EPISODE · Dec 20, 2023 · 51 MIN
Meredith Olson of VELA | Funding Out-of-System Education
from Teach Your Kids · host Manisha Rose
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODETeach Your Kids: LinkedIn | Website | X | Instagram | Substack | Facebook | TikTokManisha: LinkedIn, X | Instagram | FacebookMeredith Olson: VELA Education Fund | LinkedIn | XJoin our premium community with expert support and adviceDonate to the VELA Education FundTeach Your Kids PodcastsHomeschooling with Naval Ravikant, Nir Eyal, Rachel Thomas, Kerry McDonald, Alycia Wright, Shiren Rattigan, and Lisa Betts-Lacroix: Part 1Homeschooling with Naval Ravikant, Nir Eyal, Rachel Thomas, Kerry McDonald, Alycia Wright, Shiren Rattigan, and Lisa Betts-Lacroix: Part 2Microschooling with Iman Alleyne & Shiren RattiganAlycia Wright (Cultural Roots Homeschool Co-op): Building Homeschool Co-ops and Cultivating CommunityThe Homeschool Haven: Why Parents Are Choosing Brooklyn Apple AcademyBooks, Articles, and PublicationsCottageClass: A Microschool Hub That Connects Families With Small-Scale Teachers — & Takes Care of the Business Side – The 74OrganizationsVELA Education FundWalton Family Foundationyes. every kid. foundation.Koch Industries | Community Involvement & Philanthropy Koch Family Foundation | Unleashing PotentialStand Together | A Non-Profit Philanthropic Community Time Codes00:00:00 — Manisha Snoyer introduces Meredith Olson, discussing her significant role in the Vela Education Fund.00:02:14 — Meredith shares her journey from engineering to her involvement in education and philanthropy.00:07:00 — Meredith delves into her engagement with education policy and her approach to rethinking education.00:10:51 — The concept of permissionless education, discussing its significance and implications, is explained.00:11:14 — The establishment and mission of the Vela Education Fund are detailed by Meredith.00:15:18 — Discussion on the growth and impact of the Vela Education Fund during the pandemic.00:17:38 — Meredith speaks about the unique approach of trust-based funding in supporting educational entrepreneurs.00:20:24 — Meredith shares her perspective on the future of education, focusing on innovation and new educational paradigms.00:21:46 — The concept of permissionless education, discussing its significance and implications, is explained.00:29:20 — Meredith Olson encourages parents to trust their instincts in making educational choices for their children.00:35:25 — Manisha and Meredith highlight the significant benefits and growing acceptance of homeschooling and micro-schooling, and emphasize the crucial role of community and networking in supporting these educational approaches.00:42:04 — Advice for raising funds for homeschooling or micro-school initiatives.00:47:07 — Reflections on the need for educational models to evolve with technology are shared.00:50:50 — The podcast concludes with Meredith's final thoughts and additional information about the VELA Education Fund. This podcast was recorded on Riverside and is made possible through a generous grant from the VELA Education FundVELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at velaedfund.org.This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
What this episode covers
In this episode, we are joined by Meredith Olson, the CEO of VELA Education Fund, an organization that has invested in numerous entrepreneurs shaping alternative education initiatives. Meredith shares the inspiring story of how VELA Education Fund came to be, its unique approach to funding out-of-system education, and the concept of permissionless education. With a wealth of experience in corporate philanthropy and community programs, Meredith discusses empowering parents to confidently make the best educational decisions for their children. The conversation delves into VELA's work beyond funding, exploring research in out-of-system education and highlighting patterns observed in the space. Meredith provides valuable advice for families starting alternative education and reflects on the diverse projects VELA has supported. The episode covers VELA's hands-off approach, the outcome of winning grants, and future initiatives. Meredith also discusses VELA's fundraising efforts and offers insights for educators and parents looking to innovate in the education space. The episode concludes with a glimpse into Meredith's vision for VELA Education Fund in the next decade and her thoughts on the future of education. If you're passionate about transformative education, this conversation with Meredith Olson is a must-listen. Meredith Olson's diverse career encompasses significant roles in both the corporate and educational sectors. Starting as a project engineer at Shell Oil, she transitioned into educational philanthropy, notably with the Koch Family Foundation and the Koch Companies Community Fund. Her leadership extends to Yes. Every Kid, focused on transforming education policy, and the VELA Education Fund, where she advocates for out-of-system education initiatives. This blend of engineering and philanthropy underlines her unique approach to fostering innovative learning environments.
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Meredith Olson of VELA | Funding Out-of-System Education
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