Innovation That Impacts
The Story of EdPlus at Arizona State University
The ASU Charter
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.
In this collection of our EdPlus stories, we invite you to learn more about our purpose.
What’s inside
A message from EdPlus CEO, Philip Regier
For two decades, Arizona State University (ASU) has prioritized the transformative power of education, shaping a new approach to make learning accessible to everyone. We advance society by welcoming students from all backgrounds and readiness levels and committing to their success. This commitment to quality education for all has become achievable thanks in part to advances in digital technology and online platforms. EdPlus at ASU, which began as an extended education unit, has evolved to advance online programs and learning opportunities at ASU in partnership with the Academic, Learning, and Knowledge Enterprises.
At the core of our mission, EdPlus supports ASU Online, which will serve over 96,000 students in the current year, with an aim to expand to 150,000 by 2028. ASU Online distinguishes itself by offering quality degrees through digital methods, developed and taught by the esteemed faculty at ASU. Our team actively seeks partnerships to create new educational pathways, democratizing access to quality education worldwide.
We focus on addressing the challenges learners face today, particularly in demanding fields like engineering and science, and attempt to widen educational access.
EdPlus maintains a student-centered approach to innovation and bases initiatives on data-driven decisions. As we support a widening range of online and blended programs, serving tens of thousands of students annually, we aim to extend educational opportunities globally. Our goal is to foster inclusive excellence, providing the necessary support and innovative solutions to meet educational challenges directly. Dedicated to empowering learners and driving significant educational milestones, we embody urgency and boldness in our pursuit of excellence.
Philip R. Regier
University Dean for Educational Initiatives and CEO of EdPlus
EdPlus unlocks the potential of every student by providing unparalleled access to a Research 1 university. As visionaries and innovators, we bridge the gap between people and technology, igniting transformative growth.
By challenging norms and fostering a culture of innovation, EdPlus empowers ASU to meet the evolving demands of a changing world, engineering the future of education with aspiration and precision.
EdPlus at ASU
Our role in the ASU ecosystem
Since its inception as the Territorial Normal School in 1885, ASU has been committed to pioneering education. Initially established to train teachers and agricultural workers in pre-statehood Arizona, this spirit of community service remains integral to the ASU Charter today, emphasizing inclusive access to quality education.
ASU upholds
that academic excellence fosters opportunities, enhancing societal prosperity and resilience by engaging diverse talents and perspectives.
EdPlus at ASU embodies this mission by leveraging technology and innovative strategies to expand higher education accessibility and student success, aligning with the ASU Charter principles. Our approach dismantles traditional educational barriers, enhancing the university’s transformative effect on students, families and future generations.
Our team at EdPlus, comprising experts in design, product development, support services, analytics, research and development, media and operations, fosters a nurturing educational environment. We aim to democratize education through online platforms and interactive tools, catering to a wider, more varied student body.
Since our founding in 2014, the EdPlus story has centered on innovative online teaching and learning. By collaborating with ASU’s faculty and academic departments, we have developed unique online programs spanning from engineering and biochemistry to digital photography, indigenous education and complexity science.
Beyond internal collaborations, EdPlus has led partnerships with external organizations, notably through projects like the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, the Global Freshman Academy, Study Hall and the Mastercard Foundationsponsored Baobab social learning platform. These initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of tens of thousands of students, enhancing ASU’s standing as a pioneer in higher education.
Our commitment is deeply rooted in improving the lives of people from diverse global communities, fostering the development of future leaders and critical thinkers.
“ For our society to achieve its ideal there cannot be an unequal distribution of its most important asset –education.”
Michael M. Crow, ASU President
The population of U.S. students with some college but no degree continually increases, year after year. The global demand for higher education will grow from 160,000,000 to 410,000,000 people by 2030.
31,458,482
35,952,051
50,000,000
37,500,000 12,500,000
25,000,000 0
Accessible learning at scale
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. ASU Charter
Established in 2006 to address the growing demand for accessible, high-quality education in an online format, ASU Online stands as a trailblazer in its approach and objective. By leveraging emerging technologies and working hand-in-hand with faculty and academic units, we have reduced geographical barriers and logistical constraints that have impeded access to higher education. As a result, students globally can now access the same premium experience as ASU’s on-campus students.
While other universities are still in the process of adapting to the changing demands of higher education,
ASU’s proactive and purpose-driven approach over the past two decades has enabled us to thrive in the face of change.
The institution’s impressive track record is a testament to our success. ASU Online ranks among the top 5 best online bachelor’s
programs while serving more students than the combined total of the other top programs. - U.S. News & World Report, 2024
300+
online degree programs offered
Representing all of ASU’s colleges, the digital immersion portfolio serves as a solution for many students by providing access to essential educational materials and opportunities
Our broad portfolio of programs demonstrates the university’s commitment to offering opportunity and resources to meet the educational needs of learners worldwide.
to complete their degrees. In the U.S. alone, there are 41 million students with some college education but no degree, highlighting the need for advanced online learning.
