During National School Choice Week, schools of every type - traditional public, charter, magnet, online, and private - will join homeschool groups to celebrate the things that make their education environments unique and effective.

As a nonpartisan awareness effort, National School Choice Week provides an opportunity to bring conversations about education out from the political sphere and to the kitchen tables and living rooms of parents in communities across America.

This is important because, even though education is a matter of public policy, it is also deeply personal.

At its core, school choice affirms the special bond between parents and children. School choice empowers parents to turn the love and concern they have for their children into action. It encourages them to talk to their children and make decisions together about what schooling environments fit the talents, interests, and challenges that are unique to every student. And it recognizes that while one school might be a good fit for some students, it isn't necessarily a good fit for every child.

By exercising school choice options, parents who want their children to learn Mandarin can send them to a school where they will learn Mandarin; parents who believe their kids need a lot of time outdoors or who want to affirm their faith tradition can follow that path; parents who didn't go to college but want their kids to have that opportunity can find a college prep choice.

Parents choose schools for a variety of reasons. For example, a survey of Indiana parents found that parents considered factors such as academics, morality, social skills, diversity, college preparation, an appreciation for nature, patriotism, the ability to enter the job force without a college degree, and an opportunity to learn another language.

These choices reflect the diversity and individualism of our great country, and they should be respected and celebrated. After all, no matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we all share the same goal: to unlock the potential for success and happiness in every child through a great education tailored to who they are and who they want to be.

As a new boating season gets underway, boat owners should know the basics of different types of insurance coverage, review their current plan, and be sure they have the one that best meets their needs.

Some key areas of coverage to consider this season include:

- Salvage savvy. No one wants to lose a boat, but if the worst happens, don't assume salvage is part of your insurance policy.

According to the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), some boat insurers will subtract the cost of salvage from the boat's insured value. That means owners receive reduced funds for repairs, or less money back if the boat is a total loss. So seek out a policy that offers salvage coverage separate, but equal to the hull-value coverage.

- Consequential concerns. Consequential damage is a tricky area of boat insurance. Data from BoatUS indicate that about half of all sinkings occur when the boat is docked and a small part below the waterline fails, often as a result of wear and tear, corrosion, or inadequate maintenance.

An insurance policy may not cover the failed part, but ensure that it covers "consequential damage," such as major repairs or the cost of the boat in cases of total loss in the wake of a failed part.

This consequential damage coverage generally only applies to major or total losses. It's typical, for example, to cover the immediate consequential damage resulting from any sinking, fire, explosion, demasting, collision or stranding.

- Rescue review. On-water towing assistance is an element of some boat insurance policies, but understand what type is right for your needs.

If you have only one boat, ask your insurance company whether it offers a towing service. Some companies, such as BoatUS, have their own towing fleet. Important questions for your insurance company: Who is providing the towing service, if not their own fleet? Is there 24-hour service? Will you have to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement?

For more tips and information to optimize your boat insurance, visit BoatUS.com/insurance for quotes or contact marine insurance specialists at 800-283-2883.

Scuba diving might not be the first therapy that comes to mind to help these individuals, but data support the value of scuba diving for improving the physical and mental health of people suffering from conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain.

Diveheart, a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, provides adaptive scuba training to volunteer divers and instructors, and offers unique opportunities in zero gravity to veterans and others with a variety of disabilities. The Diveheart motto, "Imagine the Possibilities," reflects the positive attitude of the organization and the hope and healing it offers.

A subset of the organization, Diveheart Military Wounded focuses specifically on introducing veterans with physical and mental disabilities to the benefits of scuba therapy.

On the physical side, scientific research and the personal experiences of veterans show that water pressure and the feeling of weightlessness can relieve physical and mental tension as well as chronic pain.

"The weightlessness kind of helps my body release itself," says Coast Guard veteran Kevin Cozzie in an interview with the Daily Herald, a publication based in suburban Chicago. "I can feel it when I get out of the water."

Ian James Brown, an Air Force veteran who was injured in the line of duty, returned to scuba diving after his injury through a Diveheart program.

"I discovered scuba again," he says in an interview on the Diveheart website, diveheart.org. "I was able to integrate skills I thought I had lost," such as the regulation of breathing and balance, he says. "It made me challenge myself a bit more."

Mr. Brown, who suffers from chronic neurospinal pain but has chosen to forego medication, "felt this euphoric feeling," and realized that he was "living pain-free for the first time in 11 years," during an extended dive in Cozumel.

The mental health benefits of scuba diving are as valuable as the physical. Veterans who have participated in Diveheart programs report that learning new skills, gaining confidence, and bonding with other veterans who have experienced similar challenges create a sense of community and empowerment.

For many disabled veterans, scuba diving helps them realize the possibilities rather than focus on their limitations, according to Diveheart founder Jim Elliott.

Diveheart relies on volunteers and donations to help provide adaptive diving and scuba therapy experiences at no cost to participants.

Visit diveheart.org for more information about the way scuba diving can change veterans' lives.

It's the seventh annual National School Choice Week, a nonpartisan, nonpolitical awareness event that has grown considerably every year - it's up from 21,000 last year and 150 events in its first year.

So who are the people leading the celebrations?

Some are parents who put themselves in the driver's seat of their children's education. They considered their children's unique needs, learning styles, and interests. They looked at the available options - traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, homeschooling, online schools, or a combination of these options - and chose the education environments they considered best for their children.

Some tracked down publicly or privately funded scholarships; others checked waitlists; and many others decided that their local school was, in fact, the best fit for their children.

