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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

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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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Western Illinois University Selects Regent Award Suite

Cat Burchmore
Apr 24, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Nov 21, 2024

New solution modernizes financial aid management and complies with FAFSA Simplification

Regent Education, a leader in SaaS-based financial aid and scholarship management solutions, announced today that Western Illinois University (WIU) selected the Regent Award Suite. The new financial aid management (FAM) solution will modernize and automate financial aid management for the university while also providing the capabilities needed to comply with FAFSA Simplification.

For decades, Western Illinois University, a public university serving over 7,000 students, relied on a homegrown financial aid management system. But when the Department of Education announced FAFSA Simplification, the university knew it would be difficult to comply using their homegrown system. Changes to ISIR data transfer protocols and security measures required significant updates to their existing system, which not only increased workload but also exposed the university to risk if the changes went awry.

After an extensive RFP and evaluation process, WIU selected the Regent Award Suite and began implementation immediately. Time was of the essence, and the Regent Education team rose to the challenge.

“We’ve had our homegrown system since the 1980s, so this is all new to us,” said Bobbi Smith, Director of Financial Aid, WIU. “The [Regent Education] team worked with us and walked beside us to configure the new system. They’ve been very responsive and supportive along the way.”

In addition to enabling WIU to comply with FAFSA Simplification, the Regent Award Suite is also providing modern capabilities, such as electronic forms and behind-the-scenes automation that were absent in their homegrown system. These capabilities are not only reducing manual work for staff but are also delivering the intuitive, efficient experiences today’s students expect.

“Instead of spending time doing manual manipulation of loans and adjustments, staff can reinvest their time in financial literacy, default prevention programs, and student outreach, areas where there is a void right now because of limited resources,” said Smith.

“We are proud to partner with Western Illinois University on their journey to modernize financial aid management and comply with FAFSA Simplification,” said Jim Hermens, CEO, Regent Education. “Regent Education and WIU share a commitment to excellence, and we’re here to support WIU every step of the way.”

Read original story here.

#RegentEducation