The lifelong technology in education community for Columbians by Columbians

We welcome students, alumni, staff and faculty from any of the schools at, or affiliated with Columbia, including Teachers College, Barnard, UTS and JTS, who are interested in education and technology. Whether you're just a curious user of technology or an expert, this community is for you.

Thank you to our platform provider:

Private I Always Free

★★★★★

"CIET really jump-started my Columbia career. It combines three incredible elements for people interested in Education: a plethora of organized info, the newest event updates, and incredible people. I can't wait to keep on exploring!"

-Michael Shen

Founder of Acorn Academy and student

Teachers College

"The Columbians in EdTech group provides me and my colleague at Union Theological Seminary with a unique opportunity to engage with a larger community of folks doing great work at the intersection of technology, innovation, and learning. It brings together a unique set of resources and talent with the potential to make education more effective, accessible, equitable, and sustainable."

  • -David Gastwirth

  • VP for Online Education and Learning Innovation

  • Union Theological Seminary

“Actively participating in the Columbians in EdTech community has expanded our program’s reach and opened doors to new collaborations and partnerships across Columbia’s campuses.”

-Grace McCarthy

Director of Research Strategy and Policy at Center for Public Research and Leadership

Columbia Law School

"As an alum and EdTech founder, I am excited to be able to connect with like-minded people from not only the Business School, but the wider community."

-Greg Zumas

Co-Founder StudyPoint Inc

Columbia Business School

What community members say:

About us

We are a community of Columbians who are interested in technology in education. We build lifelong friendships, connect, amplify, celebrate and share expertise, opportunities and resources, thereby elevating our collective impact across the university and in education as a whole. Members contribute their diverse backgrounds, whether students, founders, researchers, engineers, investors, administrators, faculty or corporate background.

Columbians in EdTech community members, are alumni, faculty, staff and students who are affiliated with:

Teachers College, Columbia Engineering, Columbia Business School, Columbia Law School, Columbia College, Columbia SPS, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia GS, Columbia GSAS, Barnard, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia School of Nursing, Mailman School of Public Health, Teachers College Community School etc.

The community launched in 2025. It is volunteer-led community and is not a commercial enterprise. Columbians in EdTech is not officially affiliated with the university, however every member is required to be affiliated.

Mission

Who

What's inside the community

Virtual community and resources

  • 100% transparent directory of all members, because we are one community.

  • Resource database, incl relevant Columbia and external orgs

  • Automated networking: Monday Matchups

  • Conversation threads

  • Special discounts

In-person and virtual events

We host and cohost social and professional events across the wider campus and online, highlighting relevant centers, clubs, conversations around specific verticals from K-12, Higher ed, workforce development to mental health.

What's inside?

A group of people dressed in blue shirts sit at tables in a modern, open-space office environment. They are focused on their laptops, with paperwork and personal items scattered on desks. Balloons of various colors are tied to the tables, and a large projector hangs from the ceiling. The backdrop displays a wall with the words 'Community is Everything' and photo collages.
A group of people dressed in blue shirts sit at tables in a modern, open-space office environment. They are focused on their laptops, with paperwork and personal items scattered on desks. Balloons of various colors are tied to the tables, and a large projector hangs from the ceiling. The backdrop displays a wall with the words 'Community is Everything' and photo collages.
Diverse Community

Join a network of passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests and expertise. Access the

Innovative Projects

Explore groundbreaking technologies

Endless Opportunities

Find events and resources to shape your future in EdTech

Connecting Columbians in the EdTech Community

Discover events and opportunities from various schools and organizations within or beyond Columbia, all in one place. We also host large gatherings to unite diverse perspectives and foster collaboration.

Connect Across Schools and Initiatives
Collaborate, Learn, and Innovate

Join a network that supports research initiatives, mentorship, and the development of groundbreaking projects. Whether you're learning new skills, designing solutions, or building startups, this is where ideas turn into action.

Pete Novak (Bus '09)

Yilin Zhang (TC '25)

Co-hosted by

Joyce Romero (Bus '25)

Aaron Ernst (SIPA '08)

With gratitude to our former cohosts:

Camille Park (Bus '19)

Education Stands at A Crossroads: Innovate or Risk Being Left Behind

In an age of rapid technological change, education lags behind. Innovators face tough challenges, finding the right people, overcoming financial and technical barriers. It takes collective effort to build scalable solutions and shape the future of education. The time to act is now.

"As an alum and EdTech founder, I am excited to be able to connect with like-minded people from not only the Business School, but the wider community."

-Greg Zumas (BUS '07, Co-Founder StudyPoint Inc)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join Columbians in EdTech?

Anyone with a Columbia University affiliation, including Teachers College, Barnard, UTS, JTS and an interest in education and technology is welcome! Whether you're a student, educator, administrator, researcher, entrepreneur, investor or simply passionate about EdTech, there’s a place for you in our community.

What kind of events and collaborations can I expect?

We share events from various schools and organizations and host gatherings that bring together diverse individuals and initiatives. You can also participate in mentorship programs, research collaborations, and opportunities to design and develop impactful projects.

Is Columbians in EdTech affiliated with Columbia University?

While we are inspired by and for the Columbia community, Columbians in EdTech is an independent initiative led by alums and students. It is not an official program and there is no legal affiliation with the university.

How do I access the community on the Heartbeat platform?

Once you sign up through our website and are manually verified as a Columbia affiliate, within 24 hours you’ll receive an invitation to join the Heartbeat community platform, where you can connect with other members, explore opportunities, and stay updated on events.

Is membership free?

Yes, membership is completely free. We believe in creating an open and inclusive space for collaboration and innovation. Just sign up to join our growing community!

I’m in the education space but new to technology—can I still join?

Absolutely! Our community is designed to support members at all levels of experience. You’ll find mentorship opportunities and resources to help you learn about EdTech, whether you're exploring educational practices or diving into innovative technologies.

Columbians in EdTech is an alumni and student-led volunteer initiative. It is not an official program and has no affiliation with Columbia University.