96,700
150,000
A community of master learners
We have pioneered online delivery of over 20 undergraduate online degree programs in STEM areas including biological sciences, electrical engineering and biochemistry. These programs deliver labs to students where they are, leveraging technology, simulations and home lab kits to overcome traditional online learning boundaries. Collaborations with organizations like the National WWII Museum, which unlocks access to archival historical digital content, enhance our digital immersion experiences, making academic content more engaging.
Our extensive offerings in humanities foster critical thinking, communication and empathy, human characteristics integral for producing versatile, innovative professionals. The Dreamscape Learn partnership exemplifies a blend of humanities and STEM, using storytelling to improve science education outcomes.
At its core, the excellence of ASU Online results from our distinguished faculty, including Fulbright Scholars, Nobel laureates and NASA mission leads, who help foster a vibrant, curious and empowering online learning environment.
ASU Online prioritizes student agency in decision-making and educational opportunities aimed at post-graduation success. Since fall 2019,
135 new programs established developed in response to student demand
36 of new student enrollment as a result 60%
ASU Online program timeline
20 programs 129 programs 204 programs 326 programs
ASU Online’s earliest programs included those still popular today: liberal studies, sociology, psychology, nursing, art history, political science and criminal justice.
ASU launched a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences that continues to evolve with the inclusion of Dreamscape Learn technologies, storytelling and NeoBio — a new framework for teaching biology.
46 new programs launched, the most in any year to date, including first-to-market programs like biochemistry, astronomical and planetary sciences and three new biological sciences concentrations.
Medical programs launched this year include degrees in pre-dental, biomedical engineering, global health, medical studies, pharmacology and toxicology, and health care law and administration.
Lindy Elkins-Tanton Vice President of the ASU
Interplanetary Initiative, School of Earth and Space Exploration
Brionne Dillard
’20 BS in biological sciences
200+ interactive technologies
Supported
ASU Online welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, ages and commitments, embodying our Charter principle of inclusive excellence.
Our vast portfolio, supported by over 200 interactive technologies, provides the opportunity to merge innovation and student agency, allowing for unique educational pathways and a top-tier educational experience to serve the needs of our learners.
We understand that a student’s journey is complex and extends beyond academics. ASU’s commitment to student success prioritizes holistic support. Every student is paired with a coaching support team from the time they apply to the time they graduate. The singular aim of this support team is to help students navigate their individual paths, providing personalized help in a motivational environment.
Students engage with their coaches through various communication methods, including text, call, email or Zoom, ensuring immediate, quality support. Additionally, access to financial aid specialists, tech support, accessibility services, mental health counseling, career advice, personalized tutoring and academic advising from specific colleges enhances the online education experience.
A community of master learners
With an eye to the democratization of educational access, ASU’s Earned Admission program creates a pathway for university admission for those who do not currently meet the criteria.
Through Universal Pathways, learners can pursue a low-risk, high-reward educational path that enables them to earn admission to ASU. If they complete their pathway (typically 4-8 courses) with at least a 2.75 GPA, they can convert these accomplishments into official ASU credits at a reduced cost, paving their way to university acceptance.
5,000+ students successfully admitted to ASU
The Earned Admission program has successfully admitted over 5,000 students to ASU, a testament to creating pathways for educational access.
“
The human brain is the most complicated object in the known universe … I can’t imagine that nature, whatever you believe, nature or the creator put that thing between your two ears so that you would use some tiny percentage of it. I can’t believe that that’s the case.
The notion of education being for a few people, that’s absurd — that is literally absurd.”
Michael M. Crow, ASU President
ASU Local
We also work with the Learning Enterprise to support the ASU Local initiative, which provides inperson support services in six major urban locations.
Complementing ASU Online’s offerings with wraparound support services in local campus locations, ASU Local provides an environment focused on community building and student achievement. The goal of ASU Local is to provide those students seeking a connection to their local community with the ability to get one – in any of the six major locations –while pursuing a high-quality ASU degree.
The six ASU Local hubs include:
West Hawaiʻi
Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach, CA
Yuma, AZ
Washington, D.C
ASU Local aims to create a sense of belonging within a local learning community.
Global impact
Through partnerships with world-renowned institutions like the United Kingdom’s King’s College London and the University of New South Wales Sydney in Australia, ASU promotes collaborative learning, cross-disciplinary initiatives and enhanced student outcomes. With focus on how the universities can partner to build collaborative
educational opportunities of deep interest to all three countries, the PLuS Alliance (Phoenix, London and Sydney) allows for partnered course sharing and co-developed curriculum.
We have been ranked by Times Higher Education as the:
#1 institution in the U.S. and top 10 globally for contributions to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, reflecting our commitment to making a real-world impact.
Beyond just granting degrees, ASU Online creates a space for students who pursue higher education through digital modalities to learn from the best, create connections and communities that matter, make a global impact and thrive.
Some of ASU’s recent innovations include: Innovation at ASU
ASU School of Medicine
The ASU School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering will integrate clinical medicine, biomedical science and engineering.
$270 million semiconductor facility
The Materials-to-Fab Center is a research, development and prototyping facility that will support Arizona’s semiconductor industry.
$90.8 million research award from the National Science Foundation
This award will advance ASU in building the world’s first compact X-ray free-electron laser.
