Russell Greiff
New Market Thoughts
Nov 14, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 11/14
In this week's News Roundup, we've found stories about leveraging innovative strategies, technology, and targeted interventions to address pressing educational and workforce challenges. From the resurgence of community colleges and non-degree credentials to the ethical integration of AI in classrooms and efforts to combat learning loss, a shared focus emerges on expanding access, improving quality, and preparing diverse student populations for the evolving economy.
Nov 7, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 11/7
The articles featured in this week's News Roundup shine a light on a common thread: technology and smarter workforce linkages are reshaping education for today’s job market. From data-driven career coaching and expanded apprenticeships to virtual career fairs and AI-enabled learning, edtech and workforce development firms have opportunities to widen access, align curricula with in-demand skills, and support responsible, humane use of AI in student success and mental health.
Oct 31, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 10/31
Education and workforce development continues to evolve, with recent research highlighting both exciting opportunities and pressing challenges. From the transformative potential of augmented reality in classrooms to the declining aspirations for higher education among high schoolers, and the persistent issues surrounding quality employment and mental health, these developments underscore the need for innovative solutions.
Rusty Greiff joined New Markets Venture Partners in 2014 as a Senior Advisor. He has over 15 years experience in launching and running early-stage and large-scale education, social entrepreneurship and interactive technology businesses.
Rusty is Learnist’s (formerly Grockit which was successfully sold to Kaplan Test Prep) Chief Strategy & Development Officer. Learnist is one of the fastest growing global consumer and mobile learning companies on the Web – providing experts, teachers and learners the chance to curate and share multi-media learning boards in a global knowledge network.
Prior to joining Grockit/Learnist, Rusty held senior executive positions at USA Interactive and Educate, Inc. including Hooked on Phonics, Catapult Learning and Sylvan Learning, where he lead Sylvan’s national college prep and readiness business. He has advised and served on Boards of national charter schools, edtech companies, virtual schools and national nonprofits in education and economic development.
Rusty began his career working in the Clinton Administration launching the AmeriCorps program, and for the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and Senator John Kerry on education and technology policy. Rusty graduated with a B.S. and Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude honors in political science and history from Washington University in St. Louis as well as an MBA from Harvard University. He has completed coursework at the London School of Economics and is a former Coro Leadership Fellow.
