Michigan Association of Intermediate School Advisors (MAISA) Selects Varsity Tutors for Schools as Vetted Approved Provider for the 23g MI Kids Back on Track Grant Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Varsity Tutors, a Nerdy (NYSE: NRDY) company, has been selected as a vetted provider for school districts pursuing funding through the 23g MI Kids Back on Track Grant Program, offering high-impact live online tutoring. The program aims to address unfinished learning, get students to grade level academic standards, and provide additional support to students at risk of falling behind. Varsity Tutors has already provided effective learning support services to over 12,000 students across 50 districts in Michigan, with high-dosage tutoring proving to be an effective tool in combating the learning gap.

Insights

Education Policy Analyst

An examination of Varsity Tutors' partnership with the Michigan Department of Education reveals a strategic alignment with state educational objectives. The MI Kids Back on Track Grant Program is a targeted initiative aimed at mitigating learning loss, a significant concern following pandemic-induced disruptions. The selection of Varsity Tutors underscores the state's commitment to evidence-based interventions, such as high-dosage tutoring, which are supported by research indicating potential learning gains equivalent to several additional months of schooling.

From a policy perspective, the collaboration between public institutions and private educational service providers is indicative of a broader trend towards public-private partnerships in education. This approach leverages the expertise and resources of private entities to fulfill public educational goals. The potential long-term benefits include improved educational outcomes and increased equity in access to quality learning support, especially for students at risk of falling behind. However, careful monitoring of the program's effectiveness and efficient allocation of grant funds will be crucial in ensuring the desired impact on student achievement.

Market Research Analyst

The announcement regarding Varsity Tutors' role in the Michigan educational landscape represents a significant business development for Nerdy Inc. (NYSE: NRDY). The provision of free platform resources to Michigan school districts until June 2027 could enhance the company's market penetration and brand reputation within the educational sector. As Varsity Tutors becomes a vetted provider for the 23g grant, it may see an uptick in demand for its services, potentially leading to increased revenue streams.

From a market perspective, this move could position Nerdy Inc. favorably among investors who value social impact and growth potential in the education technology sector. The ability to secure state-level partnerships not only validates the company's service offerings but also sets a precedent for future contracts with other states or educational institutions. However, investors should consider the scalability of Varsity Tutors' services and the company's capacity to maintain quality as demand increases.

Educational Technology Expert

The integration of Varsity Tutors' platform into Michigan's educational strategy highlights the growing reliance on educational technology to address learning challenges. The platform's design, which facilitates live, video-based high-dosage tutoring, exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to provide personalized learning experiences at scale. The ability to connect up to four students per session with subject matter experts is a testament to the platform's flexibility and potential for customization to meet diverse student needs.

Moreover, the free access to Varsity Tutors' comprehensive learning platform until 2027 suggests a long-term commitment to integrating technology into the educational framework. This could serve as a catalyst for further innovation in the edtech space, prompting the development of new tools and methods to support student learning. The effectiveness of such platforms in delivering consistent educational outcomes will be a key factor in their sustained adoption and could lead to a reevaluation of traditional educational delivery models.

To date, Varsity Tutors has already provided effective learning support services to over 12,000 students across Michigan to combat learning loss.

To ensure every student has access to additional support, Varsity Tutors will offer a free platform resource separate from the 23g MI Kids Back on Track Grant Program to all Michigan school districts from now through June 2027.

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Advisors (MAISA) on Friday announced Varsity Tutors for Schools, a Nerdy (NYSE: NRDY) company and the leading platform for high-impact live online tutoring, was selected as a vetted provider for school districts pursuing funding through the 23g MI Kids Back on Track Grant Program.

Districts that use state grant funds administered by MAISA to select Varsity Tutors as their vendor will have access to multiple implementation models that enable school districts to implement large-scale, best-in-class high-dosage tutoring that adhere to MI Kids Back on Track objectives. This includes Varsity Tutors’ centrally administered tutoring via its District Assigned model, which connects students with live, video-based high-dosage tutoring sessions with a subject matter expert tutor and can accommodate up to four students per session. School districts can receive more information on the application process by indicating their intent to apply for funding here.