Arizona Water Initiative
This governor-appointed project will provide immediate and actionable solutions to aid in water conservation.
Ricardo Pastor
Melody Trujillo
ASU graduate and mother of three
Raised in Arizona, Melody Trujillo was familiar with ASU’s positive reputation and impressed by the diverse online offerings that aligned with her goals and interests. She chose ASU Online for her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences due to its convenience and flexibility, which allowed her to juggle her studies and parenting duties as a mother of three.
Following graduation with a desire to work in medical research, Trujillo said, “I want to hopefully find some lifesaving medications or procedures that could definitely make an impact in the medical field.”
She also shared how she couldn’t have earned her degree without her support system. “My biggest motivator has definitely been my family. Just knowing that one day I could provide a better future for them.”
Trujillo’s ASU Online education was more than earning a degree – it was a lesson in realizing her full potential.
https://www.youtube.com/
While reflecting on her journey, Trujillo values the personal and academic growth she experienced.
“[It’s taught me] that I am a hard worker, that I can stick to my goals. I can accomplish my goals and my dreams,” she said. “It’s taught me that I can inspire my children to get a higher education, that they can do it.”
Getting my degree taught me that I can do a lot more than I thought. I can overcome a lot of things.”
Scan to hear Melody talk about her story. Learn more
Sophia Choi
Sophia Choi, driven by her college-educated parents, aspired for higher education and a stable career from a young age. Initially studying humanities in Northern California, she found her calling in special education, influenced by her brother’s positive experience with applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for autism.
Motivated to help others, Choi became a behavioral therapist and then advanced her education with ASU Online’s Master of Arts in special education with a concentration in ABA.
youtube.com/ watch?v=4BL5NW2-ZAg
I always was passionate about teaching and learning, so I thought maybe something in the education field,” Choi said. “
The program prepared her for the BCBA® exam and propelled her into a clinical supervisor role. She further envisions a future where she can make a real difference and lasting impact on the lives of others. “I believe that the principles of behavior analysis can be used to improve people’s lives in a lot of ways,” she said.
Beyond her clinical work, Choi also co-hosts “Spicy ABA,” a podcast advocating for special education improvement.
Choi’s journey reflects a commitment to improving others’ well-being, inspiring change and growth in the special education field.
Scan to hear Sophia talk about her story. Learn more
Zach Featherstone
After spending the last seven years making a name for himself in professional baseball, Zach Featherstone has transitioned to pursue a degree in the dental field. He enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences. The decision to switch to dentistry came during the unexpected free time following the cancellation of the baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASU had all of the degrees I was interested in, particularly in business and the sciences,” he said. “Having these options allowed me to explore different paths and make an informed decision about my future.” “
The biological sciences program at ASU, and the flexibility of online learning, presented him with the perfect opportunity to start his journey toward dental medicine while also pursuing his return to baseball.
“My mindset is, just go in and kill the school aspect of everything, and do really well, and let your passions guide you and what you want to do,” he said.
Featherstone’s passion for dentistry originated from dental procedures he underwent during his childhood. He was born without a front tooth and felt self-conscious.
Now years after his dental work that transformed his smile, he wants to pay it forward, “I want to be able to increase people’s self-image because the smile is the biggest thing people look at in one’s appearance.”
Featherstone graduated from ASU with his bachelor’s degree in spring 2024. He remains driven by his passions and the goal of forging a successful path in dentistry, much like he did in professional baseball.
Featherstone selected ASU Online for its diverse degree offerings.
Education is essential for financial security, personal satisfaction and societal change, yet it remains out of reach for many due to financial barriers and complex college systems. High schools often fail to provide sufficient understanding of the terminology, processes and policies necessary for college admission, disadvantaging those without affluent backgrounds or college-educated parents and limiting diversity in key sectors like technology, health care and business.
Maintaining high learning standards is important, but introducing new methods to help students develop complex skills is vital for the future of higher education. As educators, we must find better ways to connect with students. Crash Course, with 15
College Foundations offers courses for credit starting on YouTube. Delivering universal
million YouTube subscribers, demonstrates the power of engaging educational content through storytelling and humor.
The Study Hall initiative, a collaboration between Crash Course, YouTube and ASU, is a first-of-itskind partnership that combines creative storytelling, academic excellence and accessible technology to address educational barriers. This initiative offers:
How to College breaks down and simplifies the process of applying to, succeeding at and graduating from college.
Fast Guides profiles different college majors.
Study Hall aims to make education accessible, understandable and achievable, boosting learners’ confidence and success in higher education.
This initiative is broadening the horizons for a new demographic, preparing them for future careers that are yet to be imagined.
Study Hall’s impact by the numbers
As of October 2023, thousands of learners have immersed themselves in college-level courses on YouTube, introducing a new generation to a readily available college pathway.
75,000 subscribers
5 million views
350+
universities, community colleges and high schools are integrating Study Hall into their learning environments
Sometimes innovation is reimagining established technologies for a new purpose.
Hank Green
Educational creator and Co-Founder of Study Hall
“ College education is a tremendous tool for individuals and society, so I think we should be exploring every possible tool for understanding what stands in the way of student success, and lowering or eliminating those barriers whenever possible. It’s easy to know there are problems, but very hard to actually interface with them, and I’m just really proud of (and grateful for) the bunch of thoughtful, dedicated people who are making Study Hall happen.”
