Brooke McKean and Jeffery Beckham Jr., former president and CEO of Chicago Scholars, have launched REACH Pathways, an app aimed at providing college and career resources to high-performing under-resourced students. The app combines AI, Tik Tok-style videos, gamification, and tailored advice to help students achieve their goals. Users can complete quests, watch video tutorials, and build resumes to access internships, jobs, and scholarships. The app has gained 1,000 users since its most recent update in September.
The venture is structured as an L3C, with a social mission as the primary objective. Companies pay a licensing fee to use the platform and post jobs, while colleges are charged a small subscription fee to provide students with access to REACH. The app aims to connect students with mentors and volunteers, as well as offer customized pathways to different industries to help students understand relevant careers.
McKean and Beckham leverage their connection to Chicago Scholars to expand their reach nationally. They believe that their 30 years of research-based curriculum can provide a strong foundation for the app’s success. Future plans include adding more ways to earn and redeem gems, as well as collaborating with employers to create tailored pathways for their industries. The app’s unique approach and focus on under-resourced students make it a promising tool for helping students achieve their college and career goals.
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