82: College Admissions: Finding the Right Fit with David Hurwitt

Dave Hurwitt is an innovator. Over the course of his career, he’s led the development and launch of new products and services – from toothpicks to wind turbines – that have generated well over $1 billion in sales. 
If you have a large, front loading washing machine in your house, that was Dave and his team at Whirlpool. They re-envisioned the traditional, small European washer for the US market and took front loaders from 1% of the market to over 50% today, saving billions of dollars in electricity and water consumption in the process.
Dave has lived and worked around the world, and is now based in Burlington Vermont with his wife and Golden Retriever, Bear. Their 3 “kids” have now graduated from college, but it was his experience with them on their college journeys that started his innovator’s brain cranking on what became Troove. 
Having worked in admissions through grad school, he was amazed by how little technology and the internet had impacted the college search and admissions process. And even more, he was dismayed to discover how often students were transferring or dropping out altogether. 
In early 2020, this led directly to his founding Troove, a 2-sided, AI powered platform to help students discover their passions, people, and place based on the real experiences of recent alumni and current higher education students.
Join us for this conversation about the college admissions system, why it’s underserving both students and colleges, and how Dave is working to change that by creating a system that helps students find their best fit.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

The current college admissions system and how it underserves both students and colleges. Dave’s experience with college admissions and how he developed a way to use technology to match colleges and students. Why alumni are the key to helping students find their right fit for college. The power dynamic between applicants and colleges. Why students should focus more on getting out rather than getting in. How Troove helps students who come from a lower socioeconomic background. Helping students find majors/careers that align with their interests. Social GPAs and how we can use them.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Connect with Dave and Troove on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok Learn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library. Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment. Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.
Check out my book Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination Meet: amzn.to/3AcwlfF


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