu8mi.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 40%;"></figure></td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><figure id="figure-xqif2942ojmqmqy7w3" class=""><img id="xqif2942ojmqmqy7w3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9dcKJNdo7cqEyoNSF6ko6s8zG6A4lGTVbCsZqD3Bg49zBJ5tuwo851qeuD9vMuxr.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9dcKJNdo7cqEyoNSF6ko6s8zG6A4lGTVbCsZqD3Bg49zBJ5tuwo851qeuD9vMuxr.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><figure id="figure-4az3xi83e8mqmqxurt" class=""><img id="4az3xi83e8mqmqxurt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/139cbVrtKsygo0MvHFyMaIHUrnYOVAeZjk0cyWB1FZOU34eNXBynAdakRvuGak76.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/139cbVrtKsygo0MvHFyMaIHUrnYOVAeZjk0cyWB1FZOU34eNXBynAdakRvuGak76.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure></td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><figure id="figure-xhf8rr5btfmqmqykq2" class=""><img id="xhf8rr5btfmqmqykq2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14oB7Cf9SVgq2wrEvkCOCgMMCYddrLbWENqAyoOtI2w8ZkqMXXqvK2SRDKrOOQQD.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14oB7Cf9SVgq2wrEvkCOCgMMCYddrLbWENqAyoOtI2w8ZkqMXXqvK2SRDKrOOQQD.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 30%;"></figure></td></tr></tbody></table>Together, these programs are about one thing: creating more opportunities for people to learn, grow, and succeed.We invite you to <a title="Download the Course Descriptions" href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ihccptb3pql58ayyol3qn/RISE-NY-WE-How-it-was-built_20260619.pdf?rlkey=yzkr6ubf6rfhpmi6u26ub1as9&amp;st=3ki5880p&amp;dl=0" data-mce-href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ihccptb3pql58ayyol3qn/RISE-NY-WE-How-it-was-built_20260619.pdf?rlkey=yzkr6ubf6rfhpmi6u26ub1as9&amp;st=3ki5880p&amp;dl=0">download</a> our Executive Summary to learn more about our projects. We'd love to look for ways we can partner together.<a data-mce-href="https://fcollazo.youcanbook.me" href="https://fcollazo.youcanbook.me" title="Calendar ">Schedule time to talk</a> with us about your training needs and/or interest in sponsoring our community initiatives, or email us at <a href="mailto:Info@TruBlendLearning.com">Info@TruBlendLearning.com</a>.&nbsp;

New Courses. New Ideas. More Opportunities.

