Higher education institutions and policy makers come together to discuss equal access to education
Editor’s note: We will update this story daily during the summit.
these years ASU + GSV apexheld in San Diego this week, explores the theme “Brave New World: Imagine a New Era in which all people have equal opportunity to reach the future.”
The Education Technology Conference drew more than 7,100 people and another 10,000 watched the live broadcast of the panels. About 350 institutions of higher learning are represented, including 22 speakers and 12 deans from ASU.
Here are some highlights of the panel:
Monday 17th April
Designing Scalable Education Systems for Africa: Lessons from Arizona State University and the Mastercard Foundation
ASU’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation helps advance education in Africa, a continent full of economic opportunity.
ASU President Michael Crowe opened the ASU+GSV Summit Monday morning with a conversation with Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which focuses on two goals in Africa: improving financial services for the poor and preparing youth for the workforce. Through education and upgrading skills.
ASU President Michael Crowe and Rita Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, talk about the Mastercard Young Scholars Program at the ASU + GSV Summit on April 17.
Roy said that 60% of Africa’s one billion people are under the age of 25. About 40% have finished high school, and about 9% have some higher education.
“We all know education is part of nation building. It’s where leaders come from. It’s about economic competitiveness as well as social inclusion.”
Roy said technological innovation is essential.
“When you look at the gaps, we can’t build enough schools or train enough teachers or professors. Technology is a force multiplier, enabling access and quality and allowing relevance,” she said. “ASU has been an innovator when it comes to technology and education.”
Crowe noted that dozens of young Africans have attended ASU as part of the Mastercard Young Scholars program, and he heard one of them speak a few years ago.
“It was one of the most emotional moments I’ve had, listening to this student express her plan for the future of Arizona and her country, Zimbabwe, with her talent and energy,” he said.
Two years ago, Roy moved to Rwanda when the Foundation moved its headquarters there. The true story of Africa, she said, differs from the grim headlines.
“Some of it is true,” she said, “but there’s a bigger story underneath.” “I see young people starting companies, running for office, and continuing to lead the city or organization they are a part of.
“One of my wishes is more organizations like ASU that we can partner with, that partner with the right level of building trust, respect and listening.”
After the Mastercard Foundation session, Crow then joined Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor, University of California San Diego, W Shellye Archambeau, Director of the Board of Directors at Verizon, to attend a panel discussion on “Universities in the New Economy.” Moderated by Maria Anguiano, Executive Vice President, Foundation for Learning at Arizona State University.
Speakers discussed how universities are powering the industries of the future through research, development and innovation, while partnering with leading companies to link education and training to workforce needs. National research universities in the United States are responsible for the health of the communities they serve, according to panelists.
From left: Moderator Maria Angeanu and panelists Michael Crowe, Pradeep Khosla and Shelly Archampoo during a session on ‘Universities in the New Economy’.
Other ASU sessions for the day included:
Moving to or to and: shattering the false dichotomy between college or function
A recent study showed that 56% of Gen Z teens believe that skills-based education makes sense in today’s world. However, completing a university degree remains one of the best predictors of socioeconomic mobility. Maria Angiano, Executive Vice President, ASU Learning Enterprise, is joined by Lisa Gefelber, Founder of Grow with Google and Director of Marketing at Google – Americas, and Shavar Jeffries, CEO of the KIPP Foundation, to discuss how to move toward a “both/and” structure where individuals can receive Professional credentials and concurrently obtaining a university degree. The session was moderated by Ann Kirschner, Senior Advisor to ASU President Michael Crowe.
Transforming California’s Schools: A Conversation with State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
Christian Osmenia, vice president of project planning at Arizona State University, spoke with Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent of public education for California, at How technology can advance state students.
The CHIPS Science Act: Exploring our nation’s STEM needs
Sally Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise, joins her colleague Committee members Paula Golden, President, Broadcom Corporation; Robert Simmons, Head of Social Impact and STEM Programs at the MICRON Foundation; And Jan Morrison, Founder and CEO of TIES for a discussion on The need to increase funding for STEM education and research, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the STEM workforce, and the role of partnerships between industry and academia in meeting the country’s STEM needs. Speakers too Delve into the CHIPS Science Act, the legislation that addresses these issues and enhances the growth and competitiveness of the STEM workforce in the United States. The session was moderated by Ann Kirschner, Senior Advisor to ASU President Michael Crowe.
Innovation to meet California education needs
Alan Arkatov, Professor of Practice and Executive Director of the ASU Institute for Educational Transformation, joined California higher education policy leaders to discuss college Low enrollment rates, barriers to access and uneven results in the state. The question was put to the speakers: How can innovation transform outcomes for Californians?
Images courtesy of EdPlus at Arizona State University
