Latest news with #InsideTrack
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
National Student Success Nonprofit Awarded Salesforce Accelerator Grant to Pilot Agentic AI in Higher Education
InsideTrack awarded $333,000 in funding and in-kind technology services from Fortune 500 leader Salesforce to develop AI-powered tools that unlock time and staff capacity for student support PORTLAND, Ore., June 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- InsideTrack, the national student success nonprofit that has served more than 3.5 million learners over the past two decades, today announced its selection to the Salesforce Accelerator – Agents for Impact, a highly competitive initiative by Fortune 500 cloud leader Salesforce to help nonprofits build and customize AI agents and AI-powered tools to improve operational efficiency and scale their impact. Over the next two years, the nonprofit will tap funding and in-kind resources from Salesforce to develop an AI-driven solution that augments the capacity of student success coaches working on the frontline to help more students chart pathways to and through higher education. "As institutions navigate rapid changes in student demographics and technology, AI adoption must support—not erode—the human relationships that ultimately drive student success," said Ruth Bauer, president at InsideTrack. "By anchoring this work in the experiences of students, coaches and advisors, we're building the kind of human-centered AI tools that can unlock staff capacity and help more students achieve their educational and career aspirations." While the use of AI in higher education is accelerating, many institutions are still seeking models that can augment, rather than automate, human support. According to a 2024 EDUCAUSE survey, 58% of institutions reported that they are either piloting or actively exploring AI tools across their campuses, but only 28% of institutions have a formal strategy guiding AI implementation that incorporates human-centered principles. Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that handle routine, time-intensive tasks to expand human capacity. InsideTrack's forthcoming tool will analyze unstructured coaching data—such as session notes—to generate summaries, identify focus areas, and recommend next steps. Coaches will be able to use this agentic AI tool to streamline behind-the-scenes tasks—like summarizing sessions and generating next-step recommendations—to reduce administrative load and increase time spent building meaningful relationships that drive student success. To support this groundbreaking work, InsideTrack will receive $333,000 in unrestricted funding, two years of donated Salesforce products, and a full year of strategic guidance, including one-on-one consulting and pro bono support from Salesforce experts. "This work is about more than just using technology to boost efficiency—it's about creating space for learning, connection and growth," said Ron Smith, vice president of philanthropy at Salesforce. "As AI becomes more tightly integrated into higher education, it's essential that its adoption is guided by principles like human judgment, ethics and responsibility. The goal is to enrich human connection, not replace it, and empower those who serve students to achieve an even greater impact on student success." Supporting more than 200,000 learners through 2.2 million individual interactions each year, InsideTrack's team works with a high volume of qualitative insights gathered through student coaching conversations. The new AI solution is designed to responsibly synthesize de-identified case information, surface trends, and streamline reporting—giving coaches, advisors, and leadership in-depth insights and more time to focus on high-impact student engagement. "For years, we've used data to identify which students are at risk and when they need support," said Dr. Tim Renick, founding executive director of the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University, a nationally-recognized innovator in the application of predictive analytics for student success and member of InsideTrack's advisory board. "But knowing who needs help isn't enough. We must build tools that give frontline staff the time and capacity to respond to alerts quickly and to provide the guidance and support that truly change outcomes." The initiative is part of Salesforce's broader effort to equip mission-driven organizations with ethical, impact-oriented AI tools. Since early 2025, InsideTrack has participated in weekly strategy sessions with Salesforce pro bono teams, hosted discovery interviews with coaches and managers, and joined workshops alongside other grantees. As the project moves from development to implementation, InsideTrack coaches will use a beta version of the new AI tool starting this summer. Colleges, universities, and third-party organizations interested in supporting this work or participating in the pilot should reach out to Meaghan Joyce, [email protected]. About InsideTrack: InsideTrack is a mission-driven nonprofit that fuels positive change by empowering and advancing all learners to achieve their educational and career goals through the transformative power of coaching. We help people get the education they need to enhance well-being, create opportunity and secure meaningful employment — ultimately facilitating economic and social mobility. Since 2001, we have served over 3.5 million learners, partnering with more than 380 institutions and organizations to directly improve enrollment, retention, completion, and career advancement — tailoring our coaching outcomes to fit the needs of our partners and the learners they support. Our coaching methodology is evidence-based and research-confirmed, supporting all types of learners at every stage of their journey — especially those who face systemic barriers to postsecondary success. We are a catalyst for transformational impact, ultimately empowering learners and the organizations that serve them. To learn more, visit and follow us on LinkedIn @InsideTrack and X @InsideTrack. About Salesforce: Salesforce is the global leader in customer relationship management (CRM), helping companies of every size and industry digitally transform and connect with their customers in a whole new way. Through its philanthropic initiatives, Salesforce partners with mission-driven organizations to unlock impact through technology and innovation. Learn more at
