Episode 271: Sally Ricker

Send us a textTransforming College Curricula One Corporate Project at a TimeHave you ever wondered how we can bridge the gap between higher education and the skills companies are looking for 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 program7:03 - Making real-world connections in education 10:36 - Bridging the skills gap between higher ed and corporate needs13:43 - Sally's vision for an online corporate project portal17:59 - The power of portfolios and hands-on learning 22:57 - How the corporate project portal will work27:27 - Creativity as a crucial skill in the age of AI32:30 - Pilot programs and future plans for expansion 37:27 - Reimagining the college curriculum around projects41:10 - Creating a showcase of top student projects 43:05 - Providing equitable access and opportunity 46:37 - Where to learn more and get involved48:07 - Fonz's closing questions for SallyWhat 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!Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6066160593272832--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportYellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission.See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co today!Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myedtechlife.substack.com