PFAS Research Push: The NSF awarded $7.9M to create Vermont’s PFAS Environmental Research Network, linking Landmark College with Bennington College, Middlebury, UVM, and state agencies to track “forever chemicals” in groundwater and soil—using student-led sampling to turn classroom learning into real-world data. Industry Linkages in Training: Kenya’s TVET and universities are being urged to spend 60% of training in industry through attachments and practical work, aiming to close the skills gap between what students learn and what employers need. Defense-Ready Student Labs: Central Michigan University’s Drone Lab is training students during the Northern Strike exercise, connecting hands-on unmanned aircraft skills with national security and operational research. Completion Rates Spotlight: New county-by-county six-year bachelor’s completion figures show sharp gaps by race and ethnicity, including Coles County (Hispanic/Latino: 50% by 2024) and Will County (white: 40.7%), underscoring uneven outcomes across public four-year institutions. Student Innovation Funding: Nigeria opened the second Student Venture Capital Grant cohort, offering equity-free support of up to ₦50M each for 50 student-led STEMM ventures, with six months of mentorship.