The Fedcap Group

10/15/2026

: Apex Technical School’s Culinary Arts program has been named the #1 culinary arts school in New York by Learn.org, ranking first among 10 schools statewide on its 2027 list.

Launched less than a year ago, the program has already earned statewide recognition for its commitment to affordable, career-focused education. As New York State’s lowest-cost licensed culinary arts program, with NYSED licensure and ACCSC accreditation, Apex is expanding access to high-quality training and pathways to meaningful careers.

An extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the impact of accessible, skills-based education.

Explore the program: apextech.edu/culinary
Read more: https://fedcapgroup.org/news/apex-technical-schools-culinary-arts-program-named-1-culinary-school-in-new-york-by-learn-org

10/14/2026

Fedcap’s services are delivered by frontline teams who show up every day and do the work.

At the 2026 Artie Lee Hinds Award Dinner, hosted by WorkQuest, our Texas State Use Program partner, we celebrated the people helping expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities across Texas.

Among those recognized was Johnny Todd, a member of Fedcap’s Paid Job Training lawn care crew, whom our team nominated for his outstanding work and continued dedication.

Crews like Johnny’s bring Fedcap’s mission to life on the ground, one job at a time.

10/13/2026

: Governor Janet T. Mills has officially proclaimed October 15, 2026, Veterans Forward Day in Maine, recognizing the essential services provided to veterans, service members, and military families through Veterans Forward, a program of Easterseals Maine - Veterans Forward

The proclamation acknowledges Veterans Forward's role in addressing critical needs when other resources may not be available, including housing, substance use treatment, home heating assistance, food, clothing, and job training.

The recognition comes ahead of WGAN's Make 12 Hours Count Radiothon on Thursday, October 15, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., which will raise awareness and funds to support veterans and military families across Maine.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3VyCrUC
Tune in: https://bit.ly/47PB9XX

10/07/2026

Why do we do this work?

Mark Fierro, Director of Employment at TACT, shares what drives him to keep showing up every day.

TACT empowers individuals on the autism spectrum through skilled trades training. Nationally, the employment rate for people with autism hovers around 10%. At TACT, it’s 83%.

That difference shows what’s possible when people have access to the right tools, training, and support -- and people like Mark who are committed to opening doors to meaningful careers and economic mobility.

Support TACT’s work by joining us at or sponsoring the upcoming benefit gala: https://www.buildwithtact.org/2026-gala

10/06/2026

: New research from the Community Impact Policy Institute’s Victoria Aarons and Ania Mendrek examines Britain’s skills gap.

With 981K young people NEET, 2.8M people out of work due to long-term sickness, and employer training investment down 31% since 2011, the paper argues for a more agile skills system built around employer demand.

The Verdancy Group and Apex Training show what that can look like in practice, connecting people to skilled jobs while delivering an estimated £8,600 annual return to the public purse for each job entry.

The report sets out six recommendations for reform.


Read the paper: https://cipi.fedcapgroup.org/research/tools-for-the-job-closing-britains-skills-divide
Learn more: https://fedcapgroup.org/news/new-research-finds-britains-skills-system-is-moving-too-slowly-to-connect-people-out-of-work-with-the-jobs-going-unfilled

10/05/2026

: Today, the New York City Council are convening to examine the risks of rapidly advancing AI, with major AI companies testifying as the Council considers new legislation to safeguard New Yorkers.

Fedcap's Community Impact Policy Institute is contributing to that conversation with a new policy brief from Jay K. Varma, Senior Health Fellow at CIPI and Fedcap's Chief Medical Officer: "Reducing AI-Enabled Biological Risk in New York City: How To Do It Without Regulating AI."

The brief outlines six recommendations the City can act on now to identify and manage AI-associated biological risks before an incident occurs, using public health authority it already has rather than waiting for the AI regulation debate to be resolved.

Read the report: https://cipi.fedcapgroup.org/research/reducing-ai-enabled-biological-risk-in-new-york-city

09/29/2026

Fedcap's Power of Possible Gala returns November 30 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Every year, the room fills with the people behind the mission: participants who moved from barrier to opportunity, the practitioners who walked alongside them, and the partners who made that work possible. The gala is where that work is recognized — work that, this year, reached more people than ever.

To attend or support the mission, visit:

The Fedcap Group celebrates the Power of Possible Gala. If you are unable to attend the event, we invite you to support our mission by making a donation.

09/25/2026

Fedcap’s Apex Technical School is bringing Michelin-starred culinary expertise into the classroom.

Apex’s newest Chef Instructor, Youngsun Lee, recently sat down with Fred Klashman and Larry Sashin of Total Food Service to discuss his decision to join Apex, what sets its Culinary Arts program apart, and how the program prepares students for careers in the culinary industry.

Hear more about Chef Lee’s vision for the next generation of culinary talent.

Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tRX6nYbJvs

09/24/2026

: What if school was built around how each student learns?

Victoria Aarons sits down with Scott Boldt of Big Picture Learning Doncaster to unpack its “one student at a time” approach, and how personalized education can help prevent disengagement before it starts.

Full podcast is live now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56NGiZaKdMhNGugtY9l7KE?si=Zo9oCBS1RcqaC66-NVjTSw&nd=1&dlsi=bafd7865df6a4440

Explore : https://www.spotlight-breakingbritainsbarriers.org.uk/

09/23/2026

: For students who don’t thrive in traditional classrooms, a strength-based approach to education can make all the difference.

Victoria Aarons speaks with faculty from Big Picture Learning Doncaster about recognizing students for their strengths and aspirations.

Full episode out tomorrow!

Explore : https://www.spotlight-breakingbritainsbarriers.org.uk/