InScribe's Innovative Grant from Clayton Christensen Institute to Enhance Student Social Capital

In a significant move to bolster educational equity, InScribe Education, known for its expertise in building digital communities and online engagement for higher education, has recently announced its receipt of a grant from the Clayton Christensen Institute's Networked Guidance Pilot Fund. This initiative aims to foster environments that enable students to cultivate meaningful social connections that are critical for their academic and career endeavors.

The importance of social capital for today’s students cannot be overstated. According to research from the Clayton Christensen Institute, the success of non-traditional and historically underserved students relies not just on their academic achievements but also on their ability to form strategic relationships. In many cases, access to networks and supportive relationships is left to chance, which presents a significant barrier to success. To address this issue, InScribe plans to utilize the grant to innovate and validate a platform that helps educational institutions enhance social capital throughout the student lifecycle.

With the help of artificial intelligence, InScribe's vision for its new solution revolves around creating organic digital ecosystems. These environments will allow students to build valuable networks at the right moment—whether they need guidance from mentors, assistance from peers, or connections within professional fields. This designed approach amplifies human connection, enabling students to form lasting relationships with faculty, advisors, and fellow learners, thus providing a holistic support system.

Julia Freeland Fisher, the Director of Education Research at the Clayton Christensen Institute, emphasizes that while technology opens new avenues for supporting students, the human element remains essential. “While AI unlocks enormous possibilities for student support and guidance, human connection remains as important as ever in helping students access the networks they need to thrive in school and in the labor market,” she noted, underscoring the collaborative focus of this grant.

Veronica Skudlarczyk, Head of Product and User Experience at InScribe, reiterates the core tenet of the organization: “Students succeed when they can easily get the help they need, whenever they need it.” The focus, however, extends beyond simply helping students complete degrees; it encompasses empowering them to access connections and community resources that usher in opportunities beyond the classroom.

Through a partnership with various colleges and universities, InScribe is demonstrating its capability to drive measurable improvements in student success. Its innovative methods have yielded increased student engagement, shorter response times to inquiries, higher usage of available support services, and notable improvements in retention rates. Moreover, institutions have reported enhanced peer interaction, a stronger sense of belonging, and a streamlined cross-campus communication method.

As the digital landscape of education continues to evolve, initiatives like this grant from the Clayton Christensen Institute signify a promising stride towards making social capital more visible and accessible for every student. By focusing on fostering essential connections, educational platforms like InScribe can reshape the narrative around what it means to be successful in today’s complex learning environments.

For more about InScribe's partnership outcomes and successes, visit their case studies page at InScribe Case Studies.

About InScribe

InScribe is a pioneering digital student support platform that harnesses community and artificial intelligence to connect students with necessary resources and individuals. By integrating various forms of support within higher education, InScribe creates a centralized hub for student assistance, ensuring they can find help whenever they need it. The company’s approach emphasizes peer-to-peer collaboration, enhancing engagement, satisfaction, and retention among student populations.

About the Clayton Christensen Institute

The Clayton Christensen Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spearheading disruptive innovation through comprehensive research. Founded on the principles established by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen, the Institute provides frameworks that help tackle pressing societal challenges.