Why the Status Quo in Higher Education Isn’t Good Enough

by | Aug 6, 2020 | Insider

When a crisis strikes, change is inevitable. Nowhere is that more true than in higher education today.

Our higher education system was already facing a looming crisis. Then along came the pandemic exacerbating the brokenness of our system.

One thing is clear. The status quo is no longer acceptable.

In our latest update, we share how we continue to promote sweeping change not only internally, but within our higher education system.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Virtual Planning Retreats

As the pandemic rages on, company meetings require creativity. One of those was our regular planning retreats. Rather than in-person, they also became virtual.

To date, we’ve done a series of virtual retreats. In each one, we’re guided by the Lean Canvas approach. With the Lean Canvas, our Programs team can move fast.

Instead of a simple SWOT analysis, we dive deep into the needs of our families and we’re always led by data. Together, we’re able to rapidly prototype, test, and iterate.

We’re currently working through the development of our first modular program (seven total). We’ve dedicated 16 hours to examining our Savings Match Program.

The updated program will include courses, topics, and training in bite-sized chunks. Modular learning has many benefits, including

  • Speed. We can launch each module quickly, make focused revisions, and improvements as we go.
  • Efficiency. Modular learning allows us to unbundle the traditional, long-form learning workshops. This saves time while allowing us to gather valuable feedback and insight.
  • Flexibility. Each modular component is repurposable and available for a variety of different scenarios.

Stay tuned for our next update!

Cash for College

We’ve applied the same process to the planning of our upcoming Cash for College scholarship.

Using Hildreth Institute’s findings, we’re able to see how to make a significant impact. Cash for College will support high-risk groups in two categories:

  • Need-based: Financial need must be present to qualify, but performance is also considered.
  • Student-specific: Individual groups like women, minorities, and members of certain faith-based organizations.

We’re emphasizing a student’s background and personal history. Their demonstrated need is the final piece for award determination.

In the most general terms, at-risk students are those whose:

  • Income falls below the designated national poverty level, OR
  • Whose cultural or family background has placed them at an educational disadvantage.

This includes women, ethnic minorities, single parents, and first-generation college students.

We’re working on the final details for this scholarship. Don’t miss our next update where we’ll unveil the specifics.

ADVANCEMENT UPDATES

Alumni Assistance Fund

The 2020 Alumni Assistance Fund is live! As the pandemic continues, we needed a way to offer a small amount of relief to those hurting.

This emergency fund is available to any member of an Inversant alumni family. Families are pre-qualified if they meet the following criteria:

  • They or a family member have completed any Inversant program AND
  • They or a family member are currently enrolled, have graduated from, or were enrolled in higher education (community college, university, trade school, etc.) AND/OR
  • They or a family member are servicing student debt

Our goal is to give up to $100 to 900 Inversant families. In less than 24 hours, we have over 500 families that have applied!

Help us spread the word! Share the fund with anyone you know may qualify for emergency support.

Inversant Insights

At Inversant, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to engage with our families. That’s why we launched our new series, Inversant Insights, with host and Inversant CEO, Dr. Charles Desmond.

This series explores the challenges of higher education today. It dives into the dark spaces, seeking to expose inequities and uncover long-held traditions within the system that marginalizes entire communities.

We know the heavy cost associated with higher education. We also know the uncertainty in our current times. Our goal is to ensure every family has the resources and understanding they need to achieve their higher education goals without an overwhelming burden of debt.

Watch as our panel discusses:

  • The pro’s and con’s of higher education
  • The true cost of going to college
  • What you can expect in college
  • The top questions you need to consider

Should I Go to College? The Real Truth Exposed

Go to college. Get a good job. That’s the advice most students get as they prepare to leave high school.But should you go to college? Join Inversant CEO, Charles Desmond with special guests Alex Ervin and Rebekah Stewartson.They'll discuss:- The pro's and con's of higher education- The true cost of going to college- What you can expect in college- The top questions you need to considerJoin us on August 5th at 12:30 PM ET to learn everything you need to know about going to college in 2020 and beyond.

Posted by Inversant on Wednesday, August 5, 2020


BOARD UPDATES

Amid the pandemic, we continue to explore ways to increase participation at our leadership level.

Earlier this year, we worked with the board to form committees. We’re now formalizing roles within each one. We’re also examining effective operating structures.

As we put the final touches on this in August, look for an update on implementation coming in September.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Founded in 1926 with only 35 members, Metro Credit Union is now the largest state-chartered credit union in Massachusetts.

Metro is a not for profit financial cooperative owned and operated for its members.

In keeping with the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” Metro’s mission is perfectly aligned with Inversant:

“Create and foster meaningful relationships that guide people toward better financial choices.”

We’re thrilled to join forces and truly appreciate their support!

YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT


Resilience is, “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, toughness in the face of adversity.”

Inversant is a resilient bunch and so are our families. We’re adapting, changing, and growing in the face of a pandemic.

Through your support, our families are doing the same. Thank you for your steadfast commitment this year.

We appreciate you more than you’ll ever know!

Share our story!

Help us spread the word about the important work we’re doing.