Leveraging AI to Scale Meaningful Human Connections

Higher Education is rooted in relationships. From the mentor who offers career advice to the staff member who points a student toward the right resource, these human connections are often the difference between a student who thrives and one who slips through the cracks. And yet, as campuses navigate limited staff capacity, rising student expectations, and increasingly diverse student needs, scaling these human moments becomes a monumental challenge—one that's not just operational, but financial. Institutions increasingly recognize that meaningful student engagement is closely tied to key revenue drivers like retention, persistence, alumni support, and lifelong giving.

At PeopleGrove, we believe technology—and more specifically, AI—can be a powerful partner in scaling meaningful connections.

From Information Overload to Personalized Guidance

We consistently hear from clients that AI increases student's confidence to engage with campus resources. Without it, students can feel unsure about what to ask and how to ask— leading to hesitation and missed opportunities.

One student shared that she was afraid to ask what she thought were "dumb questions" to people on campus— questions like, "Will I sound unprepared?" or "Who do I even talk to about this?" In reality, there were thoughtful and important concerns, and left unaddressed, they could have caused her to drop out. Instead, AI helped her find the right person to ask—getting her connected to answers and solutions exactly when she needed them.

AI doesn't just surface information. It builds confidence.

By providing 24/7 access to personalized, judgement-free support, AI tools reduce the friction between a student and the help they need. We've seen this time and time again: students who were hesitant to reach out suddenly feel empowered because AI provides a safe first step—a way to understand what to ask, how to ask, and who to go to next.

Scaling Support Without Sacrificing Humanity

Critics of AI in education often worry that technology replaces the human touch. But we've seen the opposite. AI enables more human interaction by removing barriers.

When students use AI to triage their questions, uncover relevant resources, or get ready for a conversation, they approach advisors, faculty, and alumni mentors with greater clarity and confidence. These interactions become more intentional, help students build important communication and help-seeking skills, and open doors to affirmation and opportunity. AI isn't replacing relationships—it's amplifying them.

Smart Starts

How AI Helps Students Find the Right Words

For many students, reaching out to professionals or experts can be intimidating—especially when they’re unsure how to phrase things. One student knew what she wanted to say, but wasn’t sure how to say it “right.”

Here’s what they drafted at first:

“I’m trying to learn about fast fashion and how it messes up water and pollution stuff…”

With AI, the message was transformed into a clear, confident, and professional message, without losing the author’s voice.

This kind of support doesn’t just help students communicate better—it gives them the confidence to initiate a human connection.

Belonging and the Power of Access

AI plays a crucial role in helping all students, especially those new to navigating higher education—feel more confident and capable. Many are unfamiliar with the "hidden curriculum" of college life: understanding where to go, who to ask, or how to make the most available resources.

With AI as a guide, students gain consistent, judgement-free support to ask questions, explore opportunities, and find the help they need. This support fosters a stronger sense of belonging and connection, contributing to greater persistence and success.

The Future is Human-Driven, AI-Enhanced

As we look ahead, our mission at PeopleGrove remains clear: ensure every student has the opportunity to take their next step with confidence. AI is a vital part of that mission, not because it replaces people, but because it scales the power of people—making it possible to offer meaningful support at scale, even amid limited staffing and rising demands.

That scale matters. Institutions know that student engagement is no longer a "nice to have"—it's deeply tied to their financial health through retention, persistence, alumni support, and lifelong giving. With AI, campuses can meet more students where they are, build trust earlier, and create the kinds of interactions that sustain those long-term relationships.

We're proud to be leading this work with partners who share that vision. Together, we can create a future where technology doesn't diminish human connection—but strengthens at every turn.