#Follett Higher Ed #Saxbys #Student CEO

Follett Higher Education Partners with Saxbys

Follett Higher Education, recognized as the leading campus store operator across North America's more than 1,000 campuses, has announced an exciting collaboration with Saxbys. This partnership aims to launch the first-ever student-led campus stores integrated within Follett's retail operations, which is a significant step towards enhancing experiential learning for college students.

The collaboration marks the initial expansion of the Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (ELP) beyond its traditional bounds of café operations, allowing students to gain real-world experience in a retail environment. The pilot program kicked off at Northeastern University during the 2025–2026 academic year, with plans for future expansion to Purdue University in Spring 2026.

Bridging the Skills Gap

A recent survey from 2023 indicated that nearly 50% of employers believe that Gen Z graduates are inadequately prepared for entry-level roles. To combat this concern, the partnership between Follett and Saxbys focuses on providing skills-based learning opportunities vital for today's job market. Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education, expressed excitement about this partnership, highlighting its commitment to equipping students with relevant career skills through hands-on learning.

Follett's collaboration with Saxbys facilitates a unique approach to leadership development, allowing students to take on the roles of