Hope everyone is staying cool and hydrated in this summer heat!What an incredible few weeks we've had. The energy, participation, and community spirit surrounding our Puerto Rican Cultural &amp; Traditional Float Initiative have been inspiring.First, a huge congratulations to our VIP ticket winners: <table border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 40%;" data-mce-style="width: 40%;">Donald Carrow and Principal Parrino from Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School</td><td style="width: 80%;" data-mce-style="width: 80%;">Nereida Feliciano and Principal Ledda from The Max School – P.S. 70</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><figure id="figure-r5piakwvylmqk4bai1" class=""><img id="r5piakwvylmqk4bai1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8E0OB0iGJfxbYeZEEA2lGCgu7x13GvhqkdAAHjMBXyfeQCWDO7H5aiH2icadxbWZ.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8E0OB0iGJfxbYeZEEA2lGCgu7x13GvhqkdAAHjMBXyfeQCWDO7H5aiH2icadxbWZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure></td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><figure id="figure-ixbwpfp85imqkuxq9m" class=""><img id="ixbwpfp85imqkuxq9m" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31Nt7SiP6JsKa0d8GpBrh33MOgfvPPQlljE8fNBJa79sdJI28Jjk8pEgJORZeDOT.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31Nt7SiP6JsKa0d8GpBrh33MOgfvPPQlljE8fNBJa79sdJI28Jjk8pEgJORZeDOT.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure></td></tr></tbody></table>Thank you for your enthusiasm and support. You helped make this initiative special from the very beginning.One of the highlights of this year's project was our first-ever PR Cultural &amp; Traditional Float Initiative Drawing. Fourteen schools that expressed interest in participating in the initiative entered for a chance to win two VIP tickets to the red carpet viewing section of the 2026 National Puerto Rican Day Parade.On Monday, June 8, 2026, we delivered the VIP tickets — along with some Dunkin' munchkins — to our winners at Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School and The Max School – P.S. 70.<figure id="figure-jpf75x26dmqkv0739" class=""><iframe id="jpf75x26dmqkv0739" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XSGnFuhvN8M" class="w-full bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/XSGnFuhvN8M?si=n1D1z_uxgDsWHpQ_" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XSGnFuhvN8M" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Then came parade day! The air was electric. Fifth Avenue was filled with music, culture, pride, families, and organizations committed to uplifting our communities. It was exciting to walk alongside groups such as Staten Island Boricuas on the Set, PRIDA, and Comité Noviembre, and to see firsthand the passion people have for preserving culture and creating opportunities for future generations.<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;"><figure id="figure-8tszuvy2mmqkv3621"><img id="8tszuvy2mmqkv3621" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22qxZ2h0rekIymTLdGODFj7aHSMZA9zZ8TKb16aB2vIADB0N3dcwFRzeYL3yezog.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 65%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="65%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22qxZ2h0rekIymTLdGODFj7aHSMZA9zZ8TKb16aB2vIADB0N3dcwFRzeYL3yezog.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 65%;"></figure></td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;"><figure id="figure-v4i1n1r2lumqkva03t"><img id="v4i1n1r2lumqkva03t" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24k0xecBcAbihDhFkCdULaXzo7xheQct2aKDzB2QSar7xVbzTfFemU43vOwgs1NV.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24k0xecBcAbihDhFkCdULaXzo7xheQct2aKDzB2QSar7xVbzTfFemU43vOwgs1NV.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;"></figure></td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;"><figure id="figure-ygtszk2yqamqkvb5bu"><img id="ygtszk2yqamqkvb5bu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1zFUbbL5zbJr1sH3aAYx5gCCVNzO1V0lxFtN6CJTmvLUhGDUAN5RTMtJxIHboeId.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 15%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="15%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1zFUbbL5zbJr1sH3aAYx5gCCVNzO1V0lxFtN6CJTmvLUhGDUAN5RTMtJxIHboeId.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 15%;"></figure></td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;"><figure id="figure-jymecymaamqkvc7hn"><img id="jymecymaamqkvc7hn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/204cgSQM65dUpZUfwTVz5HhCCD3EA8uVd6qNAyMwtlFgKBLaxfNgpC4Iodc3S0hv.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 65%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="65%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/204cgSQM65dUpZUfwTVz5HhCCD3EA8uVd6qNAyMwtlFgKBLaxfNgpC4Iodc3S0hv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 65%;"></figure></td><td style="width: 20%;" data-mce-style="width: 20%;"><figure id="figure-ykpdlafvn2mqkvds17"><img id="ykpdlafvn2mqkvds17" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fmxpGMNg0d1rGozJzko1s3HK8cgFP0UqgDJ8XOIZPMnEBtnTmPRCTMtj0VREDHPz.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fmxpGMNg0d1rGozJzko1s3HK8cgFP0UqgDJ8XOIZPMnEBtnTmPRCTMtj0VREDHPz.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure></td></tr></tbody></table>While we weren't able to launch the student float this year, the response from schools has been incredible. The conversations, partnerships, and interest we've received have already laid the foundation for something much bigger in 2027.This work is just getting started.Thank you to every school, educator, parent, community partner, and supporter who joined us on this journey. We look forward to creating more opportunities for students and families to learn, connect, celebrate, and lead. We're excited about what's ahead and can't wait to build something great together.<table border="1" style="width: 100%;" data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;"><figure id="figure-bo99uelbqbmqkvh452" class=""><img id="bo99uelbqbmqkvh452" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2crmQJ5I1JPIUEtRXnerkKhde5r9s0JzCOjXqdE8e744SQQqI9OpFTVjguXIm9YT.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% undefined%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="undefined%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2crmQJ5I1JPIUEtRXnerkKhde5r9s0JzCOjXqdE8e744SQQqI9OpFTVjguXIm9YT.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% undefined%;"></figure></td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;"><figure id="figure-yi42lke7ehmqkwgnww"><img id="yi42lke7ehmqkwgnww" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dXOeJqoTA9iypBjxksCAnQvd91INPhi3jcpPAAdPH5je3HoEpozUso5yBtA7KPO.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; 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object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure></td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;"><figure id="figure-sxumj0bnpmqkvqg7q" class=""><img id="sxumj0bnpmqkvqg7q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aVB499pGeOaMghOLK2TDLawGj8KSQteq6BHfB3cptJwpv41sYBzSfeExCMTXYx7.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aVB499pGeOaMghOLK2TDLawGj8KSQteq6BHfB3cptJwpv41sYBzSfeExCMTXYx7.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure></td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;"><figure id="figure-juun06660rmqkvrx74" class=""><img id="juun06660rmqkvrx74" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/108y3aRfolFsP2CXhXO1qsKLVx9d4nH3dgQ7c7dNLHeYHnlQx5BRHbftgqjekRtM.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; 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The Energy Was Electric: Celebrating the National Puerto Rican Day Parade

