NextStep

NextStep was inspired by the scale and urgency of a problem hiding in plain sight. Today, more than 43.1 million Americans fall into the some college, no credential category, including 37.6 million working-age adults who want better opportunities but feel stuck between options. At the same time, the labor market is shifting quickly, with the U.S. reporting over one million unfilled skilled-trade jobs in fields like HVAC, electrical, medical assisting, and advanced manufacturing. Adults are not lacking motivation; they are lacking clarity, support, and a simple way to compare degree completion, trade school pathways, certificates, and job outcomes in one place.

While researching this space, one issue stood out even more: billions of dollars meant to support these learners go unused every year. In the last cycle, at least 4 billion dollars in federal grants went unclaimed, and an estimated 2 billion dollars in scholarships were never applied for. This is often due to confusion, lack of awareness, and the overwhelming complexity of navigating financial aid. The result is a huge gap between the opportunities available and the information adults need in order to access them.

NextStep was created to close this gap through a warm, conversational, AI-powered advisor that meets adults exactly where they are. It helps them explore whether finishing a degree, switching to a trade, or pursuing a certificate is the best option based on their goals, constraints, and finances. By surfacing clear timelines, expected costs, salary ranges, and funding opportunities, NextStep gives adults the confidence and clarity they need to move forward with purpose.

Built With

• lovable