Kauffman Foundation grant will make it easier for Baker students to find employment

As part of the KC Scholars partnership with Baker University, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has provided the university with a grant to fund a web application that connects students with hiring employers, making it easier for students to find jobs.

“We are grateful to KC Scholars and the Kauffman Foundation for this wonderful opportunity. This allows Baker University to provide a job search service to our students from their first day on campus through their entire academic journey,” said Andy Jett, vice president of institutional effectiveness.

The $25,000 grant funds the participation in a pilot program that will provide data about how the university’s programs align with workforce needs and help identify opportunities to improve student outcomes. The program allows students access to AstrumU, an app that compares a student’s entire education history, interests, and work history with a job description and then delivers the information to a potential employer.

As part of the partnership with AstrumU, which has launched its platform nationwide, Baker shares student data with AstrumU. AstrumU then provide Baker data on employers, trends in academic programs and resulting occupational paths, and how well Baker is meeting regional hiring demands. Together, Baker and AstrumU develop career match campaigns and student app activation. As a result, Baker students are better able to discover, prepare for, and connect with employers.

Baker University is part of a consortium of universities partnering with KC Scholars to provide traditional college students and adult learners from low- to middle-income families a way to finance and complete a college education.