Earn to Learn

What Earn to Learn does

Earn to Learn (legal entity: Live the Solution, dba Earn to Learn) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, that operates the country's largest matched-savings scholarship program. Founded in 2013, the organization requires eligible students to save $500 per year, which is matched 8:1 by partner universities, philanthropy, and public funding to produce a $4,000 annual scholarship (total $4,500 per student per year). The core scholarship is delivered through a four-pillar wraparound model: Success Coaching and Near-Peer Advising (47 AmeriCorps advisors in 32 Title I high school sites), Financial Training (33,000+ hours of personal finance education delivered to 6,200+ students), Workforce Development (internships, mentorship, career readiness), and a Mentorship Program (153+ professional volunteer mentors). Since inception, Earn to Learn has served 8,000+ scholars, with $3.8M in student savings unlocking $31M+ in matched aid and producing an 80% projected six-year graduation rate versus a 39% national average for Pell-eligible students. Program fees to students are $0.

The organization's technology infrastructure is conventional nonprofit tooling rather than proprietary IP: a Vistashare-hosted student portal, Constant Contact for email, online application forms, and a website. There are no patents, proprietary AI/ML systems, or disclosed data products. Revenue is sourced from foundation grants (The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation $250K in 2025; Arizona Community Foundation multi-year Yuma grant; Stand Together Trust; Garcia Family Foundation), corporate donations (First Citizens Bank $100K in 2024; Raytheon; Hughes Federal Credit Union; Vantage West; Desert Financial), individual donations (qualified for Arizona's dollar-for-dollar Charitable Organization tax credit), and university partner contributions that fund the matched scholarship dollars.

In 2024, Earn to Learn began a national expansion beyond its Arizona base, adding partnerships with Ferrum College (Virginia, first East Coast), Michigan State University (Midwest, Migrant Student Services-CAMP), and programs in Colorado, Nevada, and Oklahoma, while launching a new Financial Wellness Department and pursuing policy adoption via the proposed "Earn to Learn Act." The organization is led by Founder/CEO Kate Hoffman with a team of approximately 17 staff.

Name

Earn to Learn

Legal name

Live the Solution, dba Earn to Learn

Website

https://earntolearn.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Earn to Learn is a Tucson-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the largest U.S. matched-savings scholarship program, requiring eligible low-to-moderate-income students to save $500/year in exchange for an 8:1 match ($4,000 scholarship) plus wraparound coaching, financial training, mentorship, and workforce development, with $0 cost to students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Support Services

NAICS

Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK), Scholarships, Grants & Education Benefits Administration (Financing-adjacent) (FSAKAEAM)

Keywords

• Matched savings scholarship
• College access programs
• Student financial wellness
• Higher education support
• Workforce development services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tucson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants: Major grants from foundations including The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation ($250,000), Arizona Community Foundation (3-year grant for Yuma expansion), and Stand Together Trust. These grants fund program expansion, operations, and new initiatives.
2. Corporate Donations: Financial contributions from corporate partners including First Citizens Bank ($100K toward national expansion), Raytheon, Vantage West Credit Union, Hughes Federal Credit Union, and other business partners. Includes both direct donations and sponsorship of programs.
3. Individual Donations & Arizona Tax Credit: Individual donors can contribute with tax credit benefits through Arizona's Qualifying Charitable Organization status. Donation levels range from $50 to $1,000 with matched impact options. Donors can claim dollar-for-dollar credit on Arizona state taxes.
4. University Partner Support: Educational partners contribute to the 8:1 match structure, providing $2,000 (or other amounts) per student per year in combined university support and public/philanthropic funding as part of the matched savings scholarship model.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Earn to Learn is a nonprofit organization that runs the nation's largest matched-savings scholarship program, allowing eligible students to save $500 per year which is matched 8:1 to generate a $4,000 annual scholarship for postsecondary education expenses. The program combines the core scholarship with wrap-around services including success coaching, financial literacy training, mentorship, and workforce development to help low-to-moderate income students graduate with little to no student loan debt.

