Along is a Fast Company ‘World Changing Idea’
When our community needed a way to connect with students three years ago, we delivered.
Amid a global pandemic that caused school buildings to close, Gradient Learning helped solve the teacher-student connection gap by offering Along as a solution for bringing teachers and their students together. Along began as a way to support teachers in maintaining relationships through remote learning and has now become a trusted partner in making their students feel seen and understood.
Some might call this “world-changing.” And, in fact, that’s just how Along is now being described. We are thrilled to share that Along has been named a “World Changing Idea” finalist by Fast Company.
We are excited to add being a “World Changing Idea” finalist to other awards Along has received this school year, including a Special Mention on TIME’s “Best Inventions 2022” list and being one of Common Sense’s “Best Tools for Back to School 2022.” For its World Changing Idea award, Fast Company chose Along as a finalist from over 2,200 entries. These entrants celebrated sustainable designs, innovative products, bold social initiatives, and other creative projects that are changing the way we work, live, and interact with the world.
“When we set out to build Along, we imagined the transformation that could take place if every student felt connected to at least one educator at their school,” said Samia Zaidi, Along’s Program Director. “If students feel understood, they bring more motivation and engagement to the classroom and are more likely to bring a positive focus to their academics.
“It’s an honor that Along has been recognized as a World Changing Idea. We hope that we are able to make a difference in the lives of students and educators on a daily basis.”
We’d like to thank our team and the overall Along community for helping Along attain this honor. Outstanding educators who constantly work to build and strengthen teacher-student relationships inspire us on a daily basis and tap into the heart of Along.
Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards showcase some of the world’s most inventive entrepreneurs and forward-thinking companies that are actively tackling global challenges. Browse the full list of winners here.