Scan to learn why Study Hall was created.
https://www.youtube.com/
Learn more
watch?v=mgXfzCvMceQ&
Dr. Danielle Bainbridge ASU Study Hall professor
Innovative technology for learning
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.
Some of the fastest growing career tracks today are in STEM fields with high demand in technology, engineering and health care. These fields have historically low unemployment rates and high salaries, which create greater financial security for workers and their families. Quality STEM education offerings are required to support these industry opportunities Currently, these career fields are not accessible to everyone.
Despite
the growing number of jobs in STEM fields, minority groups remain woefully underrepresented.
Tackling complex challenges that create barriers to education requires new technologies and innovations that will improve aspects of the student experience. By combining reimagined content delivery with improved pedagogy and the application of new technologies, EdPlus has partnered with the colleges within the Academic Enterprise to catalyze innovation of curriculum in various humanities and STEM-related fields.
In many foundational composition and mathematics courses, students struggle to be successful. These courses gate the upper division courses required for majors.
Orchard aims to not only improve student outcomes and future preparedness, but also streamline instructor efforts and provide a cost-effective solution to traditional remedial and tutoring approaches.
Improving educational access presents challenges for instructors to cater to each student’s unique learning needs, especially without technological support. Traditionally, this has forced students to identify and fill their own learning gaps, resulting in financial burdens, extended time to degree, diminished confidence and negative impacts on both individuals and society.
Orchard, an innovative digital platform, allows instructors to create sophisticated, adaptive learning pathways on a large scale without requiring coding skills.
It offers high-quality educational materials, adaptive tools and a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface, aiming to bridge educational gaps, boost credential
Orchard’s “learning mapper” enables instructors to organize educational content and apply logic to craft personalized learning strategies for each student’s needs, suitable for a range of subjects.
ASU’s Global Launch uses Orchard for English language learning.
Pre-algebra courses use Orchard for custom interactive review sessions.
Orchard is supporting ASU biology courses beginning in summer 2024.
With Orchard’s “learning mapper” component, instructors can create adaptive learning paths.
Learning reimagined
NeoBio represents ASU’s innovative approach to biology education, combining a personalized, adaptive curriculum with captivating narrative experiences. This transformational new way of learning enhances problem-solving and brings scientific concepts to life, exemplifying the concept of education through exploration.
NeoBio goes beyond traditional curricula, acting as a springboard for career readiness. It allows students to gain essential skills just in time, promoting deep understanding, immediate support and thorough mastery. This personalized educational path lets students revisit concepts as
needed, fostering lifelong success and adaptability in a constantly changing world.
The launch of Dreamscape Learn lab experiences represents a significant leap forward in educational innovation at ASU. This unique collaboration combines the emotional impact of Hollywood narratives with ASU’s academic excellence, offering students an exceptional opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Dreamscape Learn ignites students’ imaginations, encouraging broad, creative thinking and nurturing high aspirations.
NeoBio redefines student engagement by turning
learners into explorers and scientists within immersive stories, thereby deepening their learning experience and enriching their overall education.
Students become active participants in investigating the problem and creating robust solutions.
Through narrative-driven lab experiences in both virtual reality and 2D, the student becomes a scientist, explorer and agent of their own education. The technology enables learners to see things that are otherwise too small, go places that are otherwise too far away and observe changes that otherwise happen on inaccessible time scales. This technology holds the promise to enable students to grasp very difficult concepts while learning foundational skills.
Dreamscape Learn invites students to an Intergalactic Wildlife Sanctuary where they discover realistic, novel biological problems in a fantastical setting, conduct experiments, analyze data and deploy solutions to ensure the health and safety of the creatures that call the sanctuary home. Students experience a more rigorous biology curriculum than traditional courses, but because the course is designed around student engagement, students perform better.
Looking ahead...
Future Dreamscape Learn courses include:
Art history
Astronomy
Chemistry
Climate science
We don’t just use this technology to teach courses – we are also teaching students nextgeneration 3D development skills through a course called Designing for Dreamscape. Student writers, artists and developers work together to build creative virtual reality experiences.
Dreamscape Learn is a powerful example of how quality curriculum can teach lifelong skills and inspire new creative works.
17,000+ students engaged
To date, more than 17,000 students have engaged in Dreamscape Learn labs for Biology 181 and 182 courses.
1.7x more likely to earn an “A”
In spring 2022, Dreamscape Leam biology students were 1.7x more likely to earn an “A” on their lab assignments than students in the traditional course.
Global impact and education advancement
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.
Built on the foundations of success serving Arizona and domestic students through innovative technology platforms, EdPlus builds frameworks to scale globally, erasing borders and connecting students worldwide. Our duty reaches beyond education to enhancing the economic, social, cultural and physical well-being of these global communities.
We harness technology to safeguard cultural traditions and strengthen universities worldwide. We’re also enhancing learning communities by providing students with job opportunities, support networks, scholarships and mentorship. By uniting thought leaders globally, we’re shaping a future where education is limitless.
