#USA #Mountain View #Study.com #Education Equity #College Saver

Study.com Launches 'Keys to College'

In an ambitious effort to tackle the mounting costs of higher education, Study.com has introduced a new initiative called 'Keys to College'. This program aims to assist students in saving a staggering $1 billion in college tuition fees over the next five years. With student loan debt currently reaching an unprecedented $1.77 trillion, and millions of Americans having attended college without obtaining a degree, this initiative is both timely and necessary.

A recent survey conducted by Study.com revealed that college debt is a primary reason many students abandon their studies. Over 75% of respondents under the age of 35 indicated that financial burdens significantly influence their decision to stop attending college. The crisis disproportionately affects men and students of color, who are more likely to find themselves in the 'some college, no degree' category.

Dana Bryson, the Senior Vice President of Social Impact at Study.com, highlighted the crucial role education plays in economic and social mobility. She noted, "Education is the key to upward mobility, particularly for historically underserved populations who face systemic barriers in completing their degrees." The organization recognizes these challenges and is determined to leverage technology to support students in overcoming these obstacles.

The launch of the 'Keys to College' initiative builds upon the success of Study.com's College Saver product, which has seen students earn and transfer more than 470,000 college credits. This achievement has saved learners approximately $475 million in tuition expenses. Students subscribing to the College Saver service gain access to over 220 ACE-approved online courses, and the credits they earn can be transferred to more than 1,500 colleges and universities.

To maximize the impact of this new initiative, Study.com is collaborating with various higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. Early partnerships include the University of Massachusetts Global, Educators Rising, and Latinos for Education, all of which are committed to increasing access and affordability for adult learners pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.

Dr. Erika Saito, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the University of Massachusetts Global, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with Study.com is a testament to our dedication to removing barriers that impede degree completion, thus changing the life trajectories of our learners."

In providing these critical educational resources, Study.com continues its mission to transform the landscape of education for over 34 million learners and educators each month. The platform, recognized for excellence by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), operates in more than 11,000 school districts across the United States, making significant strides in promoting educational equity and accessibility.

Furthermore, Study.com has been consistently acknowledged as one of the most innovative companies worldwide by Fast Company and has secured a spot on the GSV150 list that celebrates transformational private companies in education. Over the past four years, it has donated an impressive $29 million to programs aimed at increasing educational equity, including its Working Scholars program, which provides an accelerated pathway for working adults to earn a debt-free bachelor’s degree.

The 'Keys to College' initiative represents a crucial next step in Study.com’s ongoing commitment to addressing the educational challenges faced by students today. By offering innovative solutions to reduce college costs, the program seeks to create a more equitable and accessible educational environment for all learners, ensuring that the dream of higher education does not remain just that—a dream.