Product overview

Earn to Learn is a nonprofit organization offering a single integrated program centered on its Matched-Savings Scholarship, combined with wrap-around support services. Students save $500 annually to receive an 8:1 match ($4,000) for educational expenses. The program is enhanced by five complementary service modules: Success Coaching & Near-Peer Advising, Financial Training, Workforce Development, Mentorship Program, Continuing Education, Financial Wellness, and the Next Steps Program for high school transition support. The architecture is a core scholarship product with integrated service layers rather than separate standalone products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Matched-Savings Scholarship The flagship program where students save up to $500 per year and receive an 8:1 match ($4,000) in scholarship funds. The scholarship can be applied to tuition, fees, room and board, childcare, and other approved educational expenses over two semesters. Available for community college (up to 2 years/4 terms) and university (up to 3 years/6 terms).
• Financial Wellness Program Program providing access to financial education, resources, and certified Financial Counselors for personalized one-on-one support to break cycles of poverty. Includes assistance with financial goal setting, debt navigation, and student loan management.
• Next Steps Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 6-year graduation rate of 80% (approaching), compared to 39% national average for Pell-eligible students
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Michigan State UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2024First partnership in the Midwest region, offering services to up to 52 students in MSU's Migrant Student Services (MSS)-College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). These programs provide essential support to migrant students in their first year at the university. MSU dedicated nearly $250 million toward helping students in a recent year.
• Ferrum CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024First college or university in Virginia and on the East Coast to offer Earn to Learn's matched savings scholarship program. Ferrum College contributes $2,000 per student per year as part of the 8:1 match structure. Pilot program invested in 100 students, translating to $200,000 in first-year investment.
• Vantage West Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of key financial institution partners providing secure savings accounts to students, helping them build financial habits beyond graduation. Supports webinars and financial education, and sponsored the AHEAD grant application. Provides direct financial contributions to support program operations. Partnership has helped empower more than 1,000 Arizona students.
• Hughes Federal Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partner for more than a decade, providing no-fee accounts for students (600+ students have opened accounts). Offers a secure place to save and grow funds, with staff who care about student success. Also partnered on marketing campaigns highlighting real impact of work together.
• Desert Financial Credit UnionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership creates pathways for students to access higher education. Demonstrated commitment to empowering students with financial literacy that ensures economic mobility.
• Arizona Public Service (APS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Yavapai College supporting students pursuing the Lineworker Certificate Program. Already yielded 100% success rate in first semester. Scholarship initiative helps students build critical skills to power Arizona's future.
• Arizona State University (ASU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor university partner offering Earn to Learn matched savings scholarships. Students at ASU can access the 8:1 match structure. Earn to Learn students at ASU graduate with average debt significantly lower than peers ($23,000 average for ASU students).
• Northern Arizona University (NAU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor university partner offering Earn to Learn matched savings scholarships. Students at NAU can access the 8:1 match structure and comprehensive support services.
• University of Arizona (UA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor university partner offering Earn to Learn matched savings scholarships. Many alumni like Gabriella have graduated from UA and gone on to successful careers at companies like Raytheon. Students can access the 8:1 match structure.
• Pima Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundational partner instrumental to Earn to Learn's origins and evolution. Collaboration has flourished in providing short-term credential and vocational programs like the Ford Assets Program that creates pathways to well-paying jobs and financial independence.
• Arizona Western CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner through Desert Southwest Transfer Conference collaboration. Partnership with Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College offers scholarship opportunity combining savings with financial support for eligible certificates, occupational degrees, and select transfer programs.
• Eastern Arizona CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew chapter in rural education with partnership extending holistic support model to more students in rural Arizona. Offers tailored resources and guidance to help students overcome challenges and reach personal and academic goals.
• Yavapai CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with APS supporting students pursuing the Lineworker Certificate Program. Partnership has yielded 100% success rate in first semester with scholarship initiative for critical skills training.
• Western Governors UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership expanding reach into Georgia helping aspiring educators become certified teachers who will shape and strengthen their communities through personalized guidance.
• Grand Canyon UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner in the Maricopa Community Colleges/University network, participating in student success conferences and collaborative efforts for student access.
• Maricopa Community CollegesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive participation in the 36th annual Student Success Conference with partnership representation from multiple universities. Collaboration focused on breaking down barriers to student success.
• Utah TechmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew educational partnership expanding access and opportunity for students. Part of ongoing efforts to expand educational partnerships and criteria.
• Ottawa University ArizonamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew educational partnership expanding access and opportunity for students. Part of ongoing efforts to expand educational partnerships and criteria.
• RaytheoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides a comprehensive year-long mentorship program for Earn to Learn students in STEM and STEM-related majors. Offers work experience and individual guidance about defense industry opportunities. Has hired Earn to Learn alumni full-time upon graduation. Partner of Greater Tucson Leadership Summer Leadership Summit.
• RochemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrently offering a pilot mentorship program for 2020-2021 academic year for Earn to Learn students in biomedical and related majors. Operating virtually with Roche employee volunteers from across the United States providing guidance.
• Pacific Premier BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHas offered a series of workforce readiness webinars and online information sessions to students. Partnership empowers students with financial literacy that ensures navigation of personal finances and economic mobility.
• SHRM-GT (Society of Human Resource Management - Greater Tucson)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHas offered workforce readiness webinars and online information sessions including resume writing, identifying personal strengths, and preparing for work. Has offered in-person resume review mixer with virtual opportunities being developed.
• Greater Tucson LeadershipmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners to offer a two-day Summer Leadership Summit along with comprehensive year-long mentorship program during school year. Workforce development partners include Raytheon, El Rio Health, SHRM-GT, Tucson Metro Chamber, and Pima Association of Governments.
• CaterpillarmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development partner contributing to student career pathways and professional network building.
• State FarmmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development partner contributing to student professional development and career opportunities.
• Clearinghouse CDFImajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Development Financial Institution partner supporting workforce development efforts.
• Tucson Electric Power (TEP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development partner supporting professional network building and career development opportunities.
• Fidelity InvestmentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of three financial institution partners (with Vantage West and Hughes Federal Credit Union) offering no-fee accounts to participating students with a variety of services available.
• National College Attainment Network (NCAN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier convening for professionals dedicated to advancing post-secondary access and success. Earn to Learn participates as presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors at annual conference. Selected as one of eight organizations for inaugural Ascendium Fellowship Program focused on incarcerated/formerly incarcerated student support.
• National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual EmpowerEd conference participant where Courtney Fauss delivered presentation on Earn to Learn's innovative holistic program model improving student success outcomes.
• AmeriCorpsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNext Steps Program operates through AmeriCorps service, with 47 advisors (recent college graduates or advanced undergraduates) serving across 32 educational sites. The program officially wrapped up another year of AmeriCorps service in May 2025.
• Front Range Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner connection made through NSPA conference, building relationships with organizations sharing passion for student success.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• AmeriCorps: Federal national service program that supplies the near-peer advisors who power Earn to Learn's Next Steps Program. Not a competitor but a major operational dependency — included because it materially shapes Earn to Learn's cost structure and ability to scale the Next Steps coaching layer.
• National College Attainment Network (NCAN): Industry/membership association for college-access programs — not a direct competitor but a key partner and ecosystem convener (Earn to Learn actively participates in NCAN and was selected for the inaugural Ascendium Fellowship). Included because it shapes the competitive set and policy environment for matched-savings and college-access programs.