Zai Xian
Empowering African youth
Our collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation serves as a prime example of how academic institutions, the private sector and philanthropic entities can work together to promote digital inclusion.
Youth unemployment rates in Africa are notably high, exacerbated by limited access to essential resources and networks, which makes job acquisition challenging. Technology emerges as a vital tool in this scenario, offering scalable solutions for support services, educational programs and empowerment initiatives to overcome these obstacles and enhance youth employment.
ASU plays a pivotal role in expanding educational opportunities for African youth, aiding them in securing meaningful and impactful careers. Within this partnership, EdPlus leverages its skilled team to develop and apply technology solutions that respect and accommodate the diverse social, political and cultural contexts of different African nations.
Young Africa Works strategy: Young Africa Works is the Mastercard Foundation’s 10-year strategy aimed at enabling 30 million young people in Africa, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
Mastercard Foundation Scholar | Charity Bhebhe Molecular biosciences and biotechnology, BS
Learning solutions a keystroke away
ASU is renowned for its online learning expertise.
Recognizing this, the Mastercard Foundation identified a need for its partners to enhance their online capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In partnership with United States International University-Africa, we launched the eLearning Initiative phase 1 to address this need. The initiative aided 10 institutions in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Costa Rica and Lebanon. Support provided included training for instructional designers, content development, optimization of Learning Management Systems, advising on eLearning strategies and quality assurance training for online courses.
The next phase of the eLearning Initiative is currently being explored, but phase 1 has accomplished much including:
Training 135 faculty at 10 institutions in eight countries in the Master Class for Teaching Online.
Awarding 17 research grants to 56 faculty and staff across the network.
Establishing Africa’s first Quality Matters System in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation.
Ethiopia resource centers
In phase 1, five resource centers were chosen to work with ASU and serve their regional universities.
ETHIOPIA
Bahir Dar University peda campus
Addis Ababa University
Dire Dawa University
Jimma University
Hawassa University
ETHIOPIA
Next-generation support for historical universities
ASU supports eShe, an eLearning Initiative in Ethiopia, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Ethiopian Ministry of Education and local partner Shayashone.
The project aims to improve the country’s national eLearning infrastructure and increase access to online education in higher education institutions. EdPlus collaborates with these partners to provide technological solutions, training programs and valuable courses.
We are transforming Ethiopian e-learning by creating an Open edX-based ecosystem for 50 universities, enhancing the educational experience for over 800,000 students. This transformation includes deploying a comprehensive e-learning suite with a learning management system (LMS), student information system (SIS) and middleware. Moreover, we are improving educational quality by offering instructional design and digital literacy training.
This initiative provides specialized courses for students, instructors and design staff, along with master classes in instructional design for faculty, initially benefiting 200 instructors and expanding to 1,000 due to demand. Another key initiative, a Train the Trainer program, aims to improve the skills of approximately 35,000 instructors, establishing a robust foundation for digital education nationwide.
Supporting these efforts, EdPlus has crafted an e-learning ecosystem using Open edX for 50 universities.
We also provide training in instructional design and digital literacy, including student courses on online learning skills, “Foundations for Excellence in Teaching Online” for instructors and ASU’s graduate certificate in instructional design and performance improvement for design staff.
A network of support and opportunity
In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, EdPlus crafted a scalable alumni strategy for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars, aiming to foster community, connections and collaboration among Scholars and alumni globally. This initiative led
to the creation of the Baobab platform, designed to support Mastercard Foundation Scholars with internship and job opportunities, as well as personal and professional development resources to ease their transition from school to work.
Developed via human-centered design sessions with African Scholars, Baobab aims to build a community among young Africans worldwide. It provides a comprehensive space for social learning, networking and advancing educational technology careers in Africa.
A significant effort at EdPlus is the Baobab Digital Innovation Scholars Program, launched in 2021. This program equips 28 African Mastercard Foundation Scholars with graduate-level education and professional skills in educational technology and related fields, including learning sciences, user experience, computer science, data analysis and software engineering.
Participants not only attend classes, but also gain practical experience at EdPlus, developing educational programs and technology. The program’s goal is to empower graduates to contribute significantly to the educational sectors of their local communities.
by O’Shea Tometi
58,569 registered users
In fall 2023, Baobab surpassed 50,000 learners on their platform and is steadily growing.
80% employed or in graduate school
80% of Mastercard Foundation Scholars in the first cohort of Baobab Digital Innovation Scholars were employed or in graduate school six months after graduation.
Viola Melly MS in user experience,
Photos
Spanning across continents
Founded in collaboration with
ASU, Cintana Education is a public benefit company that enhances global university performance by providing resources and expertise.
It offers best practices, leadership, strategy and investment support, enabling universities to develop innovative educational programs. Members of the Cintana network gain access to ASU’s extensive resources, such as collaborative curriculum development, learning management systems, enrollment in ASU Online courses, coordinated degree programs, international exchange programs and joint research opportunities.
Cintana, in partnership with ASU, offers tailored support that addresses the varied needs of students worldwide, helping universities overcome obstacles to achieve educational excellence. This collaboration aims to make learning more accessible, inclusive and impactful globally.
