Colleges and universities are under increasing pressure to improve student retention, engagement, and outcomes while operating with limited staff and resources. As institutions explore ways to scale advising and student support, many are turning to artificial intelligence tools designed for higher education. One federal funding opportunity that can support these initiatives is the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education

Community colleges play a critical role in preparing students for the workforce through career and technical education (CTE) programs. From nursing and allied health to manufacturing, IT, and logistics, these programs equip students with the skills needed for high-demand careers. However, CTE students often face unique challenges that can impact persistence and completion, including demanding coursework, work and family responsibilities,

Colleges today are balancing rising student needs, tighter budgets, and increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable impact. Students expect flexible, on-demand support often beyond traditional business hours, and administrators need proof that tutoring investments are driving real outcomes. That’s where Upswing tutoring comes in. We partner with institutions to extend their support model through 24/7, on-demand tutoring and writing assistance—expanding capacity,

In spring 2025, Upswing partnered with Social Finance to better understand how college students are transitioning into the workforce after graduation. Using Ana, Upswing’s SMS-based virtual assistant, we surveyed 134 students across 13 partner institutions to learn more about their employment outcomes, income mobility, and support needs as they leave college life behind and enter their professional journeys. Employment and

Today’s college students look very different from the more traditional 18-year-old living on campus. They’re parents, veterans, caregivers, and full-time workers striving to balance life and learning. Yet, most institutions still operate with systems built for a student who no longer represents the majority. Upswing’s new white paper, Supporting Non-Traditional Learners: Implementing Wraparound Student Services, explores how higher education can

At Upswing, we aim to help more non-traditional and historically marginalized students graduate college. We do this by helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom. One of the newest ways we achieve this is through our Student Workshops, which bring together academic skill-building, career readiness, and personal growth in a flexible

At Upswing, our mission has always been to support student success and equity in higher education. We’re excited to have launched a redesigned Tutor Search experience that makes it easier than ever for students to connect with the academic support they need. These improvements are aimed to increase engagement, reduce friction, and strengthen student outcomes for the institutions we serve.

In a time when higher education is facing budget cuts from the federal government and Department of Higher Education, and increased pressure to demonstrate ROI, it may seem logical to pause or scale back student support services. But when institutions choose to “do nothing” or pause holistic student support initiatives, they often overlook the hidden and mounting cost of inaction.

If your institution is currently using Pear Deck for tutoring, you’ve likely heard the news: it’s winding down operations in January 2026. And while the closure may bring uncertainty, it also presents an opportunity to transition to a more robust, future-ready academic support solution through Upswing. At Upswing, we’ve helped numerous higher education institutions make a smooth, rapid switch from

What does it actually look like to close equity gaps in higher education? In this must-watch interview, Lu Duong, Director of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) STEM Scholars program, joins Upswing during Equity in Education 2025 to unpack the evolving role of equity-focused initiatives across colleges and universities—and how institutions can turn their values into real, measurable results. This

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped higher education, accelerating the move to online learning and forever changing how students engage with support services. Today’s learners, many of whom are balancing coursework with jobs, caregiving, and other responsibilities, often rely on virtual platforms to access help outside of traditional hours. While colleges and universities have worked hard to adapt, many learning centers

The higher education landscape is undergoing significant transformations. From a looming demographic decline to escalating mental health challenges and persistent equity gaps, institutions must proactively address these issues to ensure student success and institutional resilience. Upswing’s upcoming free Equity in Education Virtual Conference on Tuesday, June 17th at 10 AM ET offers a platform for higher education professionals to explore