Alumni Insights 2025: Understanding What Education Entrepreneurs Need

When you're building the future of education, the work doesn't end at graduation. 

It evolves. 

That's why we regularly check in with our alumni to understand what they need as they navigate the journey from idea to sustainable venture.

Our latest 2025 survey, conducted with the University of Delaware's Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, gathered insights from 335 alumni respondents. 

The Top Four: What Alumni Tell Us Matters Most

Four clear priorities emerged from the data, revealing where our alumni need the most support as they scale their educational innovations. Here's what matters most to them right now:

1. Connections to Funders (36%)

The most frequently mentioned need? Access to funding networks. 

One alumnus put it simply: "I'd like to develop a relationship with a funder who really supports the work."

This isn't surprising when you consider that 59% of our alumni are actively seeking or engaging with funders right now. 

The good news? Our model is already delivering results - 62% of respondents have successfully raised external funding post-program.

We're responding by:

• Maintaining and expanding our network of funding partners
• Creating targeted introductions based on venture focus and stage
• Hosting funder meetups at our events
• Sharing funding opportunities through our biweekly newsletter (yes, the one alumni asked us to restart!)

2. Networking and Community (35%)

Our alumni recognize what we've always believed: "4.0's greatest power is in its alumni network." 

They're asking for more ways to connect: alumni directories, networking events, connections to school leaders, and opportunities to collaborate with peer innovators.

The foundation is already strong. 

We've built 13 identity-based alumni communities (exceeding our initial goal of 10). Overall, 24% of alumni are engaged in at least one community.

But we're not stopping there. We're expanding:

• Regional meetups for local connection
• Virtual gatherings for specific topics and challenges
• Enhanced alumni directories to facilitate collaboration
• More structured pathways for alumni to support each other

3. Marketing and Promotion (34%)

Here's a truth our alumni shared: "It's really hard for me to correctly promote myself." In a crowded education landscape, even the most innovative ventures need visibility to thrive.

Alumni are asking us to amplify their achievements and help them stand out. We're responding through:

• Spotlighting alumni ventures across our communication channels
• Creating opportunities for alumni to present at conferences and events
• Developing templates and resources for effective self-promotion
• Connecting alumni with marketing professionals in our network

4. Ongoing Resources and Learning (30%)

The entrepreneurial journey doesn't follow a neat timeline. Our alumni told us they need continued support with technical training, financial operations, and scaling strategies. 

As one alumni put it: "It is difficult to launch when there are so many other challenges in our everyday lives."

That's why 50% of alumni expressed interest in continued learning and workshops. We're meeting this need with:

• Targeted professional development sessions on topics alumni request most
• Access to expert consultants in our network
• Peer-led workshops where alumni share hard-won expertise
• Resources for navigating common entrepreneurial challenges

Beyond the Top Four: Building for Long-Term Success

Our surveys revealed additional insights that shape how we support our community:

Future-Focused Support: When asked about future offerings, 70% of alumni want funding opportunities, while 45% need more robust venture support. We're designing new programs that provide both.

Sustained Engagement: A remarkable 76% of alumni are willing to participate in follow-up interviews, and 83% want to attend in-person events. This isn't just engagement—it's commitment to collective growth.

Values in Action: Alumni continue to embody our core values of growth (79%), equity (72%), joy (65%), and self-determination (62%) in their work. 

This alignment strengthens every connection we facilitate.

The Power of Listening and Responding

We don't just collect feedback, we act on it. 

When alumni told us they missed our newsletter, we brought it back. 

When they asked for more structured mentorship pathways, we formalized them. 

When they expressed interest in connecting with our broader partner network, we made it happen - now 85% have access to these vital connections.

This responsive approach has helped our alumni achieve remarkable outcomes:

• 57% are still working on their original ventures
• 75% of ventures serve students, children, or youth
• Alumni operate across all 48 continental states
• Ventures span critical areas from STEM education to teacher training

Looking Forward Together

Our alumni's needs aren't static, they evolve as ventures grow, markets shift, and new challenges emerge. 

That's why we're committed to regular pulse-checks through surveys, focus groups, and those invaluable informal conversations that happen in our Slack channels and community gatherings.

The data tells us we're on the right track. 

With a Net Promoter Score of 60 and consistent growth in alumni outcomes, we know our responsive approach works. But more importantly, we see it in the daily wins our alumni share—every new school opened, every child reached, every educator empowered.

To our alumni reading this: we hear you. Your needs shape our priorities. Your feedback drives our evolution. And your success is the ultimate measure of our impact.

To those considering joining our community: know that you're not just entering a program - you're joining a network that will continue to invest in your growth long after graduation. 

Because transforming education isn't a solo sport. 

It's a team effort that requires sustained support, meaningful connections, and a community that understands the journey.

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