Cintana Alliance:
Almaty Management University (Kazakhstan)
American University Kyiv (Ukraine)
Budapest Metropolitan University (Hungary)
CEIPA (Colombia)
Charlotte Fresenius Privatuniversität (Austria)
Chitkara University (India)
Galala University (Egypt)
Health Careers International (Australia)
Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
Istanbul Bilgi University (Turkey)
Mapúa University (Philippines)
Shiv Nadar University (India)
Sunway University (Malaysia)
The NorthCap University (India)
Universidad Autònoma de Guadalajara (Mexico)
Universidad Francisco Gavidia (El Salvador)
Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (Ecuador)
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
Universidad Norbert Wiener (Peru)
Universitas Esa Unggul (Indonesia)
University of Donja Gorica (Montenegro)
Universum International College (Kosovo)
Mission statement:
We believe universities can positively impact their regions and that higher education belongs to every student. ASU and its international implementation partner Cintana Education seek to create the largest university network in the world, led by the most innovative university in the U.S.
The Cintana Alliance comprises 22 universities dedicated to creating transformative learning experiences beyond geographical limits.
Serving over 250,000 students around the globe, the Alliance is continuously expanding.
22 universities 250,000 students worldwide
Overcoming language barriers
ASU Zai Xian (AZX), meaning ASU Online in Mandarin, is a joint initiative by Cintana, CinLearn and ASU.
ASU Zai Xian offers four master’s degree programs in Mandarin to students
in China, marking ASU Online’s first venture into non-English degrees.
The initiative aims to enhance accessibility by offering culturally relevant content, local coaching and an improved academic framework.
ASU Zai Xian provides customized mentorship and regionally relevant curricula, supplemented by extracurricular activities that foster cross-cultural understanding and enrich the educational experience.
The program supports students from varied backgrounds by offering additional resources and foundational courses to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure academic equity.
1,600+ enrolled students
The AZX program has more than 1,600 enrolled students.
315 graduates
The program has produced 315 graduates.
28,000+ college credits
Students have earned 28,000+ college credits since October 2020
Suiyu Li, pictured left
Xuelun Tian, pictured right
Student success
The AZX program’s effectiveness is reflected in students feeling understood and supported, boosting their perseverance and completion rates.
The average GPA across all programs is above 3.75, with psychology students achieving a perfect average GPA of 4.00. The retention rate surpasses 95% and continues to increase with each new cohort.
3.75 GPA
average cumulative grade across all students
4.00 GPA
psychology program students’ peak score
95%
retention rate beyond the full refund deadline that continues to rise with each cohort
Suiyu Li
‘22 MS in psychology
Suiyu Li, a 2022 psychology graduate from Guangzhou, experienced a profound shift in perspective during her time at ASU Zai Xian. Embracing ASU’s individualistic educational culture, Li found it to be refreshing and divergent from the collectivist norms she was accustomed to. This unique pedagogical approach motivated her choice in graduate programs, as it allowed her to simultaneously pursue her professional aspirations without compromising her job.
Xuelun Tian
‘22 MS in psychology
The degree programs offered by ASU Zai Xian are:
Computing and technology, MEng
Education, MA
Leadership and management, MLM
Psychology, MS
Xuelun Tian is a proud 2022 graduate of ASU Zai Xian’s psychology program. Today, she champions the unique benefits of digital learning and her experience with AZX. She credits part of her success to the university’s top-tier faculty and immersive campus culture. The online program empowered Tian to hone advanced communication skills and navigate complex topics at a personalized pace that worked around her obligations. Beyond foundational psychology knowledge, the digital platform offered the flexibility to deeply understand the material without disrupting peers. Tian passionately endorses ASU to prospective students, emphasizing its unparalleled faculty resources and its reputation as a leading research institution.
ASU Zai Xian graduates
Xuelun Tian | ‘22 MS in psychology
Suiyu Li | ‘22 MS in psychology
Sharing stories of cultural impact through advanced technologies
We partner with the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS), which serves as a symbol of cultural resilience and empowerment, dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the rich heritage of the Hawaiian islands. PVS shares that its mission is to perpetuate traditional Polynesian voyaging and the spirit of exploration through experiential educational programs.
Through
our partnership,
we use immersive technologies to assist PVS in preserving their oral traditions — with one key project being the Hall of Teachers.
Hall of Teachers is a virtual reality (VR) experience that brings users into a virtual museum highlighting the significant contributions of PVS founders to their community. Our collaboration also includes developing a VR sailing simulation that teaches users traditional voyaging techniques.
Hall of Teachers VR experience
Standing beneath their carved statues, participants hear the teachers’ stories of heroism, creativity and wisdom. Their strength, vision and love for the Hawaiian people are an inspiring lesson for all.
Bringing together the brightest in EdTech
The ASU+GSV Summit, initiated in 2010 as a collaboration between ASU and Global Silicon Valley (GSV), aims to provide universal access to future opportunities in education.
This annual event unites innovators in technology, business and education to foster societal transformation.
The 2024 summit introduced the first ASU+GSV AIRSHOW (AI Revolution) at the San Diego Convention Center, focusing on the impact of AI on learning and its ethical application.
