New Hanover Research Examines the Return on Impact of College and Career Readiness Infrastructure

TORONTO — A new study conducted by Hanover Research examines the value K–12 districts are seeing from adopting a unified, systemic approach to college and career readiness (CCR).

Commissioned by Xello, The Return on Impact (ROI) of College and Career Readiness Infrastructure study explores reported and observed outcomes among US-based district leaders and educators using Xello as part of their CCR programming. The study defines ROI as Return on Impact: A framework looking beyond traditional financial return and instead covering educational, operational, organizational, and family outcomes.

The research draws on a national survey of over 350 K–12 district leaders and educators who use Xello, in-depth interviews, and Xello platform engagement data from the 2025–26 school year.

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Across the findings, a central theme emerges: Districts report the greatest Return on Impact when college and career readiness functions as institutional infrastructure rather than a collection of disconnected programs.

“College and career readiness can’t be a series of disconnected moments in a student’s journey,” said Matt McQuillen, Co-Founder and CEO of Xello. “What this research shows is the value of building the infrastructure that connects students, educators, families, and district leaders around a unified approach to readiness. When those pieces work together, districts are better positioned to deliver meaningful support consistently and at scale.”

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