Overview
Equal Edge U would welcome a Public Policy intern to support our mission of creating an inclusive and accessible academic environment for neurodivergent students in higher education. We are looking for a candidate with strong research, analytical, and communication skills to assist in the development of public policy strategies, particularly in securing grants and other funding opportunities. This role will focus on identifying public policy trends and funding streams that align with our mission, such as ED/IES SBIR grants, while contributing to grant proposal writing and research on the impact of neurodivergent challenges in higher education.
To apply for this job email your details to thomjones.1996@gmail.com
About Equal Edge U, Inc.
Equal Edge U is more than just a technology company; it’s a social impact-driven enterprise committed to addressing a critical challenge in higher education—bridging the support gap for students with disabilities, particularly neurodivergent students who make up the majority of this population. The disparity in retention and graduation rates between students with disabilities and their peers points to a systemic issue, as supported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which shows that while 21% of undergraduate students report having disabilities, their graduation rates are 20% lower. Neurodivergent students, such as those with ADHD and learning differences, often face challenges related to time management, focus, and organization—key areas where traditional support systems fall short.
For Equal Edge U, this issue is personal. One of our co-founders experienced the problem firsthand when her neurodivergent sons, who excelled in K12 education, encountered significant difficulties in college due to inadequate support systems. This personal journey inspired our mission to foster inclusivity and improve academic outcomes for neurodivergent students by providing tailored tools and resources that meet their specific needs.
Through more than 25 customer discovery interviews with higher education institutions and extensive surveys with students, we have validated the need for specialized tools that empower neurodivergent learners. Existing higher education academic support structures fail to address key challenges like time management, focus, and organization, leading to lower retention rates and increased academic stress. Equal Edge U's solution is an innovative app that directly targets these gaps through personalized tools such as task and time management, AI-driven insights, and gamification. Our app offers real-time guidance, helping students effectively manage their workload and focus, which in turn will boost academic performance and retention.
The social impact potential of Equal Edge U goes beyond technology—it offers a systemic solution that can transform higher education outcomes for neurodivergent students. By making education more accessible and inclusive, we’re not only helping individuals but also contributing to a more equitable academic system. Our mission aligns with the broader goals of social entrepreneurship: to make a measurable, positive difference in society while building a sustainable, scalable business.
