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A Focus on Impact

Our Portfolio Companies Make a Difference

Our portfolio companies spend every day removing obstacles and working to overcome challenges students and workers have to get a good education and a good job.

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Dec 19, 2025

4

min read

News & Updates

Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 12/19

In today's ever-changing world of education and workforce development, technology is increasingly shaping the opportunities available to students, schools, and employers. From online talent marketplaces and cutting-edge edtech tools to personalized support systems and updated regulations, these changes reflect a shared effort to make education more transparent, results-focused, and centered around the learner.

Dec 16, 2025

1

min read

Mantra Health

Mantra Health CEO and Co-Founder, Matt Kennedy named to Slice of Healthcare's "50 Under 50" list

CEO and Co-founder Matt Kennedy has been named to Slice of Healthcare’s “50 Under 50” list, which recognizes 50 dynamic and influential leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare. Matt is a visionary leader committed to innovation and has an unwavering passion for improving student mental health across higher education. Under his guidance, Mantra has reached over 150 campuses and is now actively serving more than 1.3 million students. Read the original story in full here . #MantraHealth

Dec 12, 2025

4

min read

News & Updates

Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 12/12

In today's rapidly evolving workforce Industry, traditional pathways into employment are facing unprecedented challenges, from eroding entry-level opportunities to shifting perceptions of higher education's value. As AI continues to transform skill requirements and job roles, innovative approaches (such as portfolio-based work-based learning, skills-first strategies, and streamlined educational systems) are emerging as vital solutions to bridge gaps and foster economic mobility.

Dec 10, 2025

2

min read

Orijin

Monroe County Sheriff's Office Partners with Tech Educator Orijin for Inmate Workforce Development Program in Tennessee

In a recent social media announcement, Monroe County Sheriff's Office shared its inclusion in a workforce development initiative with tech education provider Orijin, supported by the State of Tennessee. Sheriff Tommy Jones made the revelation, stating that the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility will serve as the site for this pilot initiative, set to kick off on January 1, 2026, according to a post on their Facebook page. The program will introduce inmates to the Interplay...

Dec 10, 2025

2

min read

Acceleration Academies

Gwinnett County students to graduate after given second chance with non-traditional, free program, Acceleration Academies

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Traditional high school wasn’t all that smooth for Cobi Dawson. He discovered the Gwinnett County Acceleration Academies program. “Traditional school wasn’t really for me,” Dawson said. “Like people, everybody wants to be alike. They act like people they’re not; they hang around other people they do the wrong things.” The program caters to students who felt traditional high school wasn’t working out. It’s primarily an online program, that also requires them...

Dec 5, 2025

4

min read

News & Updates

Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 12/05

In this week's News Roundup, the articles featured highlight how the traditional pathways from education to career are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From the widening gap between high school graduation and workforce readiness to the diminishing returns of a college degree, stakeholders across the education and employment sectors are rethinking how we prepare young people for success.

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DR. IVORY A. TOLDSON APPOINTED AS CHIEF OF RESEARCH FOR CONCENTRIC EDUCATIONAL SOLUTIONS

  • Writer: Cat Burchmore
    Cat Burchmore
  • Mar 4, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 20, 2024

Toldson brings over 20 years of experience to expand the organization’s focus on research and share best practices


the leading student support services provider partnering with school districts to tackle barriers to student success including chronic absenteeism, a sense of belonging, and unfinished learning, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Ivory A. Toldson as its new Chief of Research. Dr. Toldson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, further solidifying the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality research-driven solutions to schools nationwide.

Dr. Toldson is a renowned researcher in education, with a proven track record of conducting impactful research and advancing educational equity initiatives. Dr. Toldson served as senior research analyst for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. There, he developed the Breaking Barriers series, which analyzed success indicators for school-aged Black males.

Prior to joining Concentric, Dr. Toldson was the national director of Education Innovation and Research for the NAACP. Previously, Dr. Toldson was appointed by President Barack Obama to devise national strategies to sustain and expand federal support to HBCUs as the executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Toldson will continue his role as professor of counseling psychology at Howard University and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Negro Education during his tenure with Concentric.


Dr. Toldson was named one of “30 leaders in the fight for Black men,” by Newsweek Magazine, and the “Problem Solver” by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. Dr. Toldson, according to former U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan, is “a prolific young scholar and myth buster.”


A sought after speaker, Dr. Toldson has been featured on MSNBC, C-SPAN2 Books, NPR News, POTUS on XM Satellite Radio, and numerous national and local radio stations. In print, his research has been featured in the Washington Post, CNN.com, The New York Times, The Root, The National Journal, Essence Magazine, BET.com, The Grio, and Ebony Magazine.

In his new role, Dr. Toldson will oversee the development and implementation of research projects to address the most pressing challenges facing educators and students today including chronic absenteeism. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding Concentric as it continues to innovate and deliver evidence-based solutions that drive positive change in education.

Commenting on Dr. Toldson’s appointment, Dr. David Heiber, founder and CEO of Concentric Educational Solutions, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ivory Toldson to our team. His unparalleled expertise and dedication to advancing educational research align perfectly with our mission of improving student outcomes. With Dr. Toldson leading our research efforts, we are confident that we will continue to lead the way in providing innovative solutions to the education community.”

Dr. Toldson expressed his enthusiasm for joining Concentric Educational Solutions, saying, “I’m thrilled to join the Concentric team to elevate the status quo in education. As chief of research, my role will not be simply to help measure student success but rather to help the nation redefine success. Through innovative research, we can help to unlock the potential within every child, dismantle barriers, and create an education system that is equitable and just. This is not just about research; it’s about revolutionizing the future of learning.”

For more information about Concentric Educational Solutions, please visit concentriced.org.


Read original story here.


 
 
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