“Varsity Tutors sets the gold standard when it comes to high-dosage tutoring and learning support services—I have witnessed the impact first hand. The learning advancement results students in my district have achieved since we implemented Varsity Tutors are undeniable,” said Steve Wolf, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction for Oxford Community Schools. “Michigan has made an excellent decision by selecting Varsity Tutors as a vetted provider for 23g funding, and students across the state will benefit from this wise choice.” To date, Varsity Tutors has already provided effective learning support services to over 12,000 students across 50 districts in Michigan.

According to statewide standardized test results from this past year, Michigan public schools students performed below pre-pandemic levels in math and reading. However, high-dosage tutoring continues to prove an effective tool in combating the learning gap. As noted in a recent American Progress Report, “Studies continue to show the prevalent benefits of high-dosage tutoring, increasing students' learning by an additional three to 15 months across grade levels.” The MI Kids Back on Track Grant funding is designed to support programs that address unfinished learning, get students to grade level academic standards, provide additional support to students at risk of failing behind, or prepare for postsecondary education.

To ensure high-quality tutoring and learning support services are accessible to students across the state, Varsity Tutors is also working with the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA) to offer Michigan School districts free access to its comprehensive learning platform between now and June 2027. Varsity Tutors’ free platform offering is complementary to the District Assigned model, which will allow school districts to invest more of their funding in high-dosage tutoring.

“Varsity Tutors is proud to be working with the Michigan Department of Education, MAISA, and MASA to take real action to ensure all Michigan students are equipped with the tools and resources they need to not only recover, but thrive in and beyond the classroom,” said Anthony Salcito, Chief Institution Business Officer at Varsity Tutors for School.

About Varsity Tutors for Schools 
Varsity Tutors, the industry leading online tutoring platform trusted by millions of families, launched Varsity Tutors for Schools, aimed at assisting district leaders in delivering 1:1 tutoring and comprehensive learning support. Varsity Tutors has a proven track record of successful collaboration with over 500 K-12 schools and districts, offering three implementation models: District Assigned, Parent Assigned, and Teacher Assigned. Each implementation model includes facilitating high-dosage, recurring, face-to-face tutoring in 1:1 or small group settings for any grade or subject, 24/7 on-demand tutoring, essay reviewing, and dedicated support for college admissions and test preparation. Learn more about how Varsity Tutors' provides tailored educational solutions and partners with K-12 districts at https://www.varsitytutors.com/school-solutions

About Nerdy Inc. 
Nerdy (NYSE: NRDY) is a leading platform for live online learning with a mission to transform the way people learn through technology. The Company’s purpose-built proprietary platform leverages technology, including AI, to connect learners of all ages to experts, delivering superior value on both sides of the network. Nerdy’s comprehensive learning destination provides learning experiences across 3,000+ subjects and multiple formats—including Learning Memberships, one-on-one instruction, small group classes, large format group classes, coding, tutor chat, essay review, and adaptive self-study. Nerdy’s flagship business, Varsity Tutors, is one of the nation’s largest platforms for live online tutoring and classes. Its solutions are available directly to students and consumers, as well as through schools and other institutions. Learn more about Nerdy at https://www.nerdy.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129369023/en/

Jeff Pecor

Tailwind Public Relations

206-948-1482

jeff@tailwindpr.com

Source: Varsity Tutors for Schools

FAQ

What is the purpose of the 23g MI Kids Back on Track Grant Program?

The program aims to address unfinished learning, get students to grade level academic standards, and provide additional support to students at risk of falling behind.

How many students has Varsity Tutors provided learning support services to in Michigan?

Varsity Tutors has already provided effective learning support services to over 12,000 students across 50 districts in Michigan.

What are the benefits of high-dosage tutoring according to the American Progress Report?

High-dosage tutoring has been shown to increase students' learning by an additional three to 15 months across grade levels, as noted in a recent American Progress Report.

Who is working with Varsity Tutors to take real action to ensure all Michigan students are equipped with the tools and resources they need?

Varsity Tutors is working with the Michigan Department of Education, MAISA, and MASA to ensure all Michigan students are equipped with the tools and resources they need.