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 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 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 as 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! 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/support