New research from Hanover Research explores the Return on Impact of college and career readiness infrastructure, showing how a unified approach can create value across student readiness, staff capacity, family economic empowerment, and districtwide capability.

The findings point to a larger shift: Districts report the strongest outcomes when CCR becomes connected infrastructure embedded across the K–12 journey, not a collection of disconnected programs and activities.

Key takeaways from the report:

• Students become more active owners of their futures when they have access to a robust college and career readiness system.
  • Among educators and district leaders using Xello, 78% report positive impacts on career-plan completion, 76% greater clarity in students’ postsecondary goals, 74% increased confidence in postsecondary planning, and 73% increased ownership.
• Families are better equipped to make informed postsecondary decisions when career planning and affordability are connected.
  • Earlier access to career, college, affordability, and scholarship information helps students and families make more informed decisions. In 2025–26, $13.5M in scholarship award value was reported through Xello, and 62% of Grade 12 students who were actively engaged in postsecondary planning saved scholarship opportunities through the platform.
• CCR infrastructure creates capacity for educators and administrators, not only efficiency.
  • Educators estimate a 33% average reduction in administrative workload associated with Xello-supported workflows, while district leaders estimate 28%, creating opportunities to redirect staff time toward advising and direct student support.
• The greatest return on impact happens at the system level.
  • Connected CCR infrastructure gives districts greater visibility, continuity, and accountability. Seventy-four percent report stronger accountability across grade levels and 73% stronger support for data-informed decision-making and strategic planning.