News Roundup – 8/23

Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.

Opinion: Gen Z college grads have different expectations about work. Here’s how employers can meet them. – This article challenges stereotypes of Generation Z, highlighting their significant involvement in the workforce and their desire for stability and purpose in their careers. Nearly 40% of full-time undergraduates and a high percentage of part-time students are balancing work with their studies, as the labor market tightens and Generation Z approaches 30. Employers must adopt strategies that align with the values of this younger generation, particularly their demand for job security, meaningful work, and relevant learning experiences. Work-based learning opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships have emerged as essentials for building talent pipelines, improving career outcomes, and ensuring that companies remain competitive as this generation becomes a major part of the workforce. If companies want to effectively recruit and retain Gen Z workers, adapting is the name of the game.

AI & VC: Transforming dealmaking – An upcoming webinar presented by Affinity on September 5. Many firms have been investing in AI capabilities to source and close more high-quality deals. This webinar presents a panel of AI and VC experts to discuss the reliability of AI in terms of deal sourcing and screening and how to prioritize opportunities that fit an investment thesis; how firms can use AI to connect with and develop relationships with founders and garner key insights; plus how you can use AI to review, organize, and derive insights from the data being collected.

Millions of kids are still skipping school. Could the answer be recess — and a little cash? – After a student struggled with school attendance, causing him to repeat his freshman year due to excessive absences, the principal introduced a unique initiative allowing students to participate in organized sports during lunch if they attended all their classes, which significantly improved attendance rates at the school. This initiative is part of a broader effort in various U.S. schools to tackle chronic absenteeism, which remains a serious issue post-COVID-19, with around one in four students missing significant amounts of school. To combat this, schools are implementing creative strategies, such as providing mentorship, financial incentives, and emotional support, addressing the complex factors behind absenteeism, including mental health challenges and logistical barriers.

Our portfolio company, Concentric Educational Solutions, is leading the charge against chronic absenteeism. Learn more about the strategies they use to get kids re-engaged with school.

EduTECH 2024: Sal Khan says it’s teachers over tech in AI age – Founder of Khan Academy, Salman Kahn, spoke at EduTECH about the shortcomings of the traditional education system, highlighting how it often fails to address individual learning gaps due to its mass-model design. He emphasized the role of technology, particularly AI, as a tool that can enhance education and provide personalized learning experiences. While acknowledging the potential misuse of technology, Khan urged educators to focus on fostering positive applications of AI to benefit student learning. Additionally, discussions among school leaders emphasized the need for robust technology policies that guide ethical use and prepare students for the complexities of emerging tech, rather than relying on blanket bans.

Socioeconomic factors partially at play in racial achievement gaps – A study by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found that social and economic factors can explain a significant portion of the achievement gaps in reading, math, and science between racial and ethnic groups of elementary students, particularly noting that 34% to 64% of the gap between Black and White students is linked to household income, family structure, and parents’ education. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood education and culturally relevant curricula to support underrepresented students, as these gaps appear early in a child’s education. While socioeconomic status plays a key role, the researchers caution that their analysis is not definitive due to methodological limitations and advocate for targeted interventions to address inequities in education.

We ensure every company we invest in measurably improves economic mobility for millions of Americans, especially for those most in need, including low-income, minority, and underserved workers and students. Learn more about our impact.

Federally funded tech apprenticeship program to launch in Arizona, 2 other states – A $3.9 million federal grant will support a technology-focused apprenticeship program aimed at helping students in Arizona, California, and Maryland earn college degrees and find apprenticeships in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, data analysis, and application development. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the grant will be administered by the University of Maryland Global Campus and OpenClassrooms, facilitating the training of 100 pre-apprentices and 400 apprentices over four years. The initiative seeks to modernize and diversify registered apprenticeship programs, particularly benefiting veterans and underserved communities, while addressing skill gaps and promoting economic growth.

Report: Workers Eager for Continuing Education – A recent report by InStride highlights the fact that American workers are strongly motivated to seek affordable education, particularly through employer-sponsored online programs. The 2024 Workforce Education Motivations Report, based on a survey of over 1,000 U.S. workers, reveals that 72% prefer employer-funded online degrees to self-funded in-person education. This trend is driven by rising tuition costs and skepticism about traditional education’s value, with younger workers keen on promotional opportunities and keeping skills current. The report notes increased interest in education benefits since the pandemic, with 64% of respondents more likely to apply for jobs offering such advantages. The findings emphasize that employers investing in educational programs not only attract talent but also enhance workforce skills and retention, particularly in industries like financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of credentialing and alternative educational paths, aligning with initiatives to support post-collegiate training through legislation.

Pathstream, one of our portfolio companies, understands the importance of companies that help educate and empower their employees with digital skills credential programs for career advancement. Learn more about the work they do.

#NewsRoundup