In the midst of COVID-19, we continue to adapt and adjust as an organization. While our respective plans shifted, we’ve found new and innovative ways to serve our families.
We’ve also been able to pivot workshops and previous offerings in light of the pandemic. What was once all face to face is now transitioned to an online and virtually hosted format.
We’re in new, unusual, and uncharted territory. And yet, this moment in history has spurred dramatic shifts in how we:
- Embrace the power of technology
- Create strategic partnerships
- Fight racial inequality
- Protect our families in uncertain times
In today’s update, we share how we’re changing during the pandemic, the work that’s happening, and how you can stay involved.
PROGRAM UPDATES
The Inversant Board of Directors recently met to discuss our focus for 2020 and beyond. After a series of team and board surveys, Stacy Scott facilitated an open dialogue.
During which, we determined that Inversant will strive to:
- Serve more college-bound individuals
- Build more community support for our programming
Parents of high school students have been our core constituency. Yet, we’ve seen an increasing need to expand.
As the “traditional-age college student” evolves, so will our program. Traditional age, once viewed as 18 – 25-year-olds has now shifted.
Today it includes more independent, adult learners, enrolled in full-time or part-time study. Some are parents, themselves.
This provides Inversant an opportunity to support this growing population.
We’ll adapt our programming to serve nontraditional-age students and equip them with:
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Resources
Everything they need to make important and financially-significant decisions about their education.
As we explore the expansion of support, earning community support is critical. That and maintenance are key to sustaining growth and a positive impact.
To better understand our local communities, we’ll form Community Advisory Groups in five cities.
Each group will include individuals from civic, business, education, and nonprofit spheres. We’ll also invite Inversant alumni representation to each advisory group.
The knowledge and insight will help inform the evolution of Inveresants programming. From design to delivery, our community groups will provide guidance and direction.
ADVANCEMENT UPDATES
Director of Research, Bahar Ackman Imboden, recently interviewed experts from The Institute of Student Loan Advisors and the Student Borrower Protection Center.
She introduced Inversant and Hildreth Institute to like-minded organizations with over 8,000 followers combined.
Their conversation, “How to Avoid Unfair College Student Loan Practices,” answered many questions borrowers and co-signers most frequently ask.
This topic was especially important during such uncertain times.
FUNDRAISING UPDATES
Pizza Parties
Our recent celebration of the Inversant Class of 2020 was a massive success! Over 8 days, we celebrated parents and their high school graduates.
We’ll share complete details about our Pizza Party Campaign in our next edition, but want to celebrate its huge success.
Our campaign goal for the Pizza Party was to raise $5,000.00 to cover pizza, delivery, and other party expenses. We far exceeded expectations raising a total of $7,863.00!
We also want to take a moment to say thank you to Acadian Asset Management. When they heard about the at-home parties, they offered to sponsor all pizzas for our Boston households!
A long-time Inversant supporter, Acadian was instrumental in a successful celebration on Monday, June 22, 2020.
Match the Match
Did you know that Inversant matches as much as $180,000 in college savings every year? July is the month when Inversant’s graduating families receive savings matches as they prepare to enter college.
Keep your eyes peeled for our “Match the Match” campaign coming up in July!
It’s an exciting time of the year as we further the mission of serving low-to-middle income families. We’ll send an email with additional details on how you can help us further support Inversant families.
Family Savings Matches
When families enroll in Inversant Family Savings programs, they open up specially designated savings accounts for college.
Throughout their participation in the program, we encourage families to save, little by little, month by month, for their children’s higher educational expenses.
As an incentive, Inversant promises to match what each family has saved (specific match criteria vary by program site) by the end of their child’s senior year of high school.
YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
We are living through a historic moment that will forever alter America. Not only will this define our lifetime, but generations to come.
At Inversant, we take responsibility for the role we play during this time very seriously.
Thank you for your continued support. We’ve been on a mission to advance college access for everyone, and with your help, we’re getting closer every day.