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InsideTrack's Significant Impact on Student Success

The latest report from InsideTrack highlights a promising trend in higher education: the rise of effective student coaching as a tool for achieving enrollment and retention gains. According to the report, titled "InsideTrack Impact Report: Catalyzing Growth Through Human Connection," the nonprofit organization supported around 600,000 learners in 2025, showcasing the power of human connection in education.

InsideTrack, recognized for its innovative approach to student coaching, found that nearly 203,000 students directly benefited from its coaches, while trained institutional staff extended this support to an impressive 390,000 additional learners. The report notes a significant term-to-term retention rate of 80% among students who sought coaching, emphasizing the importance of tailored guidance in fostering educational success.

Addressing Enrollment Challenges

In a climate where educational institutions face pressure to boost enrollment numbers and retain students, InsideTrack's findings present an encouraging narrative. Ruth Bauer, president of InsideTrack, stated, "These results show what is possible when every learner has a well-trained coach in their corner." This statement resonates strongly, considering national statistics: only 61.1% of students who began college in fall 2019 earned a credential within six years, and a staggering 43.1 million Americans have stopped out without completing a degree.

The report emphasizes that a supportive coaching relationship can play a vital role in reducing student dropout rates. For instance, prospective students who engaged with coaches at Penn State World Campus were more than ten times more likely to enroll compared to those who did not receive coaching. Similar success stories emerged from Jackson State University, where fall-to-fall retention rates reached 76.8%, exceeding the historical average.

Successful Interventions for Stopped-Out Students

One of the more noteworthy aspects of the report is InsideTrack's success in re-engaging stopped-out students. Approximately 39,830 learners who had disengaged from their studies were assisted by coaches, achieving a re-enrollment rate of 10.8%. Interestingly, a significant portion of coaching discussions centered on community and belonging—reinforcing that emotional support is crucial for student retention.

The impact of targeted re-enrollment efforts is further evidenced by states like California, where the CA Reconnect program demonstrated that learners who connected with a coach were four times more likely to re-enroll, with nearly 13.7% of these re-enrolled learners completing a degree within the year. North Carolina’s NC Reconnect program also yielded positive results, showing significant earnings increases for students returning to education.

Training Future Leaders

InsideTrack is not only focused on direct student coaching; it also works to enhance the institutional capacity of partner organizations. Throughout 2025, it successfully trained 1,696 partner staff, equipping them with coaching skills and methodologies. The report highlights these efforts as part of a larger mission to build sustainable capacity in higher education.

The initiative also brought about notable outcomes at institutions like the University of Maryland Global Campus, where staff retention rates for success coaches rose by 30 percentage points after receiving training. At Western Governors University, a significant number of its mentors earned certifications, reinforcing a commitment to ongoing professional development in student support services.

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact

As InsideTrack marks its 25th anniversary, the organization reflects on a rich history of partnership with 425 institutions and support for over 3.6 million learners. This milestone is not only a celebration of its past achievements but also a commitment to continue improving outcomes in higher education. InsideTrack illustrates a powerful model that centers around human connections and dedicated support, presenting a framework that can potentially redefine student success in the coming years.

Conclusion

The report underscores a key message: effective coaching and emotional support are critical levers for enhancing student success. As educational institutions navigate the complex landscape of student engagement, InsideTrack's approach offers insights into how targeted coaching can transform the lives of learners and equip them for long-term success.