🧑🎓 Career-Ready Education Focusing on Industry-Academic Partnerships
The push for a skilled workforce is driving higher education to focus more on career readiness, with universities forming industry partnerships and investing in EdTech. Check the newly launched 2024 LATAM EdTech 100 identifying the most promising EdTech startups in the region.
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The push for a skilled workforce is driving higher education to focus more on career readiness, with universities forming industry partnerships and investing in EdTech. This last week saw DeVry University collaborate with OneTen and Chrisland University’s partner with Nigeria’s ICSAN to align academic learning with real-world skills. Language learning is also a career-opening skill, as seen in the Middle East with Pearson’s partnership with King Saud University, providing access to AI-powered language learning tools. Partnerships like these are increasing as both demand for skills increases and technology outpaces educational reform. EdTech investments like UpGrad’s $60M from Singapore’s Temasek and Eruditus’ recent $150M raise highlight strong investor interest in upskilling, training, and job-ready education. Expect more industry-academic partnerships, innovative EdTech solutions, and efforts to close the skills gap.
The global tech talent shortage could result in $450B in unrealized output by 2030, with impacts expected to double to $213.5B by 2025. To address this gap, universities are partnering with industry leaders to create specialized programs that align curricula with workforce demands. These collaborations include internships, mentorships, and co-designed courses to facilitate upskilling and reskilling, ensuring graduates possess the necessary skills to succeed in a competitive job market.
🏆 2024 Latin America & Caribbean EdTech 100
This week HolonIQ launched the annual LATAM EdTech 100, identifying the most promising EdTech startups transforming education in Latin America and the Caribbean. This year's cohort highlights a shift towards scalable, digital, and skills-focused solutions with a focus on Workforce and Skills platforms addressing the growing demand for tech talent. Go to the 2024 LATAM EdTech 100. Customers can analyze the complete list on the platform here.
💪 Power Moves
🤝 Anthology partnered with Obrizum, a UK-based digital learning AI-powered platform, to provide personalized learning solutions and analytical insights within Anthology’s Blackboard LMS.
🪄 D2L, an educational solutions provider, launched Creator+, a GenAI-powered course authoring tool that integrates with H5P, an open-source content creation tool. D2L acquired H5P in July.
⏪ The U.S. Department of Education plans to withdraw its guidance on “third-party servicers” that aid colleges and universities within the next four weeks. Rather than replacing it, the guidance will be reviewed and changed through a more formal rule-making
🪜 Career Prep and Development
💰 SchooLinks, a college and career readiness platform, secured $80M in series B funding to expand and support its platform for K-12 students across the U.S.
💼 DeVry University partnered with OneTen, a career pathway organization, to provide scholarships for gaining work-ready skills with access to job opportunities.
📈 Chrisland University in Nigeria partnered with the Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) to connect academic learning with career prospects.
💰 Deals of the Week
🏫 EQT AB, a Swedish investment firm, acquired Nord Anglia Education for $14.5B.
💰 SchooLinks, a college and career readiness platform, secured $80M in series B funding to expand and support its platform for K-12 students across the US.
🏘️ Empiric Student Property, a UK-based student accommodation operator, raised $72.7M to expand acquisitions and refurbishment projects.
🧑💻 UpGrad, an Indian upskilling provider, received a $60M in growth capital from Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, Temasek.
👩💻 Cyber Guru, a cybersecurity awareness training provider, raised $25M to expand its sales marketing and development operations.
🧑🏫 Farid, an Egyptian mental health startup, received $250K to develop its platform and operations and expand into Saudi Arabia and the UAE markets.
🎟️ ILAC Education Group acquired the US-based UniApplyNow, a university admission platform, to strengthen its North American higher education platform customer base.
🖥️ Trainocate, an IT education company, acquired EnterOne, an advanced technology training and services provider, to expand Trainocate’s global presence.
📚 Relay, a provider of K-12 special education and Medicaid workflow solutions, secured an undisclosed investment from Resurgens for go-to-market strategies and expansion.
Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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