Crowd-Sponsored Career Education

Here's an interesting attempt to consumerize what families have traditionally done for their sons, daughters, nephews and nieces. Consumerized sponsorship of career education is the focus of a new company called Upstart:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alisongriswold/2012/08/10/upstart-can-crowdfunding-your-education-and-career-really-work/

What I found interesting was the idea of a broader advisory pool for career mentorship purposes. As an alternative to that wise uncle or dad who helped guide you in certain career choices, Upstart provides access to a similar pool of experienced mentors for career guidance. The career-minded individual then becomes an investment for the group of sponsors, whose value can grow based on their inputs. The prodigal son becomes an investment opportunity. "Get a Piece of the Rock"