Brooke McKean and Jeffery Beckham Jr., former president and CEO of Chicago Scholars, created REACH Pathways, a tech platform designed to help under-resourced students access college and career resources. They realized that their organization was only serving a small fraction of eligible students in Chicago and wanted to expand their reach nationally.
The app, launched in 2021 and spun out into a for-profit venture the following year, uses AI, gamification, Tik Tok-inspired videos, and tailored advice to guide students through personalized pathways towards their goals. Students can complete quests, watch video tutorials, and earn “gems” as they progress through the app, which also includes features like a resume builder and job posting.
REACH Pathways has gained 1,000 users since its most recent update in September. The platform charges companies for job postings and colleges a subscription fee to provide access to their students. Future plans for the app include integrating mentor interactions, more ways to earn and redeem rewards, and customized pathways for specific industries.
McKean and Beckham’s connection to Chicago Scholars gives them a unique advantage, as they can leverage the organization’s 30 years of research-based curriculum to expand their services to students nationwide. They believe their built-in user and customer base sets them apart from other edtech startups and will help them achieve their goal of reaching and supporting more under-resourced students throughout the country.
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