215 - Connie Yowell & Paul LeBlanc on Extending Access to Higher Ed from Chicago to Rwanda

Today's episode features a fascinating interview with Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc. In the most interesting deal of 2018, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the leading online university, and LRNG, the leading out-of-school learning platform, merged. Connie Yowell, CEO of LRNG and EVP of SNHU, saw the merger as an opportunity to establish meaningful pathways to the middle class for youth that needs them most. And as the SNHU President, Paul LeBlanc saw LRNG as an opportunity to extend access to underserved youth in new ways. Since the merger 10 months ago, SNHU and LRNG have launched pilot programs in Chicago and Bermingham and they've mapped over 30 LRNG badges that count for SNHU credit. SNHU is also actively serving refugees in five countries. And recently, Paul and Connie have returned from a trip to Africa to review programs and consider additional service opportunities. Listen in as Tom talks to Connie and Paul about how they came into their leadership roles, how and why the merger happened, and where they'll go from here! Key Takeaways: [:15] About today's episode! [1:34] Tom welcomes Connie Yowell and Paul LeBlanc to the podcast! [1:42] Connie speaks about how she...