K-12 Connect, the Grand Valley tutoring service developed during the pandemic to address learning loss, is spinning out from GVSU to become a freestanding nonprofit named EQPD.
The program has seen significant growth since its 2020 launch through the GV NextEd Co-Lab , with expansion into multiple states. That expansion is slated to continue through the new organization, with EQPD offering its high-impact tutoring, tailored professional development and community-service program management to schools nationwide.
“Our new chapter as EQPD is fueled by a national need for high-quality, individualized supports for student growth and well-being,” said Amirah Vosburgh, CEO of EQPD, who previously led K-12 Connect. “Grand Valley has nurtured us since our launch in 2020. As a GV NextEd Co-Lab alumnus project, we look forward to serving as a continued resource to the university, even as we expand nationally to provide schools, colleges and families with the services they need to succeed.”
The GV NextEd Co-Lab is an incubator for creating new paths to improve outcomes for all learners in all communities. A core goal is for initiatives with demonstrated impact and a path to sustainability to spin off as EQPD has done.
“The incubation of EQPD within the GV NextEd Co-Lab is a great example of the innovation and public service that takes place at GVSU every day,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with them to allow more students to pursue their dreams.”
EQPD will support students and schools through its three pillars of service:
- EQPD K-12 Connect works with K-12 schools to provide virtual and in-person high-impact tutoring. EQPD currently serves districts across Michigan and around the country.
- EQPD to Grow works directly with families to provide tutoring and mentoring to their children.
- EQPD Next works with colleges and universities to place and manage their Federal Work-Study students that expand the teacher talent pipeline and strengthen the quality of academic and other supports available to students.
The results achieved by students receiving high-impact tutoring services from K-12 Connect have been notable. In just one 12-week cycle, 60% of students who were not reading at grade level were able to read at or above grade level, and 90% of first- through fourth-grade students improved their words-per-minute reading average.
K-12 Connect’s decision to spin out and rebrand aligns with the organization’s strategic goals to enhance its service offerings, expand into new markets and cement its identity as a leader in high-impact tutoring.
"K-12 Connect has served thousands of students from across the country,” said GV NextEd Co-Lab Executive Director Steven Hodas. “As it spins out from GVSU, we look forward to expanding its footprint to make a difference in the lives of more students, so that they have every opportunity to excel academically and realize their full potential.”