Cision Canada
03-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Oregon Institute of Technology Expands Student Coaching Initiative to Boost Retention and Re-Engage Stopped-Out Learners
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore., June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech), Oregon's polytechnic university serving more than 5,300 students, today announced the expansion of a multi-year student support initiative that will provide one-on-one coaching for students across its in-person and online programs. Through an expanding partnership with nonprofit InsideTrack, the university has rolled out personalized coaching services to help students enroll, persist, and ultimately complete their degrees. "Our coaching program has grown rapidly, driven by the entrepreneurial approach we have taken and a shared commitment to meeting students' evolving needs," said Greg Stringer, associate vice provost for strategic enrollment management and retention. "Oregon Tech is built to be agile—designed to meet students where they are and guide them toward success. At a time when too few students are thriving in STEM fields, our work is about more than enrollment or retention—it's about changing lives and expanding opportunity through education." Over the past 18 months, Oregon Tech has steadily expanded the coaching program to deliver high-touch support for learners, improve enrollment outcomes, and build long-term coaching capacity that engages students in both on-campus and fully online programs. Initial efforts focused on targeted outreach and support for re-enrolling students, and have since grown to include proactive coaching for first-time students as well as coaching to promote retention and long-term student success. Since launching with InsideTrack in 2023, Oregon Tech has deployed success coaching throughout the student lifecycle, providing one-on-one support to help learners navigate everything from choosing the right academic program to building a plan for how they will balance education with work, family, and financial responsibilities. "Given the range of work, family, and financial commitments most students are juggling today, it's not enough to simply open the door. We need to actively walk alongside students as they navigate their journey," said Ruth Claire Black, dean of online learning and global engagement at Oregon Tech. "This is about building a culture of support that meets students where they are, whether they're enrolling for the first time, returning after time away, or working to persist through academic or personal challenges." Across Oregon, nearly 500,000 Oregonians have some college credit but no degree. The university's approach comes at an important time for Oregon higher education, as the state's 40-40-20 goal —set in 2011 to ensure that all young adult Oregonians attain a high school diploma, postsecondary certificate, or college degree—nears its target date. This partnership, which started in 2023, has been funded in part using competitive grant funding from the state of Oregon's Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), underscoring Oregon's broader commitment to student success across the state's public colleges and universities. These funds, in addition to institutional support, will enable Oregon Tech to expand coaching to both re-enrolling and first-time students and begin supporting prospective students as they evaluate and enroll in one of the university's program offerings, ranging from certificate programs to bachelor's degrees. "Oregon Tech's students reflect the broad range of experiences of students in higher education today. Many are first-generation, working adults, transfer students, or returning students looking to sharpen their skills or retool for a new career," said Ruth Bauer, president of InsideTrack and a lifetime Oregon resident. "This is about making sure they don't have to navigate those challenges alone. Oregon Tech is doubling down on coaching as a way to provide the kind of high-touch, sustainable support that will help more students stay on track—and achieve their full potential." With over 5,300 students across its campuses and online programs, Oregon Tech serves a diverse population of career-driven learners, many of whom are working adults, transfer students, or military-affiliated. Nearly one-third of its students take at least one class online, while 15% study fully online. As Oregon's only public polytechnic university, Oregon Tech blends rigorous academics with real-world experience in engineering, health, technology, and business by integrating internships, clinical experiences, and fieldwork into its curriculum. For more information on Oregon Tech's work visit About Oregon Tech: Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is the only public polytechnic university in Oregon, offering innovative, hands-on education in engineering, technology, health sciences, and applied sciences. With campuses in Klamath Falls, Portland-Metro, and online, Oregon Tech serves over 5,300 students and is committed to preparing graduates for successful careers and leadership in a rapidly changing workforce. About InsideTrack: InsideTrack is a mission-driven nonprofit that fuels positive change by empowering and advancing all learners to achieve their educational and career goals through the transformative power of coaching. We help people get the education they need to enhance well-being, create opportunity and secure meaningful employment — ultimately facilitating economic and social mobility. Since 2001, we have served over 3.5 million learners, partnering with more than 380 institutions and organizations to directly improve enrollment, retention, completion, and career advancement — tailoring our coaching outcomes to fit the needs of our partners and the learners they support. Our coaching methodology is evidence-based and research-confirmed, supporting all types of learners at every stage of their journey — especially those who face systemic barriers to postsecondary success. We are a catalyst for transformational impact, ultimately empowering learners and the organizations that serve them. To learn more, visit and follow us on LinkedIn @InsideTrack and X @InsideTrack.
