Sylvan Learning Expanding its Network Through Growth Incentives for Existing Franchisees

Sylvan Learning*, Inc., the nation’s leading supplemental education resource for students in communities across America, is expanding its footprint by incentivizing its current franchisees to develop new territories in neighboring communities. For Q4 of 2014, more than 25 franchisees agreed to open one Sylvan territory in 2015. One center is already open and eight more are on track to open in the next couple of months.

“By offering franchisees more solutions and outreach opportunities in their local communities, we can pave the way for greater student success and continue providing first-rate education solutions to more families,” said Jeffrey Cohen, CEO of Sylvan Learning. “Our franchisees are the cornerstone of Sylvan’s success, and through strategic internal initiatives, we can continue to offer them low cost ways to expand their business.”

To jumpstart expansion initiatives, Sylvan is leveraging its SylvanSync™ system, a proprietary digital instruction platform designed to support each student’s individual learning needs. SylvanSync’s™ mobility enables franchisees to open in satellite locations while their permanent new learning center is being built. This approach allows franchisees to generate revenue ahead of the completion of their brick-and-mortar location.

Sylvan’s network expansion is happening concurrently with the launch of Sylvan’s new EDGE programs. This spring marks the national rollout of Sylvan EDGE programs that reinforce STEM-based learning through robotics, math and coding courses for elementary and middle school students. American students trail their international peers in studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects. With projections for careers in these fields far outpacing growth of all other occupations, Sylvan wants to build excitement for STEM early on. Sylvan EDGE programs are fun, interactive opportunities for students to experience first-hand STEM content like building robots and designing their own video games. As Sylvan EDGE programs roll out across the country, Sylvan will become the leading provider of STEM-related programs for young students.

“The success of our franchisees is of utmost importance, and through internal programs, we can widen their local community reach, offer exciting and innovative programs, and provide them with the opportunity to buy additional territories to surpass their growth goals,” said John McAuliffe, CFO of Sylvan Learning. “This allows us, in turn, to help more students and make services more convenient for families across the country.”

In 2015, the brand looks to continue growing in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Washington D.C., Sacramento, Calif.; Long Island, N.Y.; Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Boston to continue affirming its leadership in supplemental education and enrichment programs.