About the Episode
About the Episode: In this episode recorded live in Austin at SXSW EDU 2024, Dustin chats with Terah about her commitment to supporting stop-out students all over the country. She details the urgency of this issue and the methods for higher education to address it.
Transforming Institutional Support and Student Engagement
The Institutional Impact
ReUp Education's mission is twofold, impacting both institutions and students. For institutions, the focus is on tackling the enrollment challenges exacerbated by the demographic cliff. Terah Crews pointed out that engaging the "Some College, No Credential" demographic is not just a recruitment strategy but a critical pathway for institutions to stabilize or even grow their enrollment numbers.
Moreover, the shift from viewing student success merely as retention to understanding it as a long-term commitment to re-engaging dropouts marks a significant transformation in institutional strategy. This broader perspective is not only about filling seats but fostering a genuine commitment to lifelong learning and success.
The Student Experience
For students, the impact of ReUp's work is profound and personal. By reaching out to individuals who have been out of the educational system for years, sometimes decades, ReUp reignites the possibility of completing their education. This outreach is often the first time these individuals are asked about their educational aspirations after a long hiatus, making the interaction significantly impactful.
The tailored approach that ReUp employs, using patented technology to predict motivators and detractors, helps create personalized support pathways. This method not only re-engages students but also aligns their educational goals with their current life circumstances, leading to transformative outcomes both personally and professionally.
Government's Role in Supporting Education
A newer focus for ReUp is its engagement with state governments, recognizing that their goals align closely with ReUp's mission. State governments, as Terah highlighted, have a vested interest in the success of these students, not only for educational achievement but also for economic reasons. By investing in students who have halted their education, states can enhance their workforce, reduce dependency on welfare programs, and increase overall economic stability.
A Call to Action for Higher Education
This discussion at SXSW EDU 2024 sheds light on the critical need for institutions and governments to rethink their approach to education, particularly for the 41 million Americans with some college experience but no degree. As Terah Crews passionately points out, ignoring this demographic is no longer an option if we are to address the educational and economic challenges ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Institutional Strategy: Viewing student success as a long-term commitment rather than a short-term metric.
- Personalized Support: Employing technology and empathetic outreach to re-engage students on their terms.
- Government Involvement: Recognizing the role of state governments in fostering educational success and economic growth.
Guest Social Handles: LinkedIn
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Dustin will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!