<h2>Using VR, AR, and Virtual Spaces to Engage, Train, and Connect</h2><h3>WHAT IS IMMERSIVE LEARNING?</h3>Immersive learning allows participants to step into experiences—not just read or watch them. Using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and virtual environments, learners explore, interact, and reflect in ways that increase retention and engagement.<h3>HOW SCHOOLS &amp; COMMUNITIES USE IT</h3>Virtual Learning &amp; Conference Spaces <ol><li>Staff training and professional development </li><li>Parent orientation and engagement </li><li>Community convenings and events</li></ol>Participants move through:<ol><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ol><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ol><li>Welcome &amp; launch spaces</li><li>Private meeting rooms</li><li>Expo &amp; collaboration areas</li><li>Auditoriums for presentations </li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences <ol><li>Place-based learning (e.g., environmental education) </li><li>Interactive storytelling </li><li>Community and cultural exploration </li></ol>Example: AR learning experiences developed with Scenic Hudson for Poet's Walk Park in the Hudson Valley, NY.<h3 style="">WHY IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY WORKS </h3><ul><li>Increases engagement and focus </li><li>Supports different learning styles </li><li>Allows safe exploration of complex topics</li><li>Creates shared experiences across locations</li></ul><h3>WHERE IT FITS IN EDUCATION</h3><ul><li>K–12 Schools</li><li>Parent &amp; Family Engagement </li><li>Workforce &amp; Career Readiness </li><li>Community Schools &amp; CBOs </li><li>Professional Learning</li></ul><h3>THE TruBLEND LEARNING DIFFERENCE </h3><ul><li>Custom-built (not off-the-shelf) </li><li>Aligned to real-world school environments </li><li>Designed for accessibility and ease of use </li><li>Supported by facilitation, not left on its own &nbsp;<h2>GET STARTED.</h2></li></ul>

IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR EDUCATION -- LEARNING THAT MEETS PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE

Female Teacher with Group of Girls in Atelier

TruBLEND Learning's instructional designs are more than courses or workshops — they are bridges. Every program we create is shaped by the voices of families, schools, and communities working toward the same goal: helping each other grow.Through our Growing Together, a course in the Family Engagement &amp; Leadership learning path of RISE-NY Workforce Enrichment, we’ve seen what happens when parents feel heard, when schools open their doors with honesty, and when everyone commits to doing better — not just for their kids, but for themselves.This work isn’t about waiting for change to arrive. It’s about creating it. We can’t sit and wait for resources to find us, or keep blaming the past for what we don’t have today. Change begins when we take accountability — when we decide to act, to learn, and to lift others as we build ourselves.Our approach blends practical skill-building, cultural awareness, and personal growth. The result? Families that communicate better. Schools that understand their communities. Communities that stand taller together.TruBLEND Learning is proud to design training that helps people see possibility and be confident — in themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods. Because when we rise together, everyone wins.

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