Some event organizers are teachers and school leaders, happy to be playing such a crucial role in the education and development of children across America. Different schools offer different curricula, different approaches to education, different perspectives - and this diversity is worth celebrating. Every child is unique; every family is unique. Children who are excited about violin or Mandarin, children who need an extra lift in a particular area, children who thrive in traditional classrooms and children who don't - everyone should be given an opportunity to excel in whatever way best suits them. And great teachers and school leaders are an essential part of that excellence.

Some events are planned by community leaders hoping to help even more children have the opportunity to reach their full academic potential by creating new paths and raising awareness about the importance of continually expanding access to effective education options for children and families.

The participants in National School Choice Week may all be different, with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and stories. But they all believe one thing: that every child, given the right environment, can succeed. No matter what school your family has chosen, National School Choice Week provides an opportunity to celebrate students and the hope of a bright future for our whole nation.

Imagine getting paid just to post on Instagram about brands and local businesses you are interested in.

Quantum Sponsor is the platform that's making it happen. Unlike traditional talent agencies, Quantum Sponsor doesn't require you to have millions of followers to participate - even a couple of hundred is just fine!

Now, Aunt Suzie, who just started Instagram last month, can make money posting about her favorite new Clutch Coffee shop that opened down the street, and so can you.

Both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike are using Quantum Sponsor to pay everyday Instagram users for posts.

Most consumers today are overwhelmed by and tired of banner-style and traditional ads; they want to learn about products from other trusted consumers who are willing to share their interests and expertise.

Quantum Sponsor's new advertising platform pairs enthusiastic Instagrammers with clients who will hire them for paid promotions. Best of all, Quantum Sponsor is easy for both the Instagrammers and businesses.

"We want to give social media users the opportunity to earn money for the content they've created and the influence they've earned. So we made it easy. In doing so, we also created an effective, cost- saving tool for digital advertisers across all industries," says AJ Silverman, founder and CEO of Quantum Sponsor.

Working with Quantum Sponsor streamlines the process of influencer selection, sponsorship, and payments.

Here's how it works: Instagrammers sign up as influencers on the Quantum Sponsor website. The website will tell them exactly how much money they'll make for posts based on how engaged their followers are. Quantum Sponsor reviews and categorizes all influencers by audience interests, location, gender, and brand safety.

Advertisers sign up as "sponsors," and create campaigns directly on the Quantum Sponsor platform, which will automatically send out email alerts and offers to influencers who match with the advertiser's target audience.

Influencers post and complete offers by leaving posts active for a minimum of seven days. Once offers are completed, influencers can withdraw their earnings with PayPal. Influencers can increase their earnings by posting interesting, engaging content but need to eliminate cruel or violent language in order to receive offers.

Quantum Sponsor recognizes that digital influencers are the future of marketing, the new darlings of the Internet, and that advertisers who want social media followers, depend on them. This creates an opportunity for influencers to cash in while building their own personal brands - just by doing the things they love.

Whether it's sewing, surfing, or skin care, there is a potential marketing campaign to fit any interest.

For more information on how to become an influencer and get paid to post, visit www.quantumsponsor.com.

To view the video, click here.

Ah, the familiar refrain that has stood the test of time and one that sends most parents cringing while taking a family road trip.

As the summer of 2018 kicks off, consider this: 68 percent of Americans are likely to go on vacation, and 85 percent of them will travel by car, based on data from a recent online survey of approximately 1,500 adults.

While aspects of a road trip may be daunting, a majority of these travelers acknowledge that getting there is half the fun: 24 percent strongly agree, and 45 percent somewhat agree that getting to a vacation spot is often as enjoyable as being there.

If you've ever wondered what goes on inside the car during a road trip, read on.

A survey conducted by NACS, a trade association representing the convenience-store industry, reveals that most passengers want to be social: just over 60 percent report that they enjoy talking with fellow passengers and almost 80 percent cite listening together to music, podcasts, or audio books as favorite activities.

However, when it's time to take a break, disagreements can arise, especially when it comes to meals and snacks. A convenience-store stop can be a simple solution.

Today's convenience stores offer more than just gas and restrooms. Many serve a range of hot-meal options such as pizza and burgers, as well as customizable sandwiches, coffee, drinks, and smoothies, so passengers and drivers of every age and taste can find something to satisfy them.

The NACS survey results show that the top three reasons for breaks during summer road trips are to:

* Use the bathroom (96 percent).

* Get gas (95 percent).

* Buy food or drinks (91 percent).

"There's only one place that can satisfy all three of the top reasons for stopping during a road trip: a convenience store," says Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

"From restrooms and fuel pumps to indulgent snacks and healthy options, you can stop once and make everyone happy. And that can certainly make a road trip more fun."

However, regular breaks are an important part of road trips for safety as well as for practical reasons.

Drivers need a quick and easy place to stand up and stretch, or to allow someone else to take the wheel. Kids get antsy and need to stretch, too - according to the NACS survey, approximately 45 percent of the in-car disagreements during road trips center on children fidgeting or arguing.

Convenience stores provide all the services needed for long or short road-trip breaks in a safe, predictable environment.

Many convenience stores offer easy access from major roads, so there's no struggle or lost time navigating to an unknown spot without any sense of the services available. Convenience stores offer clean, well-lit rest stops for single drivers, groups of friends, older adults, and families with children.

Visit convenience.org/ more for additional information about what convenience stores offer and how they can help make summer road trips smooth, safe, and enjoyable.