Live from SXSW EDU 2024 - Harnessing Education Technology for Social Impact

About the Episode: 

In this episode recorded live in Austin at SXSW EDU 2024, Dustin speaks with Juanita about her efforts to bridge gaps between work, learning, technology, and the social good. She shares details about the collaboration between edX and Verizon as an example of leveraging corporate partners and education technology to address systemic issues.  

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Key Takeaways

• Verizon Skill Forward Partnership: A nationwide program offering free access to curated edX courses focused on high-demand skills such as AI, digital marketing, and leadership, empowering learners without financial barriers.
• Local Ecosystem Partnerships: edX collaborates with organizations such as Tulsa Community College and Black Tech Street to create wraparound services for learners, including transportation, childcare, stipends, and job placement support.
• Blending Digital and Local Resources: By combining online learning with in-person community support, edX creates a hybrid model that maximizes accessibility and career readiness.
• Stackable Learning Pathways: edX’s offerings provide stackable credentials, helping learners progress seamlessly from short courses to certificates, and even to degrees, enabling lifelong learning.
• The Role of Collaboration in Innovation: edX demonstrates how partnerships between education providers, workforce agencies, and employers can create innovative solutions that address both learner and community needs.

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Episode Summary

The Verizon Skill Forward Program: A Model for Scalable Impact

Juanita highlights the Verizon Skill Forward partnership as a shining example of how edX is working to democratize access to digital skills. The program provides free, unlimited access to a curated set of courses, helping participants acquire high-demand skills without financial barriers. The initiative aims to serve over 500,000 people by 2030, underscoring the transformative potential of corporate partnerships in education.

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Hyperlocal Workforce Development in Tulsa

In Tulsa, edX is working with a coalition of local organizations and employers to address systemic workforce challenges. This collaboration focuses on providing education and wraparound services for residents in underrepresented areas. Programs like cybersecurity and data analytics are tailored to the needs of the local job market, while services like transportation, childcare, and stipends ensure learners can overcome barriers to success.

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Balancing Scale and Quality in Online Learning

Behind the scenes, edX emphasizes the importance of curating high-quality course offerings while maintaining a scalable model. Juanita discusses how edX balances innovation with the need for relevance, ensuring that learners receive a seamless and impactful experience that connects directly to their career goals.

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Guest Name/Title/Employer: Juanita Soranno - Vice President, Global Social Impact & Innovation at edX

About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

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