The ASU+GSV Summit continues to embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI and augmented reality to enhance education and address disparities in access and equality.
The summit serves as a vital meeting point for industry leaders, facilitating new partnerships and networking opportunities.
Notably, EdPlus has established significant collaborations at the summit, including partners like Crash Course and the Mastercard Foundation.
In 2024, the summit attracted:
7,200 attendees in person at ASU+GSV Summit
15,200 attendees in person at ASU+GSV AIRSHOW
650 attendees in person at ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit in India
110 countries represented at the in-person ASU+GSV events
800+ speakers world-class speakers
This group represents a diverse spectrum of global communities ranging from educational leaders and enterprise executives to global investors.
Past speakers have included notable figures such as ASU President Michael Crow, Bill Gates, Jane Fonda, Condoleezza Rice, Gloria Steinem, Sandra Day O’Connor, Malcolm Gladwell, Howard Shultz, Common, Eric Yuan, John Legend and Priscilla Chan.
Accelerating Equity in Higher Education on YouTube Panel led by ASU President Michael Crow discussing the launch of Study Hall and the need for more diverse higher education pathways.
Partnering with like-minded changemakers
Collaborating with organizations that share our mission to drive change through education broadens opportunities and enriches online learning experiences. Through these strategic partnerships, we combine our knowledge and innovative technology platforms to tailor solutions that meet the distinct needs of each partner company. These collaborations enable our partners to invest in the educational and economic prosperity of their employees, with ASU and EdPlus standing as committed allies in achieving widespread, positive impact.
Our vision is to pioneer new models of corporate partnership, providing employees with comprehensive access to education that fosters both personal and professional growth. This approach not only opens doors to new opportunities, but also paves diverse pathways to success for individuals across the spectrum.
A partnership 10 years strong
The Starbucks College
Achievement
Plan fosters community impact across various fields, including art, science, technology and social justice, offering broad access to all academic programs.
In 2014, Starbucks and ASU launched the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, a groundbreaking initiative in corporate education benefits. This program allows all eligible U.S. partners (employees) to pursue their first bachelor’s degree online at ASU with full upfront tuition coverage. Partners can choose from over 150 undergraduate programs and receive support from dedicated success coaches, academic advisors and career development teams.
The Starbucks College Achievement Plan is a testament to the powerful collaboration between industry and academia, driving societal advancement and demonstrating a joint commitment to educational and community development.
Since its inception, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan has made a significant impact.
10 years of full tuition benefits
13,000+ graduates since 2014
25,000+ current program participants
Military veteran partners can extend tuition coverage to a family member. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan has reshaped organizational perspectives on education benefits, extending beyond tuition to comprehensive support and career development. The partnership includes the Pathway to Admission program, helping partners meet ASU’s admission standards, with over 3,000 partners admitted. Collaborative efforts have also led to specialized courses and the introduction of honors opportunities through Barrett, the Honors College. Additionally, initiatives like the SCAP Fellowship promote professional growth.
Howard
Schultz, Former CEO of Starbucks | CBS News Hour
“The role and responsibility of a for-profit public company can’t be just about making money. It has to be about giving back, and it has to be about achieving the balance between profit and social impact.”
Learners in the fast lane
Uber
empowers
individuals with flexible opportunities to work and learn.
The Uber and ASU partnership provides drivers and couriers with full tuition coverage for an online bachelor’s degree at ASU, eliminating obstacles to quality education. This collaboration between the technology leaders offers flexible educational and work opportunities. Qualified Uber participants can choose any ASU program without obligation to stay with Uber post-graduation and have the option to extend this benefit to a family member, with many utilizing it for this purpose.
Besides the tuition benefit, ASU and Uber are conducting research to gauge the program’s impact on participants’ economic well-being, aiming to enhance a program already beneficial to drivers and their families.
In just five years, the program has achieved significant milestones.
700+ graduates from degree programs
10,000+ learners enrolled in professional development courses
2,500+ drivers and family members enrolled in courses in fall 2023
Drivers, couriers or their family members can also participate in English language learning courses and an entrepreneurship course series through Learning Enterprise non-credit course offerings. This expanded offering reflects the ability of ASU to serve learners and students wherever they are, but also to meet partners where they are, providing benefits that are meaningful to the unique needs of each different population. Uber learners seek opportunities to both improve English fluency and proficiency, and to start entrepreneurial businesses. These pathways open doors for professional progression in the gig workforce.
Since its April 2020 inception, the partnership has successfully launched seven programs, aiding both officers and enlisted personnel. ASU and Air University enhance military learning
57,000+ students have engaged with the platform
Air University Global
College
faced challenges
in establishing an online professional military education system, so they partnered with ASU for a solution.
This historic collaboration marks the first partnership between a U.S. military branch and a civilian university to enhance educational goals. Remarkably, this initiative was launched within just six months.
We introduced a top-tier education platform featuring advanced technologies and tools, enhancing online learning for Air University. The collaboration expanded the college’s reach, benefiting both students and faculty with ASU’s innovative resources.
333,784 courses completed
22,832 programs completed
The collaboration continues to provide a streamlined educational journey for the Air Force’s online learners.
