Learning Circles

High achieving students pay for supplementary courses to get ahead in their schoolwork, something that low-income students simply can't afford. OpenEDU was created with the mission of bridging the gap in opportunity for low-income students. On OpenEDU, students can enroll in online classes in advanced topics. They are paired with volunteer student teachers, who assign material to watch and machine-graded problem sets to complete. Teachers hold weekly office hours and keep students accountable to complete their work and succeed. A student forum allows students to interact with one another. OpenEDU provides volunteers with an opportunity to enhance their resume while giving back to the community, and gives students the resources to succeed regardless of their income level.

We're a team of three undergraduates at Cornell University and Virginia Tech. We understand the impact that supplementary education can have on a student’s academic success, and we are looking to utilize technology to allow students of all income ranges to hone their skills.