The intersection of nonprofit innovators, philanthropists and higher education leaders fosters vibrant discussions aimed at enhancing the educational landscape. At HolonIQ’s Annual Back to School Summit in New York City this September, sponsored in part by Western Governors University (WGU), two panel sessions drew enthusiastic audiences. 

HolonIQ, a global market intelligence agency, hosted this exclusive gathering of education leaders, policymakers, investors, and philanthropists, offering tracks on Foundations & Philanthropy, Higher Education & Workforce, and Technology & Finance.

Key themes included the transformative potential of generative AI in education, enhancing student experiences and the growing significance of hybrid and online learning. Panel discussions also tackled pressing issues such as college-to-career readiness, addressing systemic inequities and the urgent need for accelerated apprenticeships and skills pathways in the evolving workforce.

Embracing AI to Innovate Higher Education

The opening session of the Foundations & Philanthropy track focused on leveraging AI, big data and learning science to foster innovation in higher education. Jessica Hinkle, senior vice resident of Strategic Investments at Strada Education Foundation, moderated a panel featuring Courtney Hills McBeth, chief academic officer and provost at WGU; Erin Mote, CEO and founder of InnovateEDU; and Matt Connell, vice president for Healthcare at Ivy Tech Community College.

The first question posed was crucial: Where can AI be beneficial, and where might it present challenges?

McBeth emphasized that two new AI initiatives at WGU aim to create digital touchpoints that help students navigate their career paths and enable faculty to gain insights into student progress, facilitating timely and personalized interventions. Research shows that early support for students in the lower performance tiers significantly enhances their perseverance and completion rates.

Mote shared a compelling case from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where an AI intervention tool increased graduation rates for at-risk juniors and seniors by an impressive 32% within a year. However, she cautioned that considerations of safety, accountability, fairness, transparency and efficacy are critical when implementing AI solutions.

“I want to ensure we’re not being bewitched by AI tools,” Mote stated. “We need to focus on centering young people and remain aware of the contents of these models and datasets.”

Connell highlighted the necessity for students to be well-versed in AI, noting that as this technology becomes integrated into various fields, it’s crucial to address the gaps in technological and information literacy that students may face.

Rethinking Hybrid and Online Learning

In another session, Sarah DeMark, vice provost of Academic Portfolio Strategy at WGU, collaborated with Bharat Anand, vice provost for Advances in Learning at Harvard University, and Maria Spies, co-CEO at HolonIQ, to discuss “Hybrid & Online Learning: Building the Student Experience of the Future.” They underscored the increasing demand for flexible access to educational materials and the challenges institutions face in implementing effective hybrid and online models.

DeMark emphasized the importance of aligning educational credentials with workforce needs to promote social mobility and prepare students for the future job market. The panelists discussed how technology, data integration and innovative learning design are essential to enhancing student engagement in this evolving educational landscape.

Scaling Solutions for Student Success

During the discussions on scaling solutions for student success, panelists noted that effective collaboration at local, regional and national levels requires robust stakeholder engagement and supportive policies. Achieving scalability also hinges on resource procurement and the flexibility to blend funding sources.

Creating dynamic partnerships requires alignment of mission, vision and values among stakeholders on both sides of the funding equation. A compelling narrative and demonstrating the potential for collective impact is vital. Mote highlighted the Pathways Alliance's success in engaging 37 states in implementing educator apprenticeships, attributing this achievement to a foundation of shared resources and language, along with strong political and social will.

WGU's School of Education is leading the way for the university in establishing apprenticeship pathways, with 600 students across 15 states currently pursuing teaching licenses. The institution is rapidly innovating in this area, notably through its acquisition of Craft Education and the launch of a new division dedicated to guiding apprenticeship programs across its schools of Business, Education, Health, and Technology.

Learning from Experience

Panelists also reflected on initiatives that fell short of their goals, pointing to instances of overestimated demand and miscommunication between funders and program providers. Connell emphasized the necessity of ensuring alignment between what funders expect and what projects are ultimately delivered.

Despite occasional challenges, successful funding partnerships are essential for fostering innovation in higher education. “To drive new initiatives and innovation, we need capital to accelerate our efforts and build the necessary technical and leadership infrastructure,” McBeth remarked. “Engaging multiple stakeholders, especially employers, is crucial for creating meaningful change.”

In conclusion, the collaboration between higher education, philanthropy, and innovative thinkers is essential for shaping a more effective and inclusive educational future that serves all students, one by one. Through strategic partnerships and shared vision, we can enhance student success and drive meaningful change across the educational landscape.