Strengthening the greater higher ed landscape
The partnership aims to rapidly develop scalable solutions to increase the number of learners served in Tennessee and Arizona.
The partnership will support UT in expanding its digital education programs, optimizing processes and systems and establishing the necessary infrastructure for collaboration.
70+ programs
for students to earn a degree or certificate, fully online
80 interest areas
With this partnership, UT will be able to more quickly add new programs to their growing portfolio to provide access to online learning and better serve the interests of students.
Nearly 1 million individuals in Tennessee have some postsecondary education but no degree. To create more accessible degree pathways, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) is partnering with ASU to establish a transformative digital education collaboration.
Students from both institutions will have access to each other’s course catalogs and enroll in courses of interest, meeting educational demands and providing high-quality opportunities.
This collaboration represents a first-of-its-kind public impact partnership, leveraging the accessfocused missions of ASU and UT. It will prioritize speed, scale and quality, offering premier online learning experiences. The partnership will foster a digital learning culture, promote innovation and support diversity, equity and inclusion. This collaboration will also create new opportunities for students and faculty and support the workforce needs of Arizona and Tennessee through industry partnerships.
Today UT offers
Striving to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace through education.
InStride, launched in April 2019 by ASU and The Rise Fund, strives to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace through education. This techenabled service company partners with esteemed academic institutions to provide employees with debt-free, career-aligned education, facilitating continuous professional growth.
Designed to yield tangible business and learner benefits, InStride’s programs are customized to meet each organization’s objectives. They offer a broad spectrum of globally recognized, online educational programs tailored to industry needs. Their user-friendly platform ensures seamless program management, addressing typical challenges and offering a comprehensive solution for businesses. InStride serves 46 clients across sectors like health care, retail, finance, industrial and services.
InStride aims to be the premier human capital partner, empowering organizations with the transformative potential of education to achieve significant social and business outcomes, fostering a more equitable and thriving society.
Performance metrics:
3x promotion rate for InStride participants vs. non-participants
93% annual retention vs. 63% annual retention for non-participants
226% average ROI over three years for every dollar spent
5,700 learners currently earning degrees at ASU
ASU’s commitment to its charter’s
aspirational
goals relies on forming partnerships with like-minded organizations.
These collaborations help us address the educational needs of new populations, enhance our research and development, broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of diverse communities.
Our partners include corporations, tech companies, philanthropic organizations and educational institutions. By uniting our shared values and varied strengths, we collectively redefine the educational landscape.
PARTNERING WITH LIKE-MINDED CHANGEMAKERS
Tashawnna Tewawina
‘22 BS in criminology and criminal justice
‘23 MS in criminal justice
Together, we can make transformative education accessible to everyone, everywhere.
In today’s technologically advanced era, storytelling’s educational potential is boundless. Despite being early adopters of new technologies, our focus remains on the students. We use extended and virtual realities to immerse students in stories that fuel their imagination and inspire them to become visionary dreamers. The collaboration between artificial and human intelligence allows us to unlock and nurture human potential like never before, connecting global communities through storytelling to highlight our shared human experience.
The EdPlus story is a collective effort, extending beyond this narrative to include daily stories from our community, across the university and around the globe.
Our evergreen charter places students at the forefront of our endeavors, driving us to innovate continuously to ensure success for learners at all levels. Our dedication to the public good underpins our research, partnerships and product development, aiming to strengthen communities locally and worldwide.
At EdPlus, we’re laying the groundwork for the future of education and invite fellow creators and thinkers to join us.
This is volume one of the EdPlus story
Celebrating our achievements
Starbucks College Achievement Plan
Presidents Award for Innovation
Arizona State University, 2016
Study Hall
Presidents Award for Innovation
Arizona State University, 2021
Online Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (OURS)
Presidents Award for Innovation
Arizona State University, 2023
ASU Online Lookbook
PRSA Award of Merit
PRSA Phoenix Chapter, 2023
Hyper-personalized enrollment communications
PRSA Award of Merit
PRSA Phoenix Chapter, 2023
ASU Online Honor Cords Mailer
Print Excellence Award for Consumer Promotional Campaigns
Printing Industries Association, Inc, 2023
Dreamscape Learn
Edison Award (Gold - Education category)
The Edison Awards, 2023
Starbucks College Achievement Plan
Content Marketing Awards -
Social Media category (Finalist only)
Arizona State University, 2016
Global Freshman Academy
Presidents Award for Innovation
Arizona State University, 2017
Dreamscape Learn
Presidents Award for Innovation
Arizona State University, 2023
ASU Online Graduate Celebration (social/PR)
PRSA Copper Anvil
PRSA Phoenix Chapter, 2023
ASU Online Most Searched Series
PRSA Award of Merit
PRSA Phoenix Chapter, 2023
ASU Online Most Searched Questions
Bronze Winner - Social Video - Series: Education & Discovery
Telly Awards, 2023
Digit
Innovator of the Year Academia (Finalist only)
Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority, 2023
ASU Online Lookbook
Content Marketing Awards -
Publication (Print or Digital) category (Finalist only)
Arizona State University, 2016
