April 27, 2020
To help you navigate these uncertain times, we’ve compiled timely news and resources related to small business, education and connectivity. We hope this provides both information and comfort as we continue to weather these challenges.
T.D. Jakes Foundation in action
Jana Landon never considered a career in computer science because she didn’t have much exposure growing up. Now she’s helping others who have been traditionally underrepresented in STEAM fields, as an HBCU outreach specialist for Google. Read our feature on Jana on our blog.
The T.D. Jakes Foundation’s Chairman Jakes and President and CEO Hattie Hill join Dallas Citizens Council Chairman Fred Perpall to discuss immediate job opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and how workers can set themselves up for future success. Click here to watch the discussion.
Are you a displaced worker looking for job opportunities? We’ve compiled job opportunities in essential sectors such as grocery and drug stores and restaurants, along with remote opportunities in technology. Find them here.
Owning a business is never easy, but it’s even more challenging now, with so many owners unable to meet overhead or pay salaries. Click here to learn more about the resources available to small-business owners.
CARES Act
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a second stimulus bill to aid small businesses. The $484 billion bill replenishes funding for two programs, providing an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program and includes aid for hospitals and testing.
Help for small businesses
Axios hosted a live virtual event on the Small Business Path to Recovery. Guests included Sofia Dickens, founder of EQtainment; Alex Chriss, general manager of Intuit Quickbooks; Suzanne Clark, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). During the 45-minute discussion, guests shared their advice for surviving ongoing economic challenges and how to navigate uncertainties around the funding of the Paycheck Protection Program.
Looking for a job?
Sending out resumes isn’t the only thing you should be doing if you’re looking for work. A veteran recruiter explains why job seekers should devote time every day to networking, which is always important but especially during turbulent job markets. Read more at CNBC.com.
With 26 million unemployed Americans, it’s a tough time for all job seekers, but especially for new college graduates. On NPR’s All Things Considered, career counselors offer advice like lean on your school’s support system, acquire new skills and give yourself time to adjust.
Education assistance
While Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year, Dallas schools continue to educate students through at-home learning. The Dallas Independent School District now offers lessons in seven languages. Click here to learn more.
For its virtual event on education and closing the homework gap, Axios spoke with Governor Laura Kelly (D-KS); Sal Khan, CEO of Khan Academy; and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on steps public and private entities are taking to expand broadband usage, provide digital devices to students in underserved communities and ensure that no student falls behind.
Good news
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra may be taking a break from performing for a while, but its members are hard at work delivering groceries to families affiliated with DSO’s Young Strings and Young Musicians programs. So far, the effort has provided about $6,000 in groceries to 34 families.
NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith has joined with our partners at the Dallas Regional Chamber to narrate public service announcements highlighting the Chamber’s job portal to help connect displaced workers with local jobs. Click here to visit the searchable database to find companies that are hiring locally.
Together, we can and will get through this.
Hattie Hill
President & CEO
T.D. Jakes Foundation
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