The Challenge
The promise of postsecondary education is clear: better access to meaningful work and thriving careers. However, for too many students, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, this promise remains unfulfilled. The pathways to success are broken, and it's time for a transformative approach.
Bad Investments
Not all college degrees are created equal. Shockingly, 30% of college programs leave graduates earning less than their high school peers a decade after graduation.
Economic Disparities
The postsecondary system is not delivering equitable results. Students from the lowest income quartile are significantly underrepresented in college enrollment and completion, perpetuating cycles of poverty rather than breaking them.
Completion Crisis
The statistics are grim—only 64% of students complete a 4-year degree within six years. For 2-year degrees, that number drops to a mere 30%. The situation is even more dire for students from low-income households, where only a quarter graduate within six years.
Core Challenge
Navigating a Broken System
A Maze of Choices
With nearly 1.1 million postsecondary programs and credentials available, counselors and students are overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. The challenge isn’t just finding any program, but finding one that truly fits their strengths and goals while offering a positive return on investment.
Specific Challenge
Overwhelmed and Underinformed
Counselor Constraints
Guidance counselors are on the front lines, yet they’re often stymied by the lack of comprehensive, unbiased data to compare programs and pathways, particularly those tailored to the diverse needs of their students.
Lack of Quality Information
Students and families expect that completing a program will lead to better opportunities. However, too many programs have low completion rates or a negative ROI, leaving students worse off than before.
Opaque Alternatives
Beyond traditional degrees lies a world of potential in alternative pathways—apprenticeships, certifications, and other professional programs. Yet, the absence of precise data on their credibility and outcomes leaves many students wary and underinformed.
Willow’s Response
Empowering Counselors and Students
Willow offers a solution to these challenges by equipping counselors and administrators with the tools they need to guide students effectively.
Personalized Guidance
Tailored recommendations based on each student’s unique strengths, goals, and financial considerations.
Comprehensive Exploration
Tools to explore both traditional and alternative pathways (which we call "Professional Programs," ensuring that every student can find the best-fit option for their future.
Ongoing Support
A dedicated team and community that works alongside you to ensure every student’s success.
Transparent Data
Real-time cost and ROI projections that empower students to make informed decisions about their educational investments.
