We've Officially Turned the Corner
We're thrilled to announce that Connect Education has been accepted into the Vector Institute's FastLane program, an accelerator dedicated to driving AI-powered impact across Canada. This milestone represents more than a partnership; it's a validation of our mission and a commitment to scaling innovation that respects what matters most: human connection, care, and the educators who inspire every student.
For Connect Education, this opportunity opens doors to resources, expertise, and partnerships that will accelerate our vision of reimagining tutoring through the seamless blend of technology and human expertise.
What This Partnership Means for Connect Education
Joining the FastLane program gives Connect Education access to:
- AI Engineering Expertise - World-class technical resources to enhance our intelligent matching algorithm and optimize student outcomes
- Applied Project Support - Hands-on guidance to scale our platform and refine our technology infrastructure
- Talent Pipelines - Access to top-tier developers, engineers, and innovators to strengthen our team
- Commercialization & IP Guidance - Strategic support to protect our intellectual property and navigate market expansion
- A Powerful Community of Partners - Connection with like-minded organizations, investors, and stakeholders committed to AI-driven education innovation
This accelerator partnership equips us with the tools and knowledge to scale Connect Education responsibly while maintaining our core values: safety, quality, and genuine human connection.
The Heart of Our Mission: Technology Amplifies People, It Doesn't Replace Them
Here's what makes this milestone so significant to us: this partnership does not dilute our core truth, human connection is irreplaceable.
Our kids need real connection. Our teachers deliver it. What AI does through the FastLane program is liberate time, energy, and focus so our educators can spend more of it being present for students.
At Connect Education, we've always believed that:
- Certified educators understand the curriculum and the child in ways technology cannot replicate
- Personalized attention builds confidence, fosters belonging, and creates lasting academic growth
- Technology is the enabler, not the solution, it handles scheduling, matching, and logistics so teachers can focus on teaching
- Every student deserves someone in their corner, a real person who knows them, believes in them, and champions their success
The FastLane program allows us to enhance our platform's capabilities while doubling down on what makes Connect Education different: we put educators and students at the centre, supported by intelligent technology.
Why This Matters for Canadian Families
The private tutoring market in Canada continues to grow as parents recognize the value of personalized, one-on-one academic support. Families are searching for:
- Certified, qualified educators they can trust
- Flexible scheduling that fits their lives
- Affordable, transparent pricing
- Specialized support for diverse learning needs, including students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and IEPs
- Safe, background-checked professionals
Connect Education addresses all of these needs. By joining FastLane, we're strengthening our ability to:
✓ Match students with the right certified educators faster and more accurately
✓ Expand access to quality tutoring across Canada
✓ Provide specialized support for students with learning disabilities
✓ Offer flexible, affordable options for families with varying budgets and schedules
✓ Maintain the highest standards of safety and trust
What's Next for Connect Education
This partnership energizes our entire team. It reminds us why we do this work: to ensure that technology amplifies people, not replaces them. As we scale, our commitment remains unchanged:
- Human-centered innovation - Every feature, every decision prioritizes the connection between students, teachers, and families
- Educational equity - Making quality tutoring accessible to students regardless of their background or postal code
- Educator empowerment - Supporting certified teachers with tools, community, and fair compensation so they can focus on what they do best
- Continuous improvement - Listening to our community and evolving our platform to serve families better
A Message from Marilyn Solano, CEO & Founder
"Today feels like we've officially turned the corner. This milestone energizes me, motivates our team, and reminds me why we keep pushing: to ensure that technology amplifies people, not replaces them.
When I founded Connect Education, my vision was simple: ensure that no child is left behind. This partnership with Vector Institute's FastLane program is a powerful step toward making that vision a reality at scale.
None of this dilutes our core truth: human connection is irreplaceable. Our kids need that connection. Our teachers deliver it. What AI does through this program is liberate time, energy, and focus so our educators can spend more of it being present for students.
With gratitude for our team, our community, and this opportunity, we're feeling grateful, proud, and ready for the next chapter. Stay tuned for what we build next."
Marilyn Solano, CEO & Founder, Connect Education
Ready to Experience Connect Education?
If you're a parent looking for certified, personalized tutoring support for your child, explore how Connect Education makes it easy to find the right educator, virtual or in-person, with flexible scheduling and transparent pricing.
If you're a certified educator interested in connecting with families who value quality, professional tutoring, join our community of certified educators who are making a real difference in students' lives.