DisruptED

The crux of adult education, once a marginal segment, has come into sharp focus as a crucial tool for economic and social empowerment. Per the Center for Law and Social Policy, nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. have not completed high school, representing approximately 12 percent of the population. But even as adult learners make their way back to school, it raises another question.

How can the educational ecosystem pivot to accommodate, support, and uplift adult learners, dispelling myths and addressing the unique challenges they face?

For the first segment of the two-part edition of “Supporting Adult Learning in a DisruptEd World,” host Ron J. Stefanski chatted with Vicki Greene, CEO of the GED Testing Service, and Dr. Howard Liebman, CEO and Superintendent of Schools at Smart Horizons Career Online Education. Their conversation explored the transformative potential of adult education, and the strategies to foster an inclusive, empathetic, and empowering learning environment for adult education.

Some standout points from their conversation included:

The Evolution of GED, which includes adapting to computer-centric model from paper, and how many learners it impacts annually.

Dr. Liebman’s groundbreaking research on the trauma associated with disrupted education and the imperative to craft learning pathways that mitigate this trauma.

The integration of skill training with foundational education to deliver tangible, immediately applicable results.

Vicki Greene is the CEO of the GED Testing Service, a program committed to ensuring anyone has the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. Under her leadership, the organization has developed innovative partnerships with employers, implemented programs to support learners, and has redefined what adult education looks like.

Dr. Howard Liebman is the CEO and Superintendent of Schools at Smart Horizons Career Online Education. He is recognized for his initiatives in re-engaging adults into the educational system.

Article written by Alexandra Simon.

Adult education is undergoing a radical transformation as adult learners are no longer an afterthought. Traditional classrooms are almost obsolete and flexible, online programs tailored to individual needs are replacing them. This shift in teaching methods is not just about convenience—it has real-world implications. This is noted in a study conducted by the Department of Education citing that adults without a high school diploma were more likely to earn significantly less over their lifetime than those who do.

Can adult learners, regardless of background, have the opportunity and resources to continue their education and achieve their goals?

For the second segment of “Supporting Adult Learning in a DisruptEd World,” host Ron J. Stefanski chatted with Vicki Greene, CEO of the GED Testing Service, and Dr. Howard Liebman, CEO and Superintendent of Schools at Smart Horizons Career Online Education. Their conversation examined the groundbreaking initiatives that Greene and Liebman have spearheaded, respectively, in the realm of adult education.

Sefanski, Greene, and Liebman further explored:

The collaboration between GED and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where adults are paid to study for the GED and offered jobs upon completion.

The transition from traditional tuition reimbursement to tuition assistance in corporations, with a focus on frontline workers.

The significant impact of advisors in adult learners’ journeys and the role they play in building confidence and providing support.

Vicki Greene is the CEO of the GED Testing Service, a program committed to ensuring anyone has the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. Under her leadership, the organization has developed innovative partnerships with employers, implemented programs to support learners, and has redefined what adult education looks like.

Dr. Howard Liebman is the CEO and Superintendent of Schools at Smart Horizons Career Online Education. Known for re-engaging adults in education, Leibman is recognized for his initiatives.

Article written by Alexandra Simon.

College degrees are a highly demanded requirement for many employers, but is that changing? The age-old paradigm of traditional college degree-driven careers is gradually giving way to more skills-based roles, reflecting a significant shift in how society views employability. Research reveals that around 60 percent of Americans do not hold a bachelor’s degree, yet many jobs require one, often sidelining potential talent that can fare just as good.

Are traditional college degrees still the gold standard, or can skills and experiences provide an alternative pathway to success?

On the latest episode of “DisruptEd,” host Ron J. Stefanski explored how and why this narrative is changing with Jamai Wallis Balvin, the dynamic founder and CEO of Innovate+Educate. The two talked about what it means to create good trouble, the recent Clinton Global Initiative event, and how attitudes are shifting towards degrees versus skills.

Their conversation also explored:

Shifts in narrative and how the terminology around employment and skills has evolved over the last decade.

Debunking the myth of degree-based superiority and embracing skills-based capabilities.

The stories of those breaking barriers despite lacking college degrees and conventional qualifications.

Jamai Wallis Balvin is the founder and CEO of Innovate+Educate. She has a rich background, transitioning from a successful investment banking career to the world of education. Recognizing the gap in the system, she embarked on a mission with Innovate+Educate to advocate for skills-driven employment, particularly for underserved populations.

Article written by Alexandra Simon.