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Trent Alexander-Arnold told 'ship has sailed' as Liverpool star warned - 'Everyone knows'
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer with the full-back's contract nearing its end and no agreement between player and club yet in sight Trent Alexander-Arnold's move from Liverpool to Real Madrid is "done", according to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper also claimed that the Anfield hierarchy are fully aware that an agreement to take the Reds' full-back to Madrid as a free agent this summer is all but complete. Alexander-Arnold's contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season and an agreement over a new deal is yet to be reached. It's widely understood that Los Blancos are intent on bringing Liverpool's vice-captain to La Liga. However, last Sunday saw the 26-year-old's name back in the headlines after he scored the winning goal against Leicester City to move Arne Slot's team a step closer to being confirmed as Premier League champions. Alexander-Arnold's wild celebrations in front of the travelling Kop sparked chatter that the supposed wantaway star was actually having second thoughts over his mooted move to the Spanish capital. Yet speaking to Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Robinson, 43, explained that the deal has been agreed since January and there is now no way back for Alexander-Arnold, or Liverpool. He also warned the defender that if he were to U-turn, it would leave lots of people upset. 'No, there's no chance,' the ex-Three Lions star said. 'It's kite-flying journalism, there's absolutely no chance. "We heard Mo Salah was going to sign, that came out, then we heard that Virgil van Dijk was going to sign, and that came out. 'With Trent, there's not been a dicky bird. He's gone, it's done, and I told you that in January. He'd upset a lot of people in Madrid if that was the case, there have been handshakes and agreements in place. "It would be one of the biggest U-turns I've ever seen. There's no way Trent is coming back, that ship has sailed and everyone at Liverpool knows it.' Journalist Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that, while Liverpool have not given up hope that Alexander-Arnold could still sign a new contract to stay with the club, it appears that any effort from the Reds may be in vain. The reporter has insisted that there has been no changes in the situation and declared that, despite any recent celebrations indicating otherwise, Alexander-Arnold is expected to sign on the dotted line for Madrid come the summer. Liverpool can clinch their 20th top-flight league title with a draw against Spurs on Sunday. The Reds' second Premier League title in five years would also represent Alexander-Arnold's ninth major honour with the club since he made his first-team debut in 2016.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
27-year-old Arsenal ace agrees mega pay deal
He's surplus to requirements at Arsenal, but Kieran Tierney has agreed a megabucks deal with Celtic where he'll be the best paid player. The agreement for Tierney to move north of the border has been in place for a while now, but Mikel Arteta refused to allow the player to leave in the summer. Things could've worked out much differently after West Ham agreed a deal for Tierney with Arsenal during the summer, though the player's mind was clearly made up to return to Celtic. According to journalist, Pete O'Rourke, speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Tierney will now become Celtic's best-paid player under Brendan Rodgers. It isn't clear exactly how much he'll be earning though it'll seemingly not be 'anywhere near' what he earns with the Gunners. That, in itself, should indicate the gulf between the English and Scottish top-flight, and the fact that Tierney is believed to be willing to take a substantial pay cut in order to get regular football and be happy deserves the plaudits. Far too often nowadays players appear to be more interested in how much money they can earn rather than moving for the enjoyment of playing week in and week out. It will be interesting to see whether, as we head towards the business end of the season, whether Mikel Arteta will see his way clear in terms of handing Tierney some minutes.
