Apangea Learning, the company behind SmartHelp, the first proven tutoring assistance combining technology with the one-on-one tutoring, hired former Heinz Endowments senior program officer Gerry Balbier as vice president of their innovative programs.
Founded in 2002, Apangea Learning, which moved their offices from Blairsville to downtown Pittsburgh’s Liberty Avenue in January, has helped more than 30,000 students improve their performance in math by using cost-effective web-based technology.
Balbier plans to expand Apangea’s tutoring base to non-traditional learning situations: after school and summer programs for K-12 students, as well as programs for college-aged students who might need some educational support before entering a university. He strives to work in challenging communities, not just in this region, but nationwide. “We have 30 people on staff now,” says Balbier, “with our current pace, we’ll probably grow to about 60 by the end of the year. It’s a great team.”
Balbier previously applied his innovative problem-solving skills at the Heinz Endowments, focusing on math, science and reading education, instructional technology, and program evaluation.
“Gerry is one of the most talented people I know when thinking innovatively about education,” explained Apangea Learning CEO Louis Piconi. “Not only does Gerry have over 15 years of grant making experience, he knows what good education programs look like. We’re growing fast. He’ll help us view where we are and where we need to be.”
Writer: Sherrie Flick
Sources: Gerry Balbier; Louis Piconi
Image courtesy of Gerry Balbier