Interesting new education program launched by Pencils of Promise founder, Adam Braun. Partnered with companies like Spotify, Facebook, Uber, Lyft and Warby Parker.
Looks like classes are digital, but they require that you live within 50 miles of their program cities. "That way, you can easily meet up with your peers, work closely with the world’s top companies, and interview for high-paying jobs in rapidly growing industries. We've identified initial target cities, but student demand will ultimately determine where we expand to next, and we are accepting applications nationally."
No upfront tuition and no loans. Instead, you’ll contribute 15% of your income for just 3 years after the program ends, and only if you’re making $50,000 per year or more.
First program is focused on Data Analytics + Business Intelligence.
Exciting to see more innovative approaches to higher ed!
Love this, especially the pricing model and their Analytics focus. I wonder about it being a college alternative, but there's a sizeable market for marketing professionals who would massively benefit from this kind of training in analytics. Over the next decade, we're going to see a huge rise in demand for marketeers who understand analytics and can make analytical decisions, quickly. If you're in marketing and don't know SQL yet, now's the time!
@rrhoover Great question Ryan, our first major is Data Analytics + Business Intelligence because it's the functional area we heard most from employers across every single industry that was a tremendous need. McKinsey did a study and projected a shortage of 1.5M analysts and managers by 2018 will lack those needed skills, and after hearing that reinforced by so many of our employer partners (Lyft, Warby, Uber, Harry's, Casper, etc) it was the clear choice as a first major.
Eventually we'll add other majors, I'm personally interested in some of the emerging roles in the health field but we'll be open to the demands of industry.
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I want to love this and it's super relevant for me as I just went into BI/analytics.
But with all the free online courses and material for data analytics/BI I feel like you could get the same experience without sacrificing 15% of your quality of life. I know this because I recently self-taught myself this skillset recently and have been providing a lot of value in this role. In fact you aren't targeting my geography so I wouldn't even qualify. And why would I want to start until September?
I would rather be self taught and proven through experience than risk a startup brand ("MissionU") whose reputation and longevity is so-far unknown. Do I want to be associated with a failed college Trump U or something like DeVry?
So my biggest question as your target market is this: what sets you apart from the breadth of training available for free online? Because it seems like I would be ahead of your students through self-training at my own pace (today, 'remote', online) making >$55k. There needs to be a clear advantage, and I'm not seeing it unfortunately.
@tombielecki Curious to see someone answer this. I'm in the same boat as you (in terms of areas served) and you articulated my concerns to the T. I want to love it... but...
I love this idea! It's inspiring to see innovation in learning. College should be one of many competitive next steps for young people. There is a similar program called Praxis. They focus on sales and marketing apprentices. I know a few startups that have hired and scaled SDRs from their program.
I wonder if this is actually less of a college alternative as it would be continued learning? Is analytics & BI something to jump into straight out of high school?
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Interesting combination of an alternate education and income-share agreement. Biggest question is whether or not ISA's have any legal backing in the US (awaiting legislation I think?), as well as how this compares to a Startup Institute or General Assembly, which typically has students who are a bit more seasoned professionals. Like the concept though! The education space is going to look completely different in 10 years or so.
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Minimum $22,500 for online courses, no degree and a possible interview. Sounds different without the marketing none sense. And debt free is simply false advertising, you are in debt 15 percent for 3 years. That is a debt. The only thing slightly interesting about this is the backend deal aspect. But for all aforementioned points, it's a rip off.
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Interesting concept, but having an issue finding which city/cities are considered "Program Cities".
CMX
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MissionU
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Notably