At ETS Strategic Capital, we seek innovative ideas and technologies of strategic value in six key areas: higher-ed, K-12, workforce corporate learning and assessment, innovative technologies for education, and white space. Now, as the Managing Director and CIO of ETS Strategic Capital and a board member of APDS, I have the privilege of bringing together my expertise, as well as my academic training in engineering and finance to support incarcerated individuals on their educational journey. In this blog post, I delve into the importance of ETS’ partnership with APDS and its transformative impact on reducing recidivism and fostering second-chance opportunities.
ETS’ deep commitment to providing access to quality education for all, especially through technology and innovation led to a partnership with APDS to create innovative and quality educational opportunities for incarcerated people. By expanding access to quality education, we not only empower incarcerated learners with essential skills but also pave the way for reducing recidivism rates. Through our collaboration, APDS and ETS have harnessed the power of assessment and educational programs to provide new pathways for individuals reentering society.
Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of incarceration and provide individuals with a second chance. Furthermore, education prepares individuals for sustainable careers and economic independence. By partnering with APDS on our PDQ locator, our assessments allow learners to gauge their academic achievement in literacy and numeracy as a stepping stone to guidance in career planning and readiness. With such innovative tools, APDS ensures that incarcerated individuals receive tailored career support that allow learners to feel seen. Likewise, by focusing on quality education and career training, we help bridge the employment gap and empower justice-impacted for successful reentry into the workforce. As such, our collaboration holds the promise of transforming lives and creating a more equitable society.
The partnership between ETS Strategic Capital and APDS represents a shared commitment to expanding access to education for incarcerated individuals. We strive to reduce recidivism rates, create second-chance opportunities, and foster a more equitable society together. Let us continue to advocate for equity in access to education and work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to thrive through education.
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“Through our partnership with APDS, we aim to empower justice-impacted learners and bridge the employment gap with skilled learners, prepared for successful reentry into the workforce.” ~Ralph Taylor-Smith
- Combining Finance and Education: With a background in finance and education, I have witnessed firsthand the power of innovative investments in educational initiatives. My experiences at GE Ventures and Battelle Ventures, as well as my academic training in engineering and finance at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Princeton University, have shaped my belief in the transformative potential of education. Now, as the Managing Director of ETS Strategic Capital and an incoming board member of APDS, I have the privilege of bringing together my expertise and passion to support incarcerated individuals on their educational journey.
- A Vision for Change: Our investment and role at ETS Strategic Capital are driven by a common goal: to create innovative and quality educational opportunities for incarcerated people. Through APDS, we can harness the power of assessment and educational programs to provide new pathways for individuals reentering society. By expanding access to quality education, we not only empower incarcerated learners with essential skills but also pave the way for reducing recidivism rates.
- The Transformative Power of Education: Education is a powerful force that can break the cycle of incarceration and provide individuals with a second chance. It equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to reintegrate into society successfully. By partnering with APDS, we can leverage assessment tools and innovative educational approaches to ensure incarcerated individuals receive the education they deserve. This collaboration holds the promise of transforming lives and creating a more equitable society.
- Building a Pathway to Success: At ETS, we recognize education’s vital role in preparing individuals for sustainable careers and economic independence. Through our partnership with APDS, we aim to bridge the employment gap and empower justice-impacted learners with the skills necessary for successful reentry into the workforce. By focusing on quality education and career training, we provide incarcerated individuals the tools to thrive beyond their time behind bars.
The partnership between ETS Strategic Capital and APDS represents a shared commitment to expanding access to education for incarcerated individuals. Through this collaboration, we strive to reduce recidivism rates, create second-chance opportunities, and foster a more equitable society. Education has the power to transform lives and break the cycle of incarceration. Together, let us continue to advocate for educational equity and work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to thrive through education.
