Jefferson Education Accelerator to Test New Education Delivery Approaches

  • 02/23/15

INDIANAPOLIS — USA Funds® recently announced a $3 million investment in the Jefferson Education Accelerator, which will identify, test and nurture innovative education technology solutions. An initiative of the University of Virginia Curry School of Education Foundation, the accelerator will support education technology entrepreneurs with consulting, mentoring, testing, piloting and financing.

“We are pleased to serve as lead investor in this education innovation accelerator as part of our focus on Completion With a Purpose,” says William D. Hansen, USA Funds president and CEO. “We believe that emerging technologies hold great promise for reshaping the pathway to and through college and on to rewarding careers and fulfilling futures for our nation’s students.”

Although best known for its historic role as a student loan guarantor, during the past year, USA Funds has made significant investments in initiatives that promote completion of postsecondary education and training programs with a strong connection to success following graduation. USA Funds is advancing Completion With a Purpose through grant making, policy research and investments in new solutions, such as the Jefferson Education Accelerator.

A unique aspect of the Jefferson Education Accelerator that made it especially attractive to USA Funds is its ability to test new education innovations. “The accelerator will apply the expertise of faculty, students, teachers and administrators to identify which innovations will work in a ‘real-world’ setting,” says Mark L. Pelesh, USA Funds, executive vice president, Corporate and Business Development. “This type of research is invaluable in helping both investors and educators support initiatives that will deliver the greatest impact.”

During the past year, USA Funds has awarded philanthropic grants totaling more than $20 million to initiatives that promote Completion With a Purpose.

USA Funds is a nonprofit corporation that supports Completion With a PurposeSM, building a more purposeful path for America’s students to and through college and on to rewarding careers and successful lives. USA Funds pursues its nonprofit mission through philanthropic activities and partnerships, policy research, and programs and services that enhance preparation for, access to and success in higher education. Learn more at www.usafunds.org.

Featured

  • School Construction Projects Boom as Education Systems Address Aging Facilities and Growth

    Construction opportunities are almost always abundant, but currently there are more than usual construction projects being launched for public school campuses. Common objectives include major renovation or expansion of aging facilities, total replacement of inefficient classrooms, upgrades to lighting, technology, and security equipment, and adding new sports and cultural facilities.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • Texas A&M Breaks Ground on Campus Visitor Center

    Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new campus learning hub and visitor center, according to a news release. The 211,000-square-foot Aplin Center will stand three stories and is scheduled to open to students in 2028.

Digital Edition