Knowledge Center
Where research meets real-world application
This space is dedicated to publishing and sharing the academic research and evidence that forms the bedrock of our methodologies. Here, you’ll find in-depth studies, white papers, and conference papers that capture the rigorous research behind our transformative approach to education and career readiness.
Get started
Building a Foundation on Evidence and Innovation
Our approach is built on the principle of “Hyper-Fit, Future-Self Mentoring”—a mentorship model that connects students with mentors who share both their origins and future aspirations, tailored to specific needs and contexts. The Upgrade Education Method, developed from this research, guides students not only in academics but in building resilient, adaptable mindsets that foster long-term success.
ICERI 2024 Conference Paper
Plugging College and Career Readiness Gaps
We are thrilled to announce our recent presentation at ICERI 2024, one of Europe’s largest education conferences, held from November 11-13 in Seville, Spain. Our paper, Plugging College and Career Readiness Gaps in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Romanian Ed-Tech Company’s Approach to Hyper-Fit Individual Mentoring, presents our innovative model to bridge college and career readiness gaps.
Leveraging insights from top-tier research in the U.S., U.K., and Western Europe, the ICERI paper showcases how our individually tailored mentoring model addresses educational disparities. Attendees at ICERI 2024 are invited to explore how Upgrade Education’s model aligns with global standards for college and career readiness, equipping students with practical tools to thrive in competitive international environments.
Access the ICERI 2024 Paper
To learn more, we invite you to download the ICERI paper by completing the form below:
Featured White Papers
Our in-depth white papers form the foundation of our Job Readiness and Promotion Readiness degrees, emphasizing evidence-based education approaches.
The ROI of Meta and Soft Skills Development for Employers
In a rapidly changing world, traditional education often leaves workers ill-prepared for the unpredictable demands of the future. This white paper addresses the pressing need for employers, especially in Romania, to invest in workforce training focused on meta and soft skills. It reveals how these skills—such as adaptability, problem-solving, and communication—are vital in fostering a resilient, versatile workforce.
By developing these durable skills, companies not only equip employees to thrive in diverse roles but also experience significant returns on investment, including higher retention rates and increased productivity. Through case studies, including the Harvard Skills Lab Experiment, this paper demonstrates the tangible benefits for organizations that prioritize “learning to learn” abilities in their teams.
To learn more, we invite you to download the full white paper by completing the form below.
Navigating the School-to-Career Maze
This white paper explores the significant college and career readiness (CCR) gaps facing students in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on Romanian students who aspire to study and work abroad. Our research uncovered that Romania’s existing career counseling and mentorship frameworks often fall short, providing limited personalized guidance and outdated resources. Students aiming to navigate global education systems lack the tailored support necessary to make informed decisions, a reality that leaves them underprepared in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
To bridge this gap, Upgrade Education has developed a modular, mentor-guided solution through the Upgrade Education Method. This method emphasizes one-on-one mentorship, allowing students to work with mentors who have firsthand experience in international education and career transitions. Through our adaptable curriculum, students gain the skills, resilience, and practical insights needed to successfully launch and sustain global careers. This personalized approach has proven highly effective in preparing students for both academic and professional challenges, positioning them to thrive beyond borders.
To learn more, we invite you to download the full white paper by completing the form below.
The Science of Hyper-Fit, Future-Self Mentoring
This paper delves into the foundations of our “Hyper-Fit” mentoring model, illustrating the critical need for mentorship approaches that go beyond the typical one-size-fits-all counseling. Our research found that many students in under-resourced regions struggle with generic, standardized mentorship that fails to account for their unique backgrounds, aspirations, and the challenges of navigating unfamiliar educational and job markets. Students from diverse origins benefit most from mentors who have walked similar paths, allowing for a more authentic and practical exchange of guidance.
In response, the Upgrade Education Method emphasizes pairing students with mentors who align with their unique backgrounds and goals. By bridging origins and destinations, our “Future-Self” mentoring model fosters connections that are not only academically enriching but also profoundly relatable. This highly individualized approach empowers students to envision and achieve their future selves with confidence, offering a modular curriculum that adapts to each student’s evolving needs. Together, our evidence-based methods cultivate a mentoring environment where empathy, knowledge, and actionable steps lead to lasting success.
To learn more, we invite you to download the full white paper by completing the form below.
Advance Your Learning with Us
At Upgrade Education, we believe that transformative education is rooted in solid research and a profound understanding of each student’s unique journey. Our Knowledge Center is here to support educators, journalists, students, and parents who share our commitment to reshaping the future of education through research-driven mentorship and career readiness.
Get started