Startup Challenges Traditional 'Weed-Out' College Courses

A New Venture in Education: Edge Pathways Launches with $8 Million Seed Funding

Five years prior, Dan Sommer, a seasoned entrepreneur, made a significant investment in the adult learning sector with the creation of Trilogy Education.

Trilogy Education offered both online and in-person bootcamps, developed in partnership with universities, focused on equipping individuals with current technological skills.

From Bootcamp Success to High School Focus

In 2019, Sommer successfully sold Trilogy Education to 2U for $750 million, marking one of the most substantial exits in the edtech industry to date.

Now, Sommer is introducing a new, venture-backed startup within the education landscape, but with a different target audience: high school students.

Introducing Edge Pathways: A First-Year Engineering Program

Edge Pathways is a for-credit program designed to assist students aspiring to become engineers in navigating the complexities of science, technology, and engineering education.

The program, which is launching publicly today, has secured $8 million in seed funding.

Investment Details and Board Representation

The seed round was led by First Round Capital, alongside investments from Emerge Education, Rethink Education, and 2U.

Bill Trenchard from First Round Capital will be joining the Edge Pathways board of directors.

Shifting Focus: From Employed Techies to Aspiring Engineers

Sommer explains that the shift in focus between his two ventures stems from a key realization: the optimal point to begin providing support to students for long-term success.

Rather than upskilling existing tech professionals, Edge Pathways aims to facilitate access to engineering degrees for those just starting their academic journey.

Addressing the Skills Gap and Capturing Impressionable Learners

“Many companies are currently seeking to recruit skilled talent and are focusing on experienced engineers,” Sommer stated.

“Initiating support earlier in the educational process allows us to address the skills gap and engage students when they are most receptive to new learning pathways.”

A Credit-Bearing Alternative to Traditional First-Year College

Edge Pathways collaborates with schools to offer a program that can replace the first year of college coursework, granting students full academic credit.

Inspired by co-op programs at institutions like Drexel and Northeastern, Edge Pathways emphasizes project-based learning and internship opportunities, moving away from traditional lecture-based instruction.

A Service Provider for Colleges

The startup functions as a service provider to colleges and universities seeking to expand access to their engineering programs.

Edge Pathways prioritizes institutional autonomy, allowing colleges to maintain control over student admissions, faculty involvement, and curriculum development.

Ongoing Support Throughout the College Experience

Edge Pathways continues to support students beyond the initial year, providing coaching and facilitating job opportunities throughout their college careers.

Cost and Addressing STEM Attrition

The program fee is approximately $15,000, which is slightly less than the cost of in-state tuition.

Sommer highlights that high attrition rates in STEM fields, often due to students changing majors or leaving their degree programs altogether, contribute to the existing 3.5 million engineering job openings.

Challenges and the Importance of Student Needs

A key challenge for Edge Pathways will be achieving product-market fit with students.

While the curriculum is developed in collaboration with colleges, ensuring the program aligns with student aspirations and needs is crucial, and their input must be considered.

Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Real-World Application

“Many students today struggle to see the relevance of their coursework and how it connects to the real world,” Sommer explained.

“We’ve designed a model to help universities address this disconnect and provide students with a more meaningful learning experience.”

Seeking University Partnerships

Finding universities willing to collaborate will be another significant hurdle for Edge Pathways.

Sommer anticipates that transfer institutions will be among the first to adopt the program, as approximately 40% of STEM degrees are ultimately earned by transfer students.

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Professionals

“Many institutions are increasingly focused on supporting transient student populations,” he added.

Edge Pathways aims to “empower more students to succeed in challenging disciplines and ignite their passion for STEM fields.”

A Bold Approach to STEM Education

By eliminating the traditional “weed-out” classes, Edge Pathways has the potential to significantly broaden access and opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in STEM.

Note: 2U has been identified as an investor in this story.