InsideTrack Receives Grant to Innovate AI for Student Success in Higher Education
InsideTrack, a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing student success, has recently secured a substantial grant from Salesforce to leverage artificial intelligence for improving higher education. This initiative is designed to create AI-driven tools that assist student success coaches by automating tedious tasks, allowing them to invest more time in meaningful interactions with students. Over the next two years, InsideTrack will implement a project titled Agentic AI, which is part of Salesforce’s Agents for Impact program aimed at helping nonprofits utilize technology effectively.
The $333,000 funding includes in-kind services from Salesforce, including access to their products and expert guidance. InsideTrack is on a mission to support millions of learners, and this collaboration is expected to enhance their operational efficiency. By focusing on a human-centered approach, the initiative seeks to ensure that AI tools complement the vital human relationships that underpin student success.
Ruth Bauer, president of InsideTrack, emphasized how crucial it is for AI advancements to enhance rather than detract from human connections in education. As educational institutions adapt to the rapid changes in demographics and technology, AI must act as a support system for the dedicated coaches working on the front lines. With the development of the AI tools, InsideTrack anticipates not only improving their functionality but also empowering coaches by giving them more time to engage with students deeply.
The transition to AI in higher education is gaining momentum; a recent survey by EDUCAUSE highlighted that 58% of institutions are experimenting with AI technologies. However, a mere 28% have a structured approach to implementing these tools while ensuring they remain human-centered. InsideTrack’s project aims to fill this gap by using AI to process unstructured data collected during coaching sessions, thus providing coaches with insights that can lead to tailored student interventions.
With the new AI solution, coaches will be able to analyze session notes more efficiently, allowing them to summarize coaching conversations and suggest actionable next steps. This functionality is meant to alleviate the administrative burden that currently hampers their ability to foster strong student relationships. By streamlining these behind-the-scenes tasks, coaches can prioritize their efforts on building a supportive environment that encourages student growth and achievement.
Diving deeper into this innovative project, Ron Smith, the vice president of philanthropy at Salesforce, remarked that the objective transcends mere technological upgrades—it aims to carve out space for genuine learning and relationship-building. With AI technology becoming more integrated into the educational fabric, it is essential that the implementation respects ethical and human-centered values.
InsideTrack supports over 200,000 learners annually, conducting more than 2.2 million individual interactions. The upcoming AI solution is crafted to synthesize de-identified data responsibly while highlighting trends, thus enabling coaches and advisors to gain comprehensive views of student needs. This information will help them respond more adeptly to those in need of support.
Dr. Tim Renick, a prominent figure in student success analytics and InsideTrack's advisory board member, pointed out that while identifying students at risk is vital, the real challenge lies in enabling frontline staff to have the resources necessary to respond effectively. The technology not only promises to recognize when students require help but also facilitates timely interventions to enhance outcomes significantly.
As the project progresses, InsideTrack will be testing a beta version of the AI tool this summer. This grant by Salesforce signifies a commitment to revolutionizing how nonprofit organizations harness technology to meet their mission-driven goals efficiently. Institutions interested in participating or collaborating with this groundbreaking initiative are encouraged to contact Meaghan Joyce.
Founded in 2001, InsideTrack has made significant strides in supporting individuals in their educational journeys, totaling over 3.5 million learners served. They partner with various institutions to provide tailored coaching interventions that drive retention and completion rates while addressing the systemic barriers many learners face. Their coaching methodology, grounded in research, positions them as key players in bridging the gaps for many aspiring students across the country. To explore more about their initiatives or get involved, you can visit www.insidetrack.org or follow them on their social media platforms.
The $333,000 funding includes in-kind services from Salesforce, including access to their products and expert guidance. InsideTrack is on a mission to support millions of learners, and this collaboration is expected to enhance their operational efficiency. By focusing on a human-centered approach, the initiative seeks to ensure that AI tools complement the vital human relationships that underpin student success.
Ruth Bauer, president of InsideTrack, emphasized how crucial it is for AI advancements to enhance rather than detract from human connections in education. As educational institutions adapt to the rapid changes in demographics and technology, AI must act as a support system for the dedicated coaches working on the front lines. With the development of the AI tools, InsideTrack anticipates not only improving their functionality but also empowering coaches by giving them more time to engage with students deeply.
The transition to AI in higher education is gaining momentum; a recent survey by EDUCAUSE highlighted that 58% of institutions are experimenting with AI technologies. However, a mere 28% have a structured approach to implementing these tools while ensuring they remain human-centered. InsideTrack’s project aims to fill this gap by using AI to process unstructured data collected during coaching sessions, thus providing coaches with insights that can lead to tailored student interventions.
With the new AI solution, coaches will be able to analyze session notes more efficiently, allowing them to summarize coaching conversations and suggest actionable next steps. This functionality is meant to alleviate the administrative burden that currently hampers their ability to foster strong student relationships. By streamlining these behind-the-scenes tasks, coaches can prioritize their efforts on building a supportive environment that encourages student growth and achievement.
Diving deeper into this innovative project, Ron Smith, the vice president of philanthropy at Salesforce, remarked that the objective transcends mere technological upgrades—it aims to carve out space for genuine learning and relationship-building. With AI technology becoming more integrated into the educational fabric, it is essential that the implementation respects ethical and human-centered values.
InsideTrack supports over 200,000 learners annually, conducting more than 2.2 million individual interactions. The upcoming AI solution is crafted to synthesize de-identified data responsibly while highlighting trends, thus enabling coaches and advisors to gain comprehensive views of student needs. This information will help them respond more adeptly to those in need of support.
Dr. Tim Renick, a prominent figure in student success analytics and InsideTrack's advisory board member, pointed out that while identifying students at risk is vital, the real challenge lies in enabling frontline staff to have the resources necessary to respond effectively. The technology not only promises to recognize when students require help but also facilitates timely interventions to enhance outcomes significantly.
As the project progresses, InsideTrack will be testing a beta version of the AI tool this summer. This grant by Salesforce signifies a commitment to revolutionizing how nonprofit organizations harness technology to meet their mission-driven goals efficiently. Institutions interested in participating or collaborating with this groundbreaking initiative are encouraged to contact Meaghan Joyce.
Founded in 2001, InsideTrack has made significant strides in supporting individuals in their educational journeys, totaling over 3.5 million learners served. They partner with various institutions to provide tailored coaching interventions that drive retention and completion rates while addressing the systemic barriers many learners face. Their coaching methodology, grounded in research, positions them as key players in bridging the gaps for many aspiring students across the country. To explore more about their initiatives or get involved, you can visit www.insidetrack.org or follow them on their social media platforms.
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