The pandemic created more than a disruption in the classroom; it changed the landscape. Amidst the changes, educators and institutions recognized the critical importance of student health and well-being. These learning environments spotlighted the pressing need to prioritize the physical and nutritional health of the nation’s students. A stark statistic underscores the urgency: one in five children in the U.S. lives in poverty. This situation directly impacts their cognitive development, especially between the ages of three to six.

So, how do educators weave the threads of education and student health and well-being into a resilient tapestry for the future?

In this episode of DisruptED, Education & Upskilling Edition, hosts Ron J. Stefanski and Dr. Caesar Mickens Jr. engage in a riveting conversation with Ann Marie Krautheim, the CEO of GENYOUth. Together, they unravel the intricacies of student health and well-being in our modern classrooms.

Stefanski, Mickens Jr., and Krautheim tackle several essential topics, including:

• GENYOUth’s pivotal role in championing physical activities and nutritional security, especially during challenging times

• Tracing the roots of GENYOUth and its alliance with the National Dairy Council and the NFL

• The quest to ensure students have consistent access to healthy morning meals and the hurdles that stand in the way

Ann Marie Krautheim, the dynamic CEO of GENYOUth, aims to ensure children lead well-nourished and physically active lives. With her foundation as a registered dietician and a master’s degree in communication, Ann Marie’s passion for youth health and wellness shines brightly. From her early days with the National Dairy Council to her leadership at GENYOUth, she has been a tireless advocate for student health and well-being.

Embark on a journey with the DisruptED team as they navigate the evolving student health and well-being narrative, spotlighting challenges and celebrating solutions in today’s disrupted educational world.

Navigating risk and opportunity in decarbonization and sustainability has become a pressing concern for industries worldwide. As the urgency of climate change intensifies, businesses face the dual challenge of fostering economic growth while championing environmental stewardship. The research underscores that companies with a proactive approach to sustainability carve out a competitive advantage and play a pivotal role in global carbon reduction initiatives. But the question remains: how can businesses chart a course through the complexities of this green transition?

What strategies and innovations are leading companies adopting to ensure they remain at the forefront of this sustainability revolution?

Welcome to DistruptED, Advanced Manufacturing Edition, hosted by Ron J. Stefanski. In this second of two episodes, Stefanski continues his discussion with Vrushali Gaud, Managing Director of ESG and Sustainability Services with Accenture, on navigating risk and opportunity in decarbonization and sustainability. Together, they explore the challenges and potential solutions in the journey towards a more sustainable future.

Stefanski and Gaud discuss the following:

• The importance of public-private partnerships in addressing global sustainability challenges

• The evolving role of capitalism and the shift from a shareholder-centric model to a stakeholder-centric one

• The need for businesses to align their strategies with community needs, ensuring mutual growth and prosperity

Vrushali Gaud boasts an impressive background. With her roots in India, she began her journey in the automotive sector with Tata Motors. Her career trajectory took her from rolling out diesel engine cars to working on reducing carbon emissions. An MBA graduate of Indiana University and an MS recipient from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vrushali's experiences have shaped her into a passionate advocate for a greener future. She plays a pivotal role in Accenture's sustainability group, helping businesses embed sustainability into their core operations.

The global conversation has shifted dramatically towards decarbonization and sustainability in recent years. With the world experiencing unprecedented levels of disruption, from 5G technology to the challenges of a pandemic, the urgency to address climate change and its implications has never been more palpable. Although most business leaders see the vision of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a long road ahead to achieving a tangible impact.

So, how do businesses navigate the risks and opportunities in this rapidly evolving landscape of decarbonization and sustainability?

Welcome to DisruptED, Advanced Manufacturing Edition. In this first of two episodes, host Ron J Stefanski engages in a riveting conversation with Vrushali Gaud, Managing Director of ESG and Sustainability Services with Accenture, a leading voice in sustainability. Together, they delve into the complexities of a post-pandemic, digitally enabled, sustainability-driven world.

During this first conversation, Stefanski and Gaud discuss the following:

• The economic incentives now favoring sustainability efforts

• The role of businesses in both contributing to and solving the challenges of climate change

• The transformative power of sustainability in reshaping organizations and industries

Vrushali Gaud boasts an impressive background. With her roots in India, she began her journey in the automotive sector with Tata Motors. Her career trajectory took her from rolling out diesel engine cars to working on reducing carbon emissions. An MBA graduate of Indiana University and an MS recipient from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vrushali's experiences have shaped her into a passionate advocate for a greener future. She plays a pivotal role in Accenture's sustainability group, helping businesses embed sustainability into their core operations.

