For University Startups Co-Founder, Marc Steren, getting chosen by Techstars Washington DC is like winning the lottery. The Hispanic co-founder’s company, University Startups, is one of just 12 businesses chosen in the Washington area out of 500 applicants for participation in the Techstars program. Steren, along with co-founder John Jabara, has been building the educational tech startup since 2020.
University Startups provides students in low-income communities with a pathway to college, employment opportunities and internship readiness programs, and other tools to help them advance their studies and careers. With Techstars, powered by J.P. Morgan Accelerator Program, the Montgomery County startup will get access to additional funding and advice from leading entrepreneurs.
“Our programs are having an immediate impact with under-resourced students who don’t have access to college preparatory courses, including resume and essay writing coaches, as well as tools to find scholarships for college. Our scalable platform can serve millions of students at a time” says Steren. “We are literally changing lives around the region by giving these students the information and know-how they need to get into college or get competitive jobs. For the students who are going into the workforce, our employment program helps students match their passion with better paying jobs, perfect interview skills and write targeted resumes,” he says.
University Startups is filling in the gaps for students who don’t have access to the tools and experts they need to help them get ahead. There are about 462 students per every high school college counselor in the area, leaving many without the attention they need to advance their studies. Steren says University Startups programs shepherd kids through the college entrance process and the results are incredible.
DEMO DAY, DECEMBER 8TH, HOWARD UNIVERSITY
December 8th at Howard University, as part of the Techstars Accelerator program, the 12 startups will have the chance to show how their companies are having an impact in the DC area.
The Techstars DC class represents an intentional investment in the rich talent and diversity of the tech startup ecosystem blossoming in the nation’s capital. “DC is where people come to change the world, and Mayor Bowser is committed to DC’s growth as a technology hub with tremendous partners like Techstars," said John Falcicchio, Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development.
About University Startups: Founded in 2020, University Startups is committed to creating opportunities for students and lifelong learners to expand their worlds beyond a traditional curriculum. The organization empowers students by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, which helps students to think creatively and find ways to translate their passions into real-world experiences. Whether students want to start a business, attend college, or find a job, University Startups uses proprietary instructional courses and groundbreaking technologies to get them there. All classes are designed by expert instructors from top-tier universities. For more information on University Startups programs, please contact Marc Steren at msteren@university-startups.com.
About Techstars - The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 2,500 companies with a combined market cap of more than $220B www.techstars.com
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