Episode 213- Reimagining Education: NewComm's Approach to Learner Ecosystems

Welcome to this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, where we're diving into an inspiring journey with our guest, Chidi Asoluka. Growing up as the child of Nigerian immigrants in New Jersey, Chidi was expected to follow the traditional career paths of a doctor or lawyer. Despite his early interests in poetry and storytelling, a serendipitous encounter during a job interview shifted his trajectory towards education. He has since dedicated his life to empowering youth and fostering innovation in the education space.This conversation explores Chidi's pioneering work with NewComm, an initiative that creates dynamic learning ecosystems for young students by bridging gaps between industry leaders and academia. Through NewComm, Chidi is redefining education by focusing on community empowerment and engagement, breaking down barriers to success. From tackling food insecurities to nurturing small businesses, students are encouraged to take active roles in their communities with the robust support of local mentors.Join us for an engaging conversation about transforming education, inspiring the next generation, and how one impactful exchange can lead to a life of meaningful change. Tune in to learn about Chidi's vision for educational reform and the future of community-led learning.Time stamps:00:00 Path to Artistic Self-Discovery05:28 Unorthodox High School Experience07:44 Quantifying Non-Traditional Educational Outcomes12:23 Education: Today's Civil Rights Movement14:40 Community-Driven Education Reform19:23 Reimagining School Access in NYC20:43 Transforming Spaces into Design Studios24:28 Youth Empowerment Through Industry Partnerships27:43 Mentorship and Youth Engagement Benefits32:09 Evolving Leadership: From Solo to Partnership37:28 Defining Personal Core Values38:55 Establishing Core Values Now?Connect with Chidi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casoluka/Visit website: www.newcommproject.orgFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij