SchooLinks, a prominent software platform focused on College and Career Readiness (CCR) resources for K-12 students, has announced the completion of an $80 million Series B funding round. The investment was led by Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE), a growth equity firm known for its entrepreneur-centric approach. Additional investors in the round include Stephens Group, Strada, and ASA. This capital will enable SchooLinks to broaden its suite of CCR offerings and enhance connectivity between K-12 education, higher education, and the workforce.

Addressing the CCR Gap

The need for improved college and career readiness resources has become increasingly evident, particularly following alarming statistics regarding high school graduation rates. Recent analyses of ACT scores indicate that only 20% of high school graduates from the class of 2023 are adequately prepared for success in their college-level introductory courses. SchooLinks aims to bridge this critical gap with its innovative platform designed to actively engage students and guide them in their post-graduation decisions. Key features of the platform include interactive assessments, gamified financial literacy lessons, scholarship application guidance, and personalized roadmaps tailored to students' unique skills, interests, and career aspirations.

Growth and Impact

Founded in 2015 by Katie Fang, a recipient of Forbes' 30 Under 30 accolade, SchooLinks has made significant progress in democratizing access to vital CCR resources for students across the United States. The platform currently operates in 40 states and has established itself as the go-to resource for an increasing number of public school districts that are prioritizing the provision of comprehensive CCR support for their students. SchooLinks delivers a modern solution that meets the specific needs of school administrators, counselors, career and technical education (CTE) professionals, families, and students. Its focus on enhancing student engagement has set SchooLinks apart from traditional offerings in the CCR sector.

Insights from Leadership

Katie Fang, the founder and CEO of SchooLinks, expressed her enthusiasm about the funding round and the potential it brings. "I’m thrilled to partner with investors who share our mission and vision. SGE brings a wealth of experience in software as a service (SaaS) and the education sector, which will be invaluable as we expand," she stated. "We are continually evolving our platform to include workforce solutions that help school districts provide meaningful experiences for students, well beyond their graduation. This financing will allow us to enhance our impact, not just within school districts but also in the workforce."

Josh Elser, Managing Director at SGE, highlighted SchooLinks' role as a leader in the CCR space. "SchooLinks has effectively united district departments with its intuitive platform, aligning perfectly with our mission to support essential software solutions," he remarked. "The company has achieved a significant product-market fit and is redefining CCR with a transformative approach that has not been seen in over 25 years. We are excited to support Katie and her team as they enter this new growth phase."

Future Directions

SchooLinks is committed to refining its platform to support districts and students in all aspects of post-secondary planning. By improving early warning systems and enhancing post-secondary outcomes, SchooLinks aims to meet school districts’ goals while providing a streamlined experience for counselors and educators. As the company looks ahead, this recent funding round represents a significant step toward further growth and innovation in the College and Career Readiness sector.

Focusing on expanding its offerings and enhancing user engagement, SchooLinks remains dedicated to ensuring that students across the United States are equipped to face the challenges and opportunities that await them after graduation.