WGU Labs Announces Making Space as the Winner in Inaugural Accelerator Competition in EdTech Innovations
17 April 2024 - 4:42AM
WGU Labs, a leader in accelerating education innovation, today
announced Making Space as the winner of its inaugural Accelerator
Pitch Competition. The winner was chosen after five finalists
pitched their EdTech startup to a panel of judges consisting of
senior WGU and Strada Education Foundation leaders alongside an
audience of investors, stakeholders, and higher education leaders
at the 2024 ASU+GSV Summit.
Making Space will receive a $50,000 cash investment for equity
from the WGU Labs Fund, $25,000 in services from the WGU Labs
Accelerator, and a paid pilot with WGU for up to $25,000 to support
their future growth.
"Currently, disabled people are twice as likely to face
unemployment compared to non-disabled people, there is a critical
opportunity for systemic change," stated Keely Cat-Wells, CEO of
Making Space. "This is a pivotal moment for advancing disability
rights within both the workforce and educational sectors. At Making
Space, we are committed to helping Disabled people build careers,
not just secure jobs," she added, “I could not be more excited for
the opportunity to work with impacted groups at WGU."
Making Space’s initiative to address disabled worker
unemployment through free, employer-backed courses and advanced
matching technology demonstrates their commitment to diversifying
workforces and establishing benchmarks for inclusive employment. By
providing tailored industry training and facilitating career
matches, Making Space not only promotes long-term success, but also
challenges disability bias in the workforce.
"Making Space's mission to tackle unemployment among disabled
workers through innovative education and technology solutions
aligns seamlessly with WGU Labs' vision of creating more inclusive
and accessible learning and employment pathways,” said Brad
Bernatek, Managing Director of the Accelerator at WGU Labs. “Their
work is a testament to the transformative power of technology in
breaking down barriers and fostering diversity in the workforce. We
are deeply committed to supporting Making Space's growth, as its
success reflects our shared commitment to leveraging technology for
social good. Together, we aim to build a future where educational
and career opportunities are boundless, reflecting the diversity
and potential of every learner.”
In 2023, WGU Labs collaborated with 17 higher education
institutions and 10 EdTech companies, conducted 16 research
engagements, and invested $850,000 in EdTech startups, all in the
continued effort to broadly impact the educational sector.
About WGU LabsWGU Labs is the nonprofit EdTech
consulting, incubation, research, and design arm of Western
Governors University, where our mission is to identify and support
scalable solutions that address the biggest challenges in education
today. The Accelerator at WGU Labs provides research, market
development and product enhancement services to early-stage
education businesses. Through these services, as well as financial
investments, the Accelerator advances the scale and impact of
education companies that share its mission to increase student
access, lower student costs and improve student outcomes. Learn
more at wgulabs.org or follow us on LinkedIn.
- Making Space Wins Inaugural WGU Labs Accelerator Pitch
Competition
Natalie Berkey
WGU Labs
385-428-9425
natalie.berkey@wgu.edu