Episode 271: Sally Ricker

Transforming College Curricula One Corporate Project at a Time

Have you ever wondered how we can bridge the gap between higher education and the skills companies seek in new hires? In this live replay, I speak with Sally Ricker, CEO of The Project-Based Learning Company, about her innovative online platform that connects university students with real-world corporate projects.

Through Sally's program, students develop critical 21st-century skills like collaboration, communication, creativity, and problem-solving by working on projects sourced directly from major companies. The top projects are showcased in a journal that corporate recruiters can use to find the best-emerging talent. Sally shares her vision of transforming higher education curricula to focus on applied learning experiences that prepare students to excel from day one in their careers.

Whether you're an educator looking to bring more real-world relevance to your courses, a student seeking meaningful learning opportunities, or a corporate leader interested in cultivating your future workforce, you'll find valuable insights in this conversation.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
2:30 - Sally's background in STEM education and the CAPS program
7:03 - Making real-world connections in education
10:36 - Bridging the skills gap between higher ed and corporate needs
13:43 - Sally's vision for an online corporate project portal
17:59 - The power of portfolios and hands-on learning
22:57 - How the corporate project portal will work
27:27 - Creativity is a crucial skill in the age of AI
32:30 - Pilot programs and future plans for expansion
37:27 - Reimagining the college curriculum around projects
41:10 - Creating a showcase of top student projects
43:05 - Providing equitable access and opportunity
46:37 - Where to learn more and get involved
48:07 - Fonz's closing questions for Sally

What did you think of Sally's project-based learning platform? How do you think real-world projects could enhance the university experience? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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