April 19, 2024

ASA Pours $25M Into Diverse-Led Startups Shaping Career Education

Black students

American Student Assistance® (ASA), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming how students explore careers and prepare for the future, has announced a significant investment of $25 million. 

The nonprofit targets funds and companies with diverse founders and early-stage firms focusing on career education, postsecondary pathways, and workforce development. 

The move aims to expand access to essential skills and resources, helping middle and high school students navigate their career paths and achieve long-term success.

A $25M Investment

ASA’s investment strategy began in April 2022, and since then, it has directed over $40 million into sectors for educational and career progression. 

These investments have already impacted more than 40 million learners, contributing to their readiness for future challenges. 

“Strategic impact investing is critical in driving continuous innovation and paving the way to promising models in the youth career readiness space, ensuring that all middle and high schoolers have access to a wealth of real-world experiences that help to make informed decisions about their futures,” said Jean Eddy, President and CEO of ASA.

“In this way, ASA is fostering a generation of confident, crisis-proof young people who are ready for whatever path comes next after high school.”

Pathstream’s expansion aims to engage students earlier in their educational journey, providing the tools necessary for career success in a rapidly evolving job market.

Sara Keenan

Tech Reporter at POCIT. Following her master's degree in journalism, Sara cultivated a deep passion for writing and driving positive change for Black and Brown individuals across all areas of life. This passion expanded to include the experiences of Black and Brown people in tech thanks to her internship experience as an editorial assistant at a tech startup.