July 20, 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
STEAM Academy 2020 just wrapped up its groundbreaking five-week program, introducing thousands of children, age 5 to 16, from around the world to fun and engaging lessons around science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. The Dallas Morning News highlighted how the T.D. Jakes Foundation, supported by its partners and sponsors such as the Dallas Mavericks and AT&T, pulled off this Herculean feat in a matter of weeks.
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.
Help for Job Seekers
On July 22, Traci Schwomeyer, a North Texas photographer, is joining more than 200 photographers from across the country for “Headshot Initiative Day,” in hopes of taking 10,000 free headshots for people looking for work. Watch the NBCDFW segment and then sign up on the website.
Small Business Assistance
The U.S. Congress reconvenes this week to open debate on a new stimulus bill. With many states rolling back their reopening plans following a spike in COVID-19 cases, Forbes outlines the top three areas that are likely to change in the new stimulus, including lower federal unemployment benefits, smaller and more targeted stimulus checks and a payroll tax cut. 
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it had provided nearly 6 million businesses that employ 30.5 million people with a total of $20 billion in funding from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, which assisted small businesses while they awaited loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. Read more.
Education Update
When Dallas ISD students begin school next month, they’ll start the semester with at-home instruction, giving the district time to outfit schools with increased safety measures that include plexiglass partitions in classrooms and lunchrooms, masks and shields. Students will be learning at home until Labor Day and have the same teacher, whether learning online or in-class. Find out more
The Northwest Evaluation Association, a nonprofit assessment provider, released state and federal policy recommendations that encourage lawmakers and educators to rethink how they grade and assess students to reduce inequities. Read more.
Together, we can and will get through this.
Hattie Hill
President & CEO
T.D. Jakes Foundation
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