SWITCH -

Rima Lancelin
SWITCH is building an edtech platform that matches economically disadvantaged high school students with businesses to fill entry-level positions with diverse candidates, lowering company turnover, and providing long-term career opportunities.

We have been hard at work this summer, and we want to show off our awesome founders! Meet the startups in Class 10 of OwlSpark and Class 1 of BlueLaunch. Our #FounderSpotlightSeries continues with Sapling Jobs from Rice University OwlSpark!

Tell me about your small business or startup.

SWITCH is an EdTech platform matching economically disadvantaged young adults with business partners to fill entry-level positions, reducing biases, lowering company turnover, and providing otherwise unobtainable opportunities.

Why did you decide to start your business or launch this product or service?

When I was growing up, I didn’t realize that I didn’t have access to the same resources as my cross-town peers. It wasn’t until I was in college and trying to find a job that it became obvious that I was at a disadvantage. I want to help kids like me have equal opportunities.

What have you gotten out of this program?

OwlSpark has given me the confidence to go out there and get it! The expectations of the program force me outside of my comfort zone and help me ensure  that SWITCH doesn’t become stagnant. The leadership and access to mentors is what this program is all about!

What is your biggest accomplishment from this program?

My biggest accomplishments from OwlSpark were actually incorporating my business and developing a pretotype.

Fun Fact!

I used to be a sign language interpreter for concerts and comic cons.