There are real-world implications of decarbonization in the global quest to reduce emissions. Can the disruptors make an impact?

In the face of a rapidly changing climate, the global push for decarbonization has never been more urgent. The stakes are high as industries and governments grapple with the challenges of reducing carbon emissions. Reports indicating a $10 trillion investment need in our built environment over the next decade highlight the magnitude of this transformation. But what does this mean for businesses, policymakers, and consumers?

What are the real-world implications of decarbonization, and how can we navigate this complex landscape?

Welcome to DisruptED: Advanced Manufacturing Edition, hosted by Ron J Stefanski. In this episode, Stefanski sits down with Josh Griffin, Co-Founder & Chief Policy Officer at nZero, to delve into the intricacies of decarbonization and its impact on various sectors.

Stefanski and Griffin discuss the following:

• The interdisciplinary nature of decarbonization, spanning from traditional hardware design to specific application domains like agriculture and healthcare

• The importance of data in understanding and addressing carbon emissions, emphasizing the need for a standardized baseline

• The role of governments and businesses in leading the charge, with a focus on public-private partnerships and the value of real-time data in decision-making

Josh Griffin brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a background in public policy and government affairs, Griffin has spent over 25 years navigating the political landscape, representing major companies in the mining and data sectors. His unique perspective, combining policy expertise with a deep understanding of sustainability, positions him as a thought leader in the decarbonization movement.

The urgency to combat climate change has reached a fever pitch in recent years. With global temperatures rising and the detrimental effects of carbon emissions becoming more evident, the need for innovative solutions is paramount. One such solution gaining traction is using electrostatic motors to accelerate decarbonization. Research indicates that there will be a whopping $11 trillion spent on alternative energy investment by 2050, with $3 trillion of that in the next decade.

So, how can electrostatic motors play a pivotal role in this massive global shift towards a greener future through decarbonization?

Welcome to DisruptED, Advanced Manufacturing Edition, hosted by Ron J. Stefanski. In this episode, we delve deep into the potential of electrostatic motors in the fight against climate change. Joining us is Matt Maroon, the CEO of C-Motive Technologies and a veteran in the clean energy startup scene.

Key discussion points from Stefanski and Maroon’s conversation include the following:

• The economic and social impacts of decarbonization

• The role of big businesses and government incentives in accelerating decarbonization efforts

• The potential of electrostatic motors in reducing carbon emissions and their economic benefits

Matt Maroon is a six-time veteran of clean energy startups. His journey in the clean energy sector dates back to 2003, with a focus on energy storage and renewable energy development. Over the years, Matt has witnessed the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and the growth of renewable energy sources like solar PV. His passion for the environment and dedication to introducing innovative solutions make him a leading voice in the decarbonization movement.

On DisruptED Healthcare, co-hosts Ron J Stefanski and Larry Yuhasz discuss the monumental disruptions in the healthcare sector, particularly in managing prescription health. Joining them is Charles Gellman, CEO & Co-Founder of HiDo Health, who introduces an AI-assisted robotic device that revolutionizes medication dispensing. This innovation aims to bridge the gap between physician encounters and at-home treatment, ensuring patients adhere to their medication regimens and improving health outcomes.

In an era where America is experiencing a construction boom, from new suburban developments to city revitalizations, there’s a hidden challenge in built environments we can't afford to overlook: a glaring shortage of skilled tradespeople. As cities like San Francisco witness the top global construction cost at $440 per square foot, the stakes are incredibly high. With much of the labor force in construction aging out or moving to more stable markets, the industry faces an existential dilemma.

So, what led us to this tipping point of a talent shortage in construction, and how can we stem the tide amongst a construction boom?

Welcome to this week’s second of a two-part series on decarbonization and built environments on DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski. Our guest today is Ron Henry, the Senior Vice President of Sachse Construction, and together they delve into the intricacies of the talent pool crisis facing the construction industry.

Stefanski and Henry also touch on:

• How the Great Recession of 2008 caused a talent drain from Northern states like Michigan to more stable markets in the South, creating a long-term deficit in skilled trades.
• Why a generational disconnect has also played a role in the talent pool crisis in the construction industry.
• How the scarcity of skilled labor contributes to a dramatic rise in construction costs, impacting project timelines and overall budgets.

Ron Henry is the Senior Vice President of Sachse Construction. With years of industry experience and a focus on community engagement, Ron and his team have spearheaded initiatives like the Sachse Construction Academy, aiming to draw more young people into the skilled trades.