Casey Jennings

Casey Jennings is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at 13th Avenue Funding, a not-for-profit organization that focuses on Income Share Agreements (ISAs) for college financing.2

Professional Background

13th Avenue Funding is pioneering a new approach to college financing by treating students like investments. The organization provides funding to low-income students in exchange for a percentage of their future income over a set period.1 As COO, Jennings plays a key role in this innovative financial model.

Expertise and Initiatives

Jennings is deeply involved in the development and implementation of ISA programs:

1. He describes the 13th Avenue Funding model as "pooled venture capital" that shares risk among investors and students.3
2. The organization has conducted pilot programs, including one in 2012 that invested in California college students.3
3. Jennings is actively working to expand ISA programs to more colleges, though he notes that while schools are interested, funding remains a challenge.4

Philosophy on ISAs

Jennings and 13th Avenue Funding view ISAs as a potential solution to the growing student debt crisis. The approach aims to:

• Provide an alternative to traditional student loans
• Offer a form of "insurance" to students, as repayments are tied to future income
• Create opportunities for low-income students who might otherwise struggle to finance their education1

Casey Jennings is based in Berkeley, California.2 His LinkedIn profile username is casey-jennings-2018522, as mentioned in the query.