Pace University students and faculty interested in protecting the planet from climate disasters are being asked to make climate change innovation a priority. To help make that dream a reality, Speedemissions, in partnership with The Front Yard at Pace University, has established the Project Planet U.S.A initiative.

Through the Project Planet U.S.A initiative, environmental entrepreneurs with potential tech solutions geared toward addressing climate change may share their concepts, innovative ideas, or solutions for a chance to win a cash grant in the amount of $6,000 and in-kind professional services consisting of mentoring, public relations, and network connections.

Those looking to apply are required to attend at least 1 of 3 workshops. The first workshop was held on October 1. Interested students and faculty members can register for an upcoming workshop today:

• Workshop Two, November 4, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Workshop Three, December 3, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

Applications are due by January 31, 2025. Up to two winners—individuals or groups—will be selected. Winning entries will retain all product, concept, or idea rights.

About The Front Yard at Pace University: The Front Yard, a cutting-edge educational platform, seeks to develop an advanced "Tool Box" for Pace University's students, alumni, and faculty to support entrepreneurial and innovative ideas by establishing connections with companies and organizations to foster term long-term relationships, joint ventures, partnerships, and sponsorships.

About Speedemissions: Founded in January 2001, SpeedEmissions has conducted over 2.5 million vehicle emission inspections and 1.25 million vehicle safety inspections, pioneering the "Vehicle Test, Only" store model to prioritize customer service and inspection accuracy. This test-only model means that the company’s emission testing stores do not repair cars that fail emission and safety inspections. Speedemissions has been working to protect the environment from toxic automotive pollutants for decades.

Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems professor Joe Acampora recently participated in U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Lower Hudson Valley Region Service Academy Night. The cybersecurity event was hosted at Westchester Community College with the aim of promoting educational and career opportunities connected to the federal service academies and cybersecurity programs.

The event featured representatives from the five U.S. service academies, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs, and regional universities, including institutions like Pace University which are recognized as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). Seidenberg representatives highlighted Pace’s cybersecurity program, which is a leader in the Hudson Valley region, and discussed how Seidenberg’s programs align with the U.S. Department of Defense's Cyber Service Academy initiative.

During the event, Professor Acampora and Seidenberg representatives engaged with prospective students, families, and fellow educators, sharing insights into the cybersecurity field and the hands-on opportunities available at Pace, such as our state-of-the-art cyber range and new BS in Cybersecurity degree. They also participated in a panel discussion at the Gateway Davis Auditorium and hosted a tabling session in which they offered personalized advice to students interested in cybersecurity careers.

As a whole, the event emphasized experiential learning and public service, underscoring Pace University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and partnerships that empower the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.