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A Focus on Impact

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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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Recent Posts

Dec 19, 2025

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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Growth Padi Hosts Landmark Growth Africa Summit supported by Nexford University, RiseVest, Sooyah Bistro, and More

Heather Harman
Dec 30, 2024
2 min read

African entrepreneurship entered a new era as Growth Padi, supported by Nexford University, RiseVest, Cowrywise, Sooyah Bistro, Awabah, Mytherapist.ng, and others, hosted the groundbreaking Growth Africa Summit (GAS) at The Decorium, Ikeja.

Over 100 founders, and growth professionals gathered to explore how scalable businesses can drive economic transformation across the continent.

With the theme “Powering the African Economy with Scalable Businesses,” GAS 2024 featured an impressive roster of speakers, including:

Dapo, Startup Partner at Paystack
Solomon, Head of Innovation at Wema Bank
Eyitayo, Founder of Utiva
Feranmi, Country Manager at Cenoa
Industry leaders from RiseVest, Moringa School, and more.

Empowering Startups Through Action

A key highlight of the summit was the Business Pitch Competition, where six innovative startups pitched their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. The grand prize winner walked away with:

₦400,000 in cash prizes
A Nexford University scholarship

The other finalists were equally celebrated, receiving remarkable prizes such as:

One year of free health insurance from Awabah
Three months of free workspace from Nest Hub
Additional mentorship and resources to advance their businesses

All finalists are now participating in a three-month Growth Coaching Program organized by Growth Padi, equipping them with the tools and guidance to scale their ventures effectively.

"Lives were impacted, it was truly value-packed" - Donald, Attendee

"The Growth Africa Summit hosted by Growth Padi truly set the bar high, with an inviting, cozy atmosphere, none of us wanted to leave" - Esohe, Speaker

Preparing for the Future of Growth

GAS 2024 is just the beginning of Growth Padi’s ambitious plans. The summit also served as a prelude to the launch of an innovative new product by Growth Padi launching in 2025, designed to bring African founders several steps closer to achieving sustainable growth.

Be a Part of GAS 2.0

With the success of GAS 2024, Growth Padi is inviting sponsors and partners to join the movement for the second edition of the Growth Africa Summit (GAS 2.0), scheduled for 2025.

“This summit was not just an event; it was the first step for what is about to transform the African growth landscape” said Victory, CEO of Growth Padi. “We are grateful to all our sponsors partners for their support in making GAS and 2024 a success. Together, we’re building a brighter future for scalable businesses in Africa.”

For partnership opportunities and sponsorship inquiries, please contact :Growth Africa Summit

Read the original story in full here.

#Nexford