How He Made University… Almost Free!

Summary

The video tells the inspiring story of Joe Vissich, who aims to build a revolutionary university designed to educate 100 million students who currently lack access to higher education due to financial constraints. By offering a fully online platform, utilizing volunteer professors, and charging only minimal fees for exams, his initiative, University of the People, has already attracted thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. This project aims to make education a human right, emphasizing that educating one person can change a life, while educating millions can transform the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are 100 million students worldwide who cannot access higher education due to financial constraints or lack of space.
• 😀 Joe Vischer has developed a vision for a university that can accommodate 100 million students and provide them with free education.
• 😀 The university operates entirely online, eliminating the need for physical buildings and associated costs.
• 😀 Professors at this university are volunteers, allowing the institution to offer education without hiring paid staff.
• 😀 Students are charged only $100 per exam, with the option for free exams if they cannot afford to pay.
• 😀 The university is called the University of the People and is fully accredited like traditional American universities.
• 😀 The initiative has attracted thousands of volunteers, including professors from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Columbia.
• 😀 Students from diverse backgrounds, including refugees and those unable to afford traditional education, can enroll and obtain degrees.
• 😀 After educating 15,000 students, the goal is to create a sustainable system that serves an additional 100 million.
• 😀 This project exemplifies the idea that education should be a human right, not a privilege, and emphasizes the transformative power of education.

Q & A

What is the main issue addressed in the video?

The video discusses the problem of 100 million students around the world who cannot attend university due to financial constraints and lack of available space.

Who is the main individual behind the university initiative?

The main individual is Joe Viscous, who has devised a plan to provide education to 100 million students.

What is the core concept behind this university?

The university is designed to be entirely online, eliminating costs associated with physical buildings, hiring professors, and purchasing textbooks.

How does the university manage to offer education at such a low cost?

It operates on a model where professors volunteer, textbooks are available for free online, and students are only charged $100 for exams, which can be waived if they cannot afford it.

What is the name of the university mentioned in the video?

The university is called 'University of the People.'

How has the university gained support from educators and institutions?

7,000 professors and academics from reputable institutions like Harvard and Columbia volunteered to teach, and foundations donated money to support the initiative.

Who are some of the students that benefit from this university?

Students from diverse backgrounds, including Syrian refugees, genocide survivors, and stay-at-home moms, are among those who have enrolled in the university.

What is the long-term goal of this initiative?

The long-term goal is to build a sustainable education system that can accommodate an additional 100 million students.

What message does the video convey about education?

The video emphasizes that education should be a human right and not a privilege, highlighting the transformative power of educating individuals.

What impact can educating a large number of people have on society?

Educating a large number of people can lead to significant societal change, as it can uplift communities and improve overall quality of life.