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We believe a new type of EXPERIENCE is required to empower students to successfully bridge the gap between academic knowledge and becoming a valued, contributing professional. This is more than just helping students land a job. While resources for interview preparation and networking abound, they only address a fraction of the problem. What happens after the hire, when expectations are unclear, frustration sets in, and a poor performance review leads to an early exit? The statistics are alarming: - A recent survey showed that 89% of HR Leaders would avoid hiring recent college graduates. - Another survey of 1,000 hiring managers revealed that 8 in 10 recent college graduates did not work out at their company, 7 in 10 were put on performance improvement plans, and 65% were ultimately fired. In an environment where AI technology changes constantly and job descriptions are updated weekly, students are left searching for direction. While AI may seem like the obvious culprit, a deeper look reveals the real issue: a perfect storm of multiple events and short-sided leadership. If new graduates aren't hired, a talent pipeline crisis is imminent. In the next 2 to 3 years, companies will lack mid-career promotions and new, innovative "blood" to challenge existing norms. We believe Gen Z, who natively understands AI better than any other generation, is a tribe of individuals anxiously waiting to share their ideas and help organizations advance in ways mid-career and senior employees may not yet fully grasp. The Perfect Storm: 1. Curriculum Lag: Colleges and universities cannot change and adapt curriculum fast enough. They require an augmentation strategy to help bridge the knowledge gap. (While many schools are evolving, more speed is necessary.) 2. Reduced Junior Roles: Employers are reducing the number of (or eliminating) junior-level roles due to the application of AI. 3. Cut Non-Revenue Programs: Employers are also reducing non-revenue generating programs like internships and early career development. 4. Societal Disconnect: When you combine a steady decline in leadership, social media isolation, the Covid disconnect, and the end of corporate loyalty, and ignite it with the afterburner of AI, many are left feeling worried, confused, hopeless, frustrated, and abandoned.