Revolutionizing Access to Education for Rural Students
The California Community Colleges Digital Center for Innovation, Transformation & Equity (Digital Center) has collaborated with Mainstay to launch an innovative pilot program. This initiative aims to assist rural students across the state as they navigate the complexities of applying for college.
Introducing Cali: Your Digital Coach
At the heart of this initiative is Cali, an intelligent and bilingual digital coach. Cali, powered by Mainstay's advanced engagement platform, is available around the clock to help students at Butte College, College of the Redwoods, and Lassen College. This friendly digital assistant guides users through the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). By leveraging technology, Cali ensures that students have the necessary support and resources, contributing to their confidence as they embark on their educational journey.
Aims of the Partnership
This partnership is anchored in three primary goals that focus on enhancing student engagement and success:
- Increase Enrollment and Retention: The aim is to support students at every touchpoint, encouraging them from application through to graduation.
- Expand Capacity: Automating routine inquiries allows staff to dedicate more time to personalized and impactful assistance for students.
- Listen at Scale: By actively gathering student feedback, colleges can gain valuable insights into their needs and improve equity and belonging on campus.
As Executive in Residence of Strategic Technology Initiatives at the California Community College's Chancellor's Office, Jory Hadsell stated, "Through this pilot, we're helping rural colleges serve more students with the same resources." The goal is to eliminate barriers that rural learners face, enabling them to focus on their education.
Mainstay's Mission in Education
Andrew Magliozzi, the founder of Mainstay, emphasized the shared vision between Mainstay and the Digital Center. He noted, "Mainstay is dedicated to empowering students to build social capital. Our collaboration centers around the belief that thoughtful technology can create equitable pathways to education. This is vital for the future of learning systems."
Understanding the Pilot Program
This groundbreaking project aligns with the upcoming registration season, set for spring. It employs research-backed conversational designs to ensure that students receive proactive guidance. The aim is to minimize common errors associated with the FAFSA and CADAA processes, lower verification rates, and facilitate a smooth transition into enrollment.
Colleges selected for this pilot have demonstrated leadership in serving rural communities and a commitment to embracing innovative solutions. The program will assess how human-centered AI can transform financial aid completion rates, first-term persistence, and proactive help-seeking behaviors, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging among students.
Collecting Student Feedback
By analyzing thousands of student interactions through this pilot, participating institutions will gain critical insights into student needs. This data will play a crucial role in driving efforts aimed at closing the college access gap in California, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Funding and Support
This initiative receives funding from the College Futures Foundation in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Their support highlights the commitment to enhancing educational access for all students, particularly those in underserved areas.
About the Digital Center
The California Community Colleges Digital Center was established to support the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to empower students as they transition into a workforce increasingly dominated by AI technologies. The Digital Center continuously seeks to innovate educational practices and forge partnerships that enhance student services.
More About Mainstay
Founded with a mission to empower knowledge access, Mainstay has evolved to become a leader in student success coaching, using a combination of behavioral science and AI. Its technologies are designed to ensure that students receive empathetic guidance throughout their educational journeys and have access to the support they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the partnership between California Community Colleges and Mainstay?
The partnership aims to assist rural students by simplifying the financial aid process using a bilingual digital coach named Cali.
How does the digital coach Cali help students?
Cali helps students complete their financial aid applications and connects them to on-campus resources for additional support.
What are the main goals of the pilot program?
The program focuses on increasing enrollment and retention, expanding capacity for staff support, and gathering student feedback to inform decision-making.
How is the pilot program funded?
The initiative is funded by College Futures Foundation in collaboration with the California Student Aid Commission.
What role does technology play in this educational initiative?
Technology is employed to streamline processes, enhance student engagement, and ensure equitable access to educational resources, thereby improving overall student success.
