In the ever-evolving landscape of California’s education system, a Fresno-based startup is revolutionizing how schools understand and support their students. Parsec Education, led by CEO Babatunde Ilori, is proving that the key to improving academic outcomes might be as simple as listening.

Traditionally, school districts have collected mountains of data - test scores, attendance records, and grades - but struggled to translate these numbers into meaningful change. Parsec Education takes a different approach, emphasizing qualitative feedback directly from students.

One powerful example highlights the startup’s impact. In a school system struggling with high suspension rates among African American students, Parsec conducted in-depth conversations revealing critical insights. Students candidly shared feeling disconnected, stating they didn’t see themselves represented in curriculum or experiencing fair treatment.

The result? By addressing these concerns and building genuine relationships, the school dramatically reduced suspension rates for African American students by 50% within just one year.

Parsec’s innovative software, Parsec Real, goes beyond traditional surveys. It allows students, educators, and parents to share feedback through voice, video, audio, or text - capturing nuanced perspectives often missed in standard questionnaires.

With approximately 220 partners across California, including 50% charter schools, Parsec is helping educational institutions navigate challenging environments of declining enrollment and tight budgets. Their approach humanizes data, helping schools communicate their unique strengths and create more inclusive learning environments.

As California’s educational landscape continues to evolve, Parsec Education demonstrates that empowering student voices isn’t just a strategy - it’s a transformative approach to building more equitable, engaging schools.