USFCR Blog

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”

— Barack Obama

Memories of September 11^th have been “firmly embedded in the minds of most Americans old enough to recall the attacks.”¹ Though marked by a tragic event in modern American history, this day revealed the resilience of American citizens and their willingness to risk their own lives to help others.

In the aftermath of September 11^th, notable agencies began surveying the physical and mental health effects of this event on the American people, especially first responders and survivors who managed to escape the World Trade Center. For example, the World Trade Center Registry enrolled over 71,000 individuals to study the physical and mental health effects of September 11^th. Most notably registered were first responders, passersby, residents of the surrounding building, evacuated workers in the World Trade Center, and volunteers who spent time at Ground Zero weeks afterward.² Furthermore, USA Today stated that the rate of various cancers among first responders was over 30% higher than the general population, with the average September 11^th first responder living until around age 55.

Cyberattacks are a constant threat in today's world, from stealing personal information to breaching large information systems. In response, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has created the Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) program, which aims to advance cybersecurity and privacy through research and education.

As we observe National Suicide Prevention Month this September, we remember the lives lost to suicide and acknowledge the millions affected by suicidal thoughts. This month serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against suicide and the importance of mental health awareness.

“The first wealth is health.” 

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet helps prevent many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.¹ Ensuring our communities are educated on the importance of incorporating healthy food into their diet is essential.

USFCR presents the following opportunities that highlight the significance of healthy foods and nutrition education:

The United States’ tradition of higher education is rooted in the earliest days of North American settlement. Harvard College, founded in 1636 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, was followed by numerous state and private colleges that comprised the educational system of colonial America. These institutions were funded through various sources, including state taxes and donations, and primarily trained ministers through religious instruction. Over the 18th and 19th centuries, and as the United States began to take shape as a nation, the landscape of higher education evolved to meet the growing demands of professional training. During this period, the states and the federal government began taking a more defined role in the management and development of higher education.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is offering an exciting opportunity for organizations involved in supporting disadvantaged youth. With approximately $99 million available, DOL expects to fund 75 projects nationwide to help young people gain the skills, education, and support they need to thrive and contribute to their communities.

Colin Powell, the first African American appointed as the U.S. Secretary of State, put it best when he said, "Have a vision. Be demanding.

August 1st marks the beginning of National Black Business Month, marking the importance of continuous support of Black-owned businesses. There are an estimated 161,031 Black or African-American-owned businesses with $183.3 billion in annual receipts, 1.4 million employees, and about $53.6 billion in annual payroll. About 45,015 (28%) of these businesses were in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.

“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.”

—Mary Anne Radmacher

National Nonprofit Day celebrates the hard work that nonprofit organizations undertake to lift the hardships of their communities, whether locally or across the globe. Founded by Sherita J. Herring, a respected author and speaker, it also acknowledges the signing of the Tariff Act on August 17, 1894. The Act provides exclusions from the federal income tax levied on corporations for charitable organizations and charities.¹ Since then, National Nonprofit Day is commemorated every August 17th. 

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is offering up to $68,000,000 in funding that supports the recruitment, preparation, and retention of highly effective K-12 STEM teachers and teacher leaders in high-need school districts. This program offers four distinct avenues that applicants can choose from: