Strada Education Network

Strada Education Network, formerly known as USA Funds, is a nonprofit organization focused on addressing significant challenges in higher education and workforce development. The organization operates under the guiding principle of Completion With a Purpose®, which emphasizes the importance of meaningful educational outcomes. Strada employs a multifaceted approach that combines strategic philanthropy, research, and innovative solutions to enhance the transition from college to career. By forging clearer pathways for students and fostering connections between education and employment, Strada aims to improve lives and contribute to a more effective workforce.

Stephen Moret

President and CEO

Past deals in Education

SchooLinks

Series B in 2024
SchooLinks is an AI-powered college and career readiness platform designed to assist K12 districts in enhancing their counseling activities and improving educational outcomes. It offers a student-centric experience that generates valuable behavioral data, which is utilized by machine learning algorithms to provide personalized college recommendations and content, thereby increasing student engagement. The platform also equips counselors with actionable insights, enabling them to respond effectively to student needs in real-time. Additionally, SchooLinks offers a comprehensive suite of accountability tools for district administrators, allowing them to monitor and achieve specific college and career readiness objectives. Through its capabilities, SchooLinks streamlines various aspects of post-secondary planning, such as personal graduation plans and course alignment with student interests and goals.

University of Utah

Grant in 2023
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, is the state's leading public university and the sole institution in Utah offering a medical school. It provides a diverse range of academic programs, featuring over 100 undergraduate majors in fields such as business, engineering, and health careers, as well as more than 90 graduate degrees. In addition to its medical school, the university also includes schools of law and pharmacy. The University of Utah promotes an active student life, hosting over 400 clubs and organizations, alongside recreational programs and cultural events. Admission to the undergraduate programs requires an application, along with academic transcripts and standardized test scores, with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and typical ACT/SAT scores around 18 and 860, respectively. Financial aid is available based on need, and students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for various forms of assistance, including scholarships and loans.

Arizona State University

Grant in 2023
Arizona State University is a public research university located in Tempe, Arizona, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. The institution emphasizes inclusivity and aims to measure its success by the diversity of its student body. Arizona State University engages in research initiatives that prioritize the public good, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the surrounding communities. Through its comprehensive educational services, the university plays a vital role in fostering higher education and contributing to the overall development of the region.

The University of Texas System

Grant in 2023
The University of Texas System is one of the nation’s largest systems of public higher education with eight academic and six health institutions.University of Texas System to provide high-quality educational opportunities for the enhancement of the human resources of Texas, the nation and the world through intellectual and personal growth.

Rio Salado College

Grant in 2023
Rio Salado College has over fifteen physical locations in Maricopa County, most of which are devoted to GED, ABE, and ELAA classes. Its academics are mainly concentrated online, with over 50 programs of study leading to certificates and associate’s degrees. Though many colleges nowadays offer courses online, Rio Salado is almost completely internet-based. Its library and even its student union exist online, with technical support and librarian chat available 24/7. Rio Salado uses the “term block” method of scheduling, in which students can choose from one of 16 blocks per terms. This gives you some flexibility in scheduling, as each block is spaced a week apart. With three terms per year, Rio Salado offers 48 different start dates for its students. The school also seeks to help its graduates find jobs in a shifting economic environment. Rio Salado currently has four classes related to educational and career success: * Career Exploration * Creative Job Hunting * Creating College Success * Strategies for College Success By providing strategies for professional and educational development, these courses can help you succeed at the college level and beyond.

Arizona State University

Grant in 2022
Arizona State University is a public research university located in Tempe, Arizona, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. The institution emphasizes inclusivity and aims to measure its success by the diversity of its student body. Arizona State University engages in research initiatives that prioritize the public good, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the surrounding communities. Through its comprehensive educational services, the university plays a vital role in fostering higher education and contributing to the overall development of the region.

Northern Virginia Community College

Grant in 2022
With multiple campus locations and learning programs, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is one of the largest two-year community colleges in the nation. NOVA has an impressive selection of certificates and degrees to meet the needs of students who are preparing for a future career or for transfer to a four-year university. The school even has distance learning and continuing education for workforce development. Working adults are able to take an entire certificate or degree program on campus or online. The following are some of the majors offered at NOVA: * Administration of Justice * Automotive Technology * Computer Science * Engineering * Fine Arts * Interior Design * Nursing * Veterinary Technology Many opportunities exist for students as part of NOVA college life through on-campus activities, athletic and fitness programs, and student-run organizations. There is an open admissions policy at NOVA, and any applicants who are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED are encouraged to submit their applications. Placement tests may be a requirement for enrollment and are administered on campus. During the admissions process, applicants should complete a FAFSA as well to determine financial aid award eligibility. NOVA financial aid options include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.

New York University

Grant in 2022
New York University (NYU), founded in 1831 by Albert Gallatin, is one of the largest private universities in the United States and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. With a student body exceeding 50,000, NYU operates three degree-granting campuses in New York City, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, alongside numerous study away sites worldwide. The university has evolved from an initial enrollment of 158 students to a diverse community that includes individuals from every U.S. state and 133 countries. NYU's faculty comprises over 4,500 full-time members, offering a wide array of programs across disciplines such as arts, business, law, health, humanities, and sciences. The university provides more than 2,500 courses and awards over 25 different degrees, while maintaining smaller, distinct schools and colleges within its larger framework. Located in Greenwich Village, NYU thrives in the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, embodying its founder's vision of an institution that is deeply connected to the city and its dynamic environment.

University of Arizona

Grant in 2022
University of Arizona is a public research university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree courses. The university’s mission is to provide a comprehensive, high-quality education that engages its students in discovery through research and broad-based scholarship. It aims to empower its graduates to be leaders in solving complex societal problems. University of Arizona was founded in 1885 and is based in Tucson, Arizona.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Grant in 2022
North Carolina A&T State University is so many things to so many people, both in our state and around the country. North Carolina A&T State University is an HBCU. We are a top-flight research university, the largest historically black university (HBCU) in the country, the #1 producer of degrees awarded to African Americans in North Carolina and nationally recognized or our excellence in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) education. We are a diverse community, bound by intense pride and tradition, with fiercely loyal alumni who hold positions of importance and influence in companies and government agencies across the state, the country and the world. We are achievers, driven by a curious, limitless, fearless spirit that fuels discovery and innovation, resulting in 41 patents issued based on our research, as well as numerous spin-off and start-up companies. We are inclusive and welcoming, with students from many backgrounds and cultures, every part of our state, our nation and countries around the globe. We are passionate, driven by a desire to do more, be more and make more of a difference. Since we opened our doors in 1892, we have focused on giving every student the hands-on opportunities, core knowledge and global perspective that will lead them to make real and lasting change in their lives and the lives of others. At N.C. A&T, we have so much to be proud of, and you can learn more about those "Points of Pride" here. You can also use the links below to learn more about what makes N.C. A&T unique, from our leadership and history to our many rankings and recognitions.

The University of Texas System

Grant in 2022
The University of Texas System is one of the nation’s largest systems of public higher education with eight academic and six health institutions.University of Texas System to provide high-quality educational opportunities for the enhancement of the human resources of Texas, the nation and the world through intellectual and personal growth.

Georgia State University

Grant in 2022
Georgia State University, located in Atlanta, has a rich history that began in 1913 and has evolved into a prominent educational institution. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various fields such as business, social sciences, and health administration. The J. Mack Robinson College of Business, named after a notable philanthropist, is particularly recognized for its innovative and diverse academic offerings, ranking highly among public institutions for its BBA program. The college also features several research centers and institutes focused on entrepreneurship, international business, and health services, contributing to its reputation for research productivity. In addition to academic excellence, Georgia State University prioritizes student support services, providing resources such as academic advising and career counseling to ensure student success. The Georgia State University Foundation, established in 1958, manages the university's endowment, which funds scholarships, research, and various academic programs, further enhancing the university's mission to foster educational achievement and community service.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Grant in 2022
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a state-funded research university based in Atlanta, Georgia. The institute offers degree programs in architecture, computing, engineering, arts, business, and sciences. Georgia Tech, as the institute is commonly referred to, is organized into six colleges and contains 31 departments. Georgia Tech is a public institution and receives funding from the State of Georgia.

University of Pittsburgh

Grant in 2022
The University of Pittsburgh, established in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy, is a prominent state-related research university recognized for its academic excellence and research capabilities. It is a member of the Association of American Universities, which includes 62 leading doctorate-granting institutions in North America. The university ranks 24th globally and is recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States, holding the top position in Pennsylvania. The University of Pittsburgh is noted for its strong research productivity and impact, as evidenced by its high ranking in the Performance Rankings of Scientific Papers for World Universities. The university's Pittsburgh School of Medicine, founded in 1886, provides professional medical education, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Pitt's students have received numerous prestigious awards, including four Rhodes Scholarships between 2006 and 2012, making it one of the few public institutions to achieve such recognition.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Grant in 2022
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, serves North Carolina, the United States, and the world through teaching, research, and public service. We embrace an unwavering commitment to excellence as one of the world’s great research universities. Our mission is to serve as a center for research, scholarship, and creativity and to teach a diverse community of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to become the next generation of leaders. Through the efforts of our exceptional faculty and staff, and with generous support from North Carolina’s citizens, we invest our knowledge and resources to enhance access to learning and to foster the success and prosperity of each rising generation. We also extend knowledge-based services and other resources of the University to the citizens of North Carolina and their institutions to enhance the quality of life for all people in the State.

City University of New York

Grant in 2022
The City University of New York is a public university system that provides higher education through a network of colleges and schools. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university engages with multiple industries, including education, healthcare, technology, and public service.

Virginia Tech

Grant in 2022
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known as Virginia Tech, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia, with additional educational facilities across six regions in the state and a study-abroad site in Switzerland. Established in 1857, Virginia Tech offers 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 34,400 students. The university is recognized for its research capabilities, managing a research portfolio valued at $522 million, which positions it as the 46th university in the United States for research expenditures and the only institution in Virginia among the top 50. Additionally, Virginia Tech is designated as one of the six senior military colleges in the U.S. through its Corps of Cadets ROTC program, making it the state's second-largest public university by enrollment.

University of Oregon

Grant in 2022
For over a century, the University of Oregon (UO) has provided students with innovative academic programs. The large, main campus is located in Eugene, and other sites are available in Portland and Charleston (Oregon Institute of Marine Biology). The school even has the Pine Mountain Observatory in Central Oregon, operated by astronomers and UO physics students. UO’s academics offer hundreds of undergraduate and graduate degree programs including: Biochemistry, Business Administration, Interior Architecture, Marine Biology, and Music Education. It even has pre-professional programs in Clinical Laboratory Science, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Teacher Education, and Veterinary Medicine. Study abroad programs for academic credit are available as well. Admissions materials for the school can be submitted online along with the required application fee. Applications are evaluated based on academic potential, grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and other considerations. Financial aid is awarded to those who qualify to assist with tuition costs and other educational expenses. Tuition fees are discounted for Oregon residents. College life at UO is full of opportunities: Greek Life, student-run clubs and organizations, recreational activities, sports, and more. The school is also well known for its athletic teams, the Oregon Ducks, who compete in the PAC-12. The football team in particular has built a large fan base, and students can be found at the stadium every home game Saturday during the season. For exceptional academics in a traditional university setting located near the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, take a look at the University of Oregon.

Southern New Hampshire University Endowment

Grant in 2022
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a prominent institution located in Manchester, New Hampshire, dedicated to providing a comprehensive post-secondary education. Over the past 25 years, SNHU has experienced significant growth, expanding its facilities and academic offerings to include over 110 programs, ranging from associate degrees to doctoral studies. Notable among its offerings is the Community Economic Development program, which has recently been enhanced with the introduction of a Ph.D. program. The university is committed to maintaining affordability for its students, offering various financial aid options and programs designed to reduce tuition costs, such as the SNHU Advantage Program. The university also manages an endowment that supports scholarships, research, and academic initiatives, with its investments governed by a board of trustees. Through these efforts, SNHU aims to foster academic excellence and accessibility while contributing to the local and broader community.

Interplay Learning

Series B in 2021
Interplay Learning Inc. is an educational technology company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2010. It specializes in online training solutions that leverage 3D interactive simulations and virtual reality to enhance skill development and technical aptitude. The platform offers a range of courses targeting various fields, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical work, energy auditing, manufacturing, and construction codes. By providing immersive training experiences, Interplay Learning aims to improve learning outcomes for students and professionals in skilled trades. Its products are utilized by diverse clients, including educational institutions, government agencies, and industry organizations, to facilitate effective career training and certification. Additionally, the company develops tailored simulations for manufacturers to train technicians in the installation and servicing of their products worldwide.

Cinematic Health

Venture Round in 2020
Cinematic Health Education was founded to address the critical training needs of patients facing roles that are dependent on acquiring the soft skills in order to be successful. Its vision is to apply its cinematic approach to the development of training and certification programs for allied health professionals, including home health aides and personal care aides.

CareAcademy

Series A in 2020
CareAcademy specializes in providing online training for senior care professionals, aiming to enhance the quality of service delivered to older adults. The platform offers a comprehensive range of courses, including topics such as infection control, nutrition, meal preparation, dementia care, fall prevention, and safe transfers. This educational resource empowers over 250,000 direct care workers to advance their skills and professional development. Additionally, CareAcademy features an advanced reporting, training, and compliance management dashboard, making it a scalable training solution that helps home care businesses operate more efficiently and effectively.

Nepris

Series A in 2020
Nepris is a cloud-based platform that connects industry professionals with K-16 classrooms, adult job seekers and out of school youth to bring real world relevance and career exposure to all learners. Nepris matches the skills of working professionals to learning objectives and virtually connects them with students to bring abstract lessons to life, offer project mentoring and evaluation, virtual tours, mock interviews and virtual work place experiences. Nepris makes it easy for educators to leverage industry connections to bring real world knowledge and skills to students, while providing a reliable platform for companies and regional intermediaries (like workforce boards, chamber, STEM hubs) to easily and effectively engage current workforce with the future workforce.

Riipen

Seed Round in 2019
Riipen is an experiential education platform that facilitates connections between universities and colleges and industry partners. Its primary goal is to enhance students' employability by providing them with project-based experiences that align with real-world industry needs. Through its platform, educators can engage students in short-term projects with companies, fostering valuable skills and creating opportunities for networking. This approach not only helps students gain practical experience relevant to their fields but also allows businesses to increase brand awareness and recruit talent directly from campuses. By bridging the gap between education and industry, Riipen aims to ensure that graduates are better prepared for the job market upon completion of their studies.

Kenzie Academy

Series A in 2019
Kenzie Academy, Inc. operates as a software engineering apprenticeship school dedicated to addressing the shortage of tech talent in the United States. Founded in 2017 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the academy offers a range of educational programs, including coding bootcamps and online courses, designed to provide students with essential training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Programs vary in length from six months to two years, culminating in a paid apprenticeship opportunity. Kenzie Academy emphasizes job placement as a primary goal, assisting graduates in securing positions either within its consulting arm or at various technology firms. The academy's leadership and instructors are experienced professionals committed to supporting students throughout their educational journey.

Mentor Collective

Venture Round in 2019
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in providing platforms for universities to implement and manage mentoring programs. It offers a comprehensive range of services including program design, mentorship operations, a content library, and assessment and analytics to enhance student engagement and success. By connecting students with relevant near-peer mentors, Mentor Collective aims to improve retention rates and overall student experiences. The organization partners with over 120 universities, including notable institutions such as Princeton and UC Davis, to ensure that all students have access to mentorship opportunities. The company has received recognition for its impact in the education sector, including placements in the Inc. 5000 list and accolades from Forbes and BostInno.

SV Academy

Series A in 2019
SV Academy, founded in 2017, is an online educational platform that aims to democratize access to careers in sales and customer success for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. The organization connects over 400 SaaS employers with a community of rigorously trained talent, offering services such as skill-building, mentorship, job placement assistance, and ongoing support after employment. With a focus on preparing graduates with the necessary skills and confidence, SV Academy provides weekly coaching and mentoring sessions led by experienced business development executives. The effectiveness of its program is reflected in the fact that 60% of graduates receive promotions within their first year. Recognized for its innovative approach to education, SV Academy is supported by several prominent investors and continues to foster a strong network for alumni through various events and coaching opportunities.

ReUp Education

Series A in 2019
ReUp Education, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that offers specialized marketing and consulting services to educational institutions aimed at re-enrolling students who have left college. Founded in 2015, ReUp utilizes data, technology, and personalized coaching to support these students in navigating their paths back to graduation. The company partners with universities and community colleges to engage and empower individuals who have dropped out, addressing various barriers to completion, such as financial challenges, work obligations, and motivational issues. By providing services that include goal-setting, study habits, financial management, and career preparation, ReUp helps students complete their remaining credits and achieve their educational goals. The organization addresses the significant issue of student dropouts in the United States, where millions have left college without degrees, often burdened by debt.

Upswing International

Venture Round in 2019
Upswing offers an integrated student services platform designed to enhance student retention for colleges and universities. This platform consolidates various student support operations, allowing students to easily access services such as advising, counseling, success coaching, and tutoring within a virtual environment. Additionally, Upswing provides a virtual assistant that connects students to college reminders and important information via SMS. This streamlined approach enables college administrators to manage support staff more effectively, oversee communication with students, and access cohesive reporting and insights. Moreover, the platform facilitates academic assistance by allowing students to select coaches based on criteria such as price, quality, subjects, and prior experiences, thereby providing tailored support throughout their college journey.

Credly

Series A in 2019
Credly, Inc. operates a platform that specializes in verifying, sharing, and managing digital badges and credentials, which represent a variety of verified skills, abilities, and certifications. The company serves a diverse clientele, including educational institutions, employers, and professional associations, facilitating the translation of learning experiences into professional opportunities through trusted digital credentials. Credly provides tools and resources, such as the Open Credit API and Credly SDKs, to support the creation and distribution of these credentials. By leveraging its global network of credential issuers, Credly helps organizations address skills gaps, enhance talent management, and make informed hiring decisions. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Credly is dedicated to transforming how knowledge and skills are recognized and communicated in the workforce.

Bay Path University

Grant in 2019
Versatility is the key component of Bay Path College’s academics. The college offers a traditional liberal arts undergraduate experience, as well as graduate programs, “Saturday college” for working adults and distance learning. About 20 undergraduate programs and nearly a dozen graduate programs are available. Additionally, Bay Path has a degree completion program as one of its distance learning opportunities. With more than 30 student organizations, college life at Bay Path offers plenty to explore. The school also participates in NCAA Division III athletics, and has many club sports and other fitness programs. As a women’s college, Bay Path offers undergraduate admissions to female applicants only. However, male students can apply for its graduate programs. Admissions requirements vary depending on the program you apply for, so check the college’s website for specific procedures. Financial aid options may vary based on the program, as well. Generally speaking, federal financial aid is the primary source for tuition assistance, but Bay Path also funds a number of scholarships that can provide up to $60,000 towards the education of eligible students.

RaiseMe

Series B in 2018
The college landscape today is broken for millions of students. Equal access to higher ed has become one of the greatest issues of our time. At RaiseMe, we're reinventing educational pathways and changing the way students access billions of dollars each year in financial aid for college. Rather than waiting until the end of high school to award financial aid, which is too late to affect students' college ambitions or specific application decisions, RaiseMe enables students to earn "micro-Scholarships" automatically throughout high school based on their individual achievements in and outside of the classroom. Students have already earned over $2 billion in micro-scholarships from our university partners. We're on the look out for talented individuals to help us build a large, impactful business and a product that will change millions of lives.

Cell-Ed

Seed Round in 2018
Cell-Ed offers employers and education providers a complete mobile messaging solution to reach, teach, coach, and upskill today's workforce. Cell-Ed was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

PLEXUSS

Venture Round in 2016
PLEXUSS is an education technology company that connects students with a variety of post-secondary educational opportunities through its innovative platform. By utilizing a Global Student Network, PLEXUSS helps millions of students access life-changing educational resources on a daily basis. The platform employs advanced matching algorithms, big data analytics, and machine learning to facilitate connections between students and the most compatible colleges, as well as to provide access to valuable resources such as alumni networks, majors, scholarships, and professional college counseling. This comprehensive approach aims to simplify the college recruitment process and support students in finding their ideal educational paths.

Nuro Retention

Series A in 2015
Copley has taken time-tested and proven practices which encourage student collaboration, support and success and transformed them into the digital worlds of the internet, smartphones and iPad. We facilitate instant, visual, audio, and written communication/interaction among your students, faculty and administrators to create a sense of community which is both nurturing and supportive of student success.
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