A Call to Transform Higher Education: Our Network-Driven Vision for Student Success

The higher education landscape is at a critical juncture, with rapid technological advancements challenging the relevance of traditional education. As the founders of Nectir, we recognize the urgent need for change in higher education. Born from our own experiences as students navigating outdated systems, we strive to create vibrant learning communities that unite entire college campuses, fostering meaningful connections and empowering student success. We are committed to creating tangible progress and ensuring that higher education remains a vital part of personal and professional development for generations to come.

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Nectir began when we were at our own critical juncture in our college careers. After feeling isolated and disengaged with a learning experience that was costing us a fortune, we decided we had two options: either drop out or attempt to fix our own problem. Determined to make a difference, we founded Nectir, a platform that creates a campus-wide network to foster a community in every class. The goal is to get students the timely help they need to succeed in school, while building vital digital literacy skills that will prepare them for today’s workforce. We've been in the students' shoes, and therefore we understand the value of building the modern educational experience they expect from a 5+ figure price tag.

The value of higher education is under scrutiny, as students increasingly question the return on investment of their college degrees. This skepticism has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led 1.3 million students to opt-out of returning to school. In fact, 16% of students who left college during the pandemic cited a perceived lack of value in additional education as their reason for leaving. This dissatisfaction highlights the urgent need to adapt and modernize our educational institutions to meet the evolving demands of the world.

As traditional degrees face competition from online education platforms like Udemy and Coursera, higher education institutions need to reevaluate the unique value they bring to students. One key advantage that colleges and universities hold over their online counterparts is the power of their networks. These networks offer students unparalleled opportunities to form meaningful connections, both personally and professionally, that last a lifetime.

Nectir aims to amplify these invaluable networks by providing a campus-wide communication platform that resembles popular tools like Discord and Slack. Students can easily access all their classroom and campus communities, collaborate with peers, and offer support to one another. This fosters an environment where critical skills, such as virtual teamwork and discerning the credibility of online information, can be cultivated and strengthened.

In the face of rapid technological advancements, it is crucial for higher education to evolve and adapt to prepare students for a future where up to 75% of jobs could be replaced by AI. Effective people skills, a strong network, and the ability to collaborate will become the foundation for any successful career. Nectir was built with these challenges in mind, offering a viable solution that goes beyond basic material knowledge to provide students with the vital social education that they need.

By prioritizing the development of students' networks from the moment they are admitted and even after graduation, Nectir aims to revolutionize the higher education experience. We, as former almost-dropouts, recognize the importance of these connections and are dedicated to providing a solution that empowers students to succeed in our modern world.

We have a unique opportunity to redefine the student experience and shape the future of higher education. By embracing Nectir's innovative approach to peer-to-peer learning and adapting to the ever-evolving technological landscape, we can provide students with the education they need and deserve. It's time for all of us, as stakeholders in higher education, to work together, acknowledge the challenges we face, harness the power of networking, and take bold steps to transform our education system. United in our purpose, and drawing from our own experiences, we can create a brighter future for higher education—one that equips students with the skills and connections necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.