The need for human-centered learning does not stop after high school. For many students, post-secondary learning revolves around a traditional four-year college program. But what about the students who don’t want or fit in the traditional paradigm? Where do they find the program and support needed to develop their own potential?

This week’s guest is revolutionizing higher education with her creation of a two-year, nonprofit community college that seeks to support students in living a life of purpose, through a focus on practical life skills, mentorship programs, and paid internships. Listen in as we explore what’s not working in the higher education system and how to evolve education beyond a traditional four-year college.

About Michelle Jones:

Dr. Michelle D. Jones, founder and Chief Academic Officer of Wayfinding Academy,  is on a mission to revolutionize higher education. After years of volunteering with groups and nonprofits to organize for social impact (SuperThank, TEDxMtHood, World Domination Summit) Michelle took a huge leap and founded Wayfinding Academy in June 2014 with a group of like-minded friends and colleagues. With continual progress being made, Michelle and her team are starting to see some ripple effects of change throughout higher education and their community. 

When not ruffling the feathers of traditional higher education, Michelle can be found walking the Camino de Santiago with fellow Wayfinders (this summer will be her seventh time!) or relaxing at her tiny home in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about Michelle or the higher education revolution, visit her website or follow her on LinkedIn.

Jump in the Conversation:

• [5:16] Defining the Wayfinding Academy experience
• [6:16] The Self and Society Degree: Resilience and identity-based coursework
• [8:12] Self-knowledge and accountability through mentorship
• [10:42] Personalizing the post-graduate journey
• [16:12] Education through life skills and community focus 
• [17:15] Wayfinding’s commitment to anti-racist action
• [21:39] Free college tuition initiative
• [27:54] Get to know Michelle: rapid-fire questions
• [31:36] Michelle’s Magic Wand: creating the space for students to make informed, intentional choices about life’s next step
• [33:01] My reflections on anti-racism, mentoring, and the value of a “pause”

Links and Resources:

• Wayfinding Academy
• Wayfinding Academy's Free Tuition Initiative Program
• How to Be An Antiracist by Ibrham X. Kendi
• Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?
• Gregory McKelvey: Why We Protest
• Follow Michelle on Medium
• Email Maureen
• Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
• Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
• LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
• Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids

• Micro-school feature on Good Morning America
• The Micro-School Coalition
• Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition
• LEADPrep