#United States #New York #Student Support #NYU #Knack

Knack Partners with NYU to Scale Student Support

In an exciting development in higher education, Knack has entered into a collaborative partnership with New York University (NYU). This initiative aims to modernize the way peer-to-peer learning is approached, creating robust systems that integrate academic assistance with professional development for students. This partnership targets significant areas of improvement in the student experience by providing more accessible support and employment opportunities for students.

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership

1. Scaling Academic Support: One of the primary goals of this collaboration is to provide flexible tutoring options for students. With Knack's innovative platform, academic support sessions are seeing a dramatic shift, where 67% of tutoring occurs outside regular hours. This flexible scheduling has resulted in an impressive 97% of participating students reporting enhanced academic performance and improved grades.

2. Employing Students: Knack has designed a unique opportunity for students to step into paid positions on their campus as tutors. This model not only allows them to help their peers but also enables them to develop essential professional skills such as communication and leadership. This dual benefit reinforces the program’s commitment to student empowerment and readiness for post-graduate success.

3. Building Campus Community: A significant aspect of this partnership is the focus on strengthening peer connections. By making academic support more approachable, Knack aims to foster a sense of belonging among students, which is crucial for enhancing the overall campus experience.

Megan Dusenbery, the CEO of Knack, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing that “Peer tutoring supports multiple aspects of the student experience. We are thrilled to help NYU students learn together, earn income, and build a sense of belonging.”

Holly Halmo, NYU's Associate Vice President for Student Success, commented, “We believe that tutoring must be a core feature of the NYU undergraduate student experience. Knack allows us to expand just-in-time, individualized support, complementing the role of our existing tutoring centers in community-based learning.” This perspective highlights the complementary nature of traditional tutoring methods and Knack's innovative approach, suggesting a richer support ecosystem for students in need.

Pilot Program Launch

Set to debut in Fall 2026, this partnership will initiate a pilot program targeting foundational courses, with nearly 6,000 students expected to benefit from this innovative support model. This initiative is designed to adapt and expand based on student outcomes and demand, demonstrating a commitment to responsive educational strategies.

Through Knack’s platform, students will be paired with peers excelling in their specific courses, allowing for tailored intervention methods while simultaneously providing tutors with income and pathways for career competency development.

For more information about this partnership and its offerings, visit Knack's website.

About Knack

Knack is a pioneering student success partner focusing on higher education. Their platform integrates academic support, career readiness, and community building, managing everything from tutor onboarding to compensation while also delivering real-time data on student outcomes. This approach ensures institutions can track academic trends and student success effectively.

About NYU

Founded in 1831, New York University stands as a prestigious research institution recognized globally. As a member of the exclusive Association of American Universities, NYU is dedicated to fostering social mobility and innovation among its diverse student body, which includes individuals from all 50 states and over 130 countries. With highly-ranked programs spanning various fields, NYU continues to lead in educating future leaders prepared to confront pressing societal challenges.