From nonprofits to established organizations, there is continuous change benefiting the education space as a result of new technology. In an effort to kickstart these new ed-tech concepts, one telecom company created a $350 million commitment to make that happen. As part of AT&T’s goal of empowering students to reach their full potential, their Aspire Accelerator is opening its doors once again.
Last year Washington, DC-based PlayPosit, along with New York City-based Quill, North Carolina based LearnTrials, and California-based GradGuru and MindBlow Labs graduated from their program, which has resulted in a positive impact on more than two million students, 200,000 teachers, and 4,500 schools throughout the United States.
“The Aspire Accelerator shows how we use the power of our network to build a better tomorrow,” said Nicole Anderson, assistant vice president, Social Innovation at AT&T. “The inaugural class’ results continue to amaze us and are being used by students, teachers and districts daily. I can’t wait to see the game-changing solutions this year’s class will bring.”
The accelerator is focused on building out concepts dedicated to creating technological solutions to support students’ educational endeavors and later on into successful careers. They also grant special consideration for resources that focus on reducing at-risk students from dropping out of school.
“We need to welcome ideas from every corner that use technology in innovative ways to help students succeed,” said Nancy Poon Lue, executive director, GSV Summit. “The Aspire Accelerator’s unique focus on helping both for- and non-profit edtech ventures thrive is already having an impact. I’m excited to join the Board of Advisors and see what the 2016 class will achieve.”
Aspire Accelerator applications will close on February 5, with selections starting in May 2016. For those interested in apply for the accelerator, there are a few minor requirements. The idea must be tied to a product or service that uses technology to support students’ education and career success, has a minimal viable product and proof of product-market fit, and has at least one technical founder or team member that will participate in the accelerator. Those who are selected will receive a $100,000 and an additional $25,000 to cover the costs of the program.