Itty bitty wooden seats. Tiny tables. Miniature bookcases. It's a small world, but a big undertaking is happening at the new Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy, where 224 of the city's neediest children learn skills that can change their lives and their communities.

A U.S. Department of Transportation Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant will fund roadway repairs and capacity upgrades to Lamar Avenue, a nationally and regionally significant multimodal freight corridor linking interstate highways, airports, maritime ports and rail.

The Ascend program pairs small businesses with large industry leaders for a one-year mentorship program, providing invaluable connections and business development assistance at no cost.

Pictured: Kemp Conrad of Commercial Advisors and Morris Parker of True Concierge