2U

"2U has long been the premier provider in this space, and I’m confident that, together with our partners, we will continue to innovate and deliver high-impact education at scale."?– Kees Bol In this conversation with Joshua Kim inside for?Inside Higher Ed, Bol reflects on his journey—from chess champion to Harvard-trained scientist to edtech leader—and how it shaped his approach to leadership. Bol shares what brought him to 2U and his vision for the company's role as the partner of choice for universities and organizations shaping the future of higher education. ?Read the full interview:?https://lnkd.in/g9Kmpq5P

"The best ideas are born from challenges, and the organizations that lean in, adapt, and innovate will define the future of learning." - Kees Bol Kees joined 2U with edtech leadership experience, a knack for complex problem solving (as one might expect from someone with a PhD in Physical Chemistry), and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. After about one month as 2U's CEO, he's gained an even greater appreciation for our partners, global team, and our shared mission to expand access to life-changing education. Read his reflections on why he joined 2U and his vision for our path forward.

Rifat’s story shows what's possible when a passion for learning meets access to opportunity. Through the edX partnership with Verizon Skill Forward, she's gained certifications from Harvard Online and Rice University while working toward her business degree. We’re proud to help learners like Rifat gain the real-world skills needed to achieve their goals. Read her story: https://lnkd.in/eT2yYU9N

Today, we’re officially welcoming Lancaster University as our newest partner in delivering transformative higher education. Over the next three years, we’ll partner to launch 15 new postgraduate online degrees, starting with: ? MSc Cyber Security ? MSc Data Science ? MSc Global Finance ? MSc Marketing ? MSc Management & Business ?? “Beyond academic excellence, this partnership enables us to design innovative learning experiences that prioritise practical skills, social impact, and global connectivity. By offering these online programmes, we are empowering learners to make meaningful contributions in the industries of tomorrow.” — Professor Rebecca J. Lingwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eyjPCnYh

Some people study public health. Others embody it. For Niaomi Moshier, earning her Master of Public Health online from The George Washington University- Milken Institute School of Public Health is all about coming full circle. “The little girl who felt powerless in the ER is now working to ensure families like mine don’t have to fight the system alone,” she says. Niaomi went from navigating the healthcare system as a young caregiver to shaping policies that will improve it. Through her work with NYC’s Department of Health and her fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, she’s already tackling healthcare inequities head-on. Her next goal? Reducing Black maternal mortality, improving mental health access for marginalized youth, and continuing to challenge the status quo. Niaomi’s journey is a reminder that when passion meets education, real change happens. ?? Read more: https://bit.ly/meetniaomi #MPH #PublicHealth #HealthcareEquity

We’re proud to celebrate 500,000 graduates. 500,000 stories of transformation. People who fuel our mission like Niaomi MoShier, who’s earning her Master of Public Health online with The George Washington University while working at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to reduce maternal mortality and expand care for Black women and girls. She’s one of 500,000 reasons to believe in the power of education. Each of these half million graduates represents something bigger than themselves—they are educators shaping tomorrow’s minds, healthcare professionals saving lives, and innovators charting new paths forward. The power of education is limitless. Read our full post, “Celebrating Half a Million Lives Changed and Counting,” here: https://lnkd.in/ehdtENYC

We’re excited to welcome Kees Bol as 2U’s new Chief Executive Officer! A transformative leader in education technology, Kees brings the vision and experience to drive 2U’s next phase of growth and innovation. “I'm inspired by the 2U team, the depth of its institutional partnerships, and, above all, our shared commitment to delivering broad access to education that drives real career outcomes,” says Kees. “At a time when this mission has never been more critical, we’ll build on 2U’s market leadership to create more pathways to opportunity for learners around the world.” In this next chapter, under Kees’s leadership, 2U will continue working hand in hand with leading universities and institutions to break down barriers to life-changing higher education. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/gfqz7KnK

Actor Elijah M. Cooper of Disney's Goosebumps, joined Good Morning America to share his unique journey as a student. Through Morehouse Online's hybrid approach, he's balancing his acting career while getting his education. “Going to the House has always been a dream. Being around like-minded, young, Black men is a space that I feel is really important, and a space that is building me into a man.” 2U is proud to partner with Morehouse College and hundreds of other leading institutions to create flexible online programs that meet learners where they are.

2U's 2023 Transparency & Outcomes Report, out now, highlights the real-world impact of education through data and stories of 2U partners and their students. In 2023: ?? We connected 83M+ learners to 4,500+ programs. ?? Achieved graduation rates of 73% (degrees), 76% (boot camps), and 90% (executive education). ?? Expanded AI-related programs to 450+ offerings, with enrollments in AI-related executive education surging 424%. These outcomes are brought to life by learner stories that demonstrate the transformative power of education: Niaomi MoShier, GW MPH: Inspired by her experience as a caregiver, Niaomi is tackling maternal mortality and advancing health equity. Kieron Spearing, Harvard CS50: Introduction to Computer Science: After a career in Michelin-starred kitchens, Kieron used coding skills to pivot into tech as a Data Collection Engineer. Hanlie Linde, University of Cambridge High Impact Leadership: As a municipal leader in South Africa, Hanlie is building climate resilience and strengthening her community. Our fifth annual report also highlights programs from 2U partners such as Harvard University, University of Cambridge, and University of California, Davis - Graduate School of Management, showcasing how public-private partnerships expand access, break down barriers, and prepare learners to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Explore the full 2023 report for more data, insights, and stories of impact: https://lnkd.in/ecbCYzsB?

For The New York Times: 2U's Anant Agarwal explores how A.I. can transform education—unlocking new ways for teachers to deepen connections with students and inspire a love of learning.