The Amgen Foundation and Harvard University today announced plans to launch a free online science education platform uniquely designed to level the playing field for aspiring scientists. The LabXchange platform, which will launch with a focus in biology, will offer digital instruction and virtual lab experiences to high school and college students, enabling them to gain meaningful exposure to the scientific process. It will also include online networking focused on collaboration and mentoring.

In support of LGBT Pride Month, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, is creating awareness around diversity and inclusion with the release of its “Infinite Diversity” video that underscores the organization’s belief in unity and diversity www.aegbetterasone.com. Launching today, the campaign encourages employees and fans to view the video and share it on their social channels via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BetterAsOne.

Hey, a Cuppa Joe – the morning treat for many people around the world. That first hot cup of dark coffee can set the tone for us for the day. And when our spirits (and energy) may lag, the cuppa joe can perk us up again for a while at any time of day. But – how many of us give thought to how that wonderful dark liquid arrived in our grocery stores, at the local Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts or other coffee counters? The Ecologist took a close look at the business of coffee recently and their commentary (and report on the industry) is our Top Story for you this week.

When some people think of May, their minds are immediately drawn to Cinco de Mayo, or a timely Star Wars joke on May Fourth. However, while we love a good fiesta and we’re no “wookies” when it comes to making a pun – see what we did there? – we think the most important thing about May is that it’s National Foster Care Month: a month where we focus even more than usual on driving positive change within the foster care system through activities that support the adoption journey.

Canton, Illinois, is leading the way with science, technology, math and engineering curriculum. Thanks to a grant from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) made possible by Astellas USA Foundation, teachers in Canton High School are changing the shape of STEM education for the next generation. With hands-on and real-world curricular programming and teacher training, students have better access to the tools needed to fuel their imaginations and pursue STEM-related careers.

Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is charging up and setting out on a cross-country trip to celebrate the completion of its nine new projects. The nonprofit organization will be unveiling $1.3 million in innovative sustainability-related donations to nine nonprofits located across Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

The sustainability nonprofit organization Ceres announced today that The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has joined the Ceres Company Network. As a new member of the Ceres Company Network, Hershey joins more than 50 companies, including dozens of other Fortune 500 firms that recognize the benefits of integrating sustainability into their core business strategies to drive innovation and build long-term resilience.

In the next critical move toward the commercialization of autonomous vehicles, this week General Motors announced an historic deal with SoftBank Vision Fund. The world’s largest tech and ridesharing investor will invest $2.25 billion in GM Cruise, our recently formed majority owned subsidiary. With the addition of $1.1 billion from GM, the funds will drive large AV commercialization beginning in 2019.

The Taproot Foundation Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Lindsay Firestone Gruber as the organization’s new President and CEO. Gruber has been on staff with Taproot for 14 years and has served as the organization’s Chief Program Officer since 2016.