Broad incumbents

• Questbridge: National nonprofit connecting high-achieving low-income students to top colleges and scholarships. Operates at much larger scale but serves an overlapping demographic (low-income, first-generation, students of color pursuing postsecondary education) with a scholarship-plus-mentorship wrapper analogous to Earn to Learn.
• KIPP Foundation (KIPP Through College): National charter school network that supports students through college with alumni persistence programs, advising, and emergency aid — an adjacent education-equity organization with a similar demographic focus and a comparable postsecondary-support wrapper.

Direct peers

• Bottom Line: Nonprofit focused on college access and degree completion for first-generation and low-income students, providing one-on-one advising, mentorship, and career support — a closely comparable wraparound-service model to Earn to Learn's success coaching and mentorship components, with a similar target student population.
• iMentor: National college-success nonprofit pairing low-income students with volunteer mentors for long-term college and career guidance, with a model that mirrors Earn to Learn's mentorship and success-coaching layer; both target college persistence and completion for underrepresented students.
• Dollars for Scholars: National scholarship foundation network (a program of Scholarship America) that mobilizes community-based scholarship, mentoring, and college-success support — operating a closely analogous model of local matched scholarships and student-success support for postsecondary access.
• Brighter Futures Indiana (formerly SEED Indiana): Indiana's statewide matched-savings education program (formerly part of the national SEED initiative) that operates nearly the same model as Earn to Learn — children/students save a small amount and receive a state/philanthropically matched scholarship for postsecondary education, combined with financial coaching. Directly comparable on mechanism, target population (low-to-moderate income families), and intended college-completion outcomes.
• College Track: Nonprofit providing comprehensive college access, scholarship support, and coaching to first-generation and low-income students from high school through graduation. Highly comparable on target population and the integrated academic + financial + mentorship approach.

Emerging players

• ScholarCHIPS: Provides scholarships and mentorship to youth with incarcerated parents — overlapping Earn to Learn's inclusion of currently/formerly incarcerated students through the NCAN Ascendium Fellowship, with a similar scholarship-plus-mentorship model for an underserved demographic.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGGOgh5bV182R6bZaYcYP7g
• Facebookfacebook.com/EarntoLearnAZ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/earn-to-learn
• Instagraminstagram.com/earntolearn

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Earn to Learn