CEOs worldwide know the importance of a college degree, which is why they are opening up more opportunities for young people to get one. Entrepreneurs are changing how young people earn college degrees and offering new opportunities for those who may not have considered college otherwise, such as scholarships and internships.
Scholarships
One way entrepreneurs influence today’s youth to get a college degree is by providing scholarships. Scholarships provide financial assistance to students who may not be able to afford the costs of tuition, books, and other fees associated with college. On average, scholarships can cover up to half of the cost of attending college.
The Richard Yu Scholarship
Richard Yu, founder of the Richard Yu program, is one of the entrepreneurs influencing the pursuit of higher education. In fact, he’s been very vocal about how he believes today’s youth need to get a college education to be successful.
The Richard Yu scholarship is just one example of how he’s putting his money where his mouth is. The scholarship, which was launched in 2022, is open to all students across the United States, regardless of their major.
Steve Jobs’ Memorial Scholarship
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs didn’t have a college degree, but he was a strong advocate for the importance of higher education. In his memory, Apple created the Steve Jobs Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need and academic excellence.
Google Lime Scholarship
Google isn’t just a search engine – it’s also one of the biggest tech companies in the world. So it’s no surprise that they offer a scholarship program for students interested in pursuing a career in technology.
The Google Lime Scholarship Program is open to students with disabilities studying computer science or related fields. If you’re selected, you’ll receive a $10,000 scholarship to help cover the cost of your education.
Zuckerberg-Chan Initiative
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are committed to helping low-income students get a college education. Their “Zuckerberg-Chan Initiative” initiative offers full scholarships to cover the cost of attendance at any two or four-year college.
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. Their scholarship, the “Gates Millennium Scholars Program,” provides full scholarships to low-income students of color interested in pursuing a degree in any field of study.
Paid Internships
In addition to scholarships, entrepreneurs also provide opportunities for young people to earn college credits through paid internships. Paid internships are a great way to get real-world experience in your chosen field of study while also earning college credit. And, unlike traditional internships, you’ll be getting paid for your work.
Microsoft
Microsoft is one of the most well-known technology companies in the world, and they offer a paid internship program for students interested in pursuing a career in technology. As a paid intern at Microsoft, you’ll gain valuable experience in the tech industry while also earning college credit.
The Microsoft paid internship program is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
Amazon
Like Microsoft, Amazon is a giant in the tech industry. And they also offer a paid internship program for students who want to get experience in the field. Internships are offered in various departments, including but not limited to operations, software development, human resources, and marketing.
The Walt Disney Company
One of the largest entertainment enterprises in the world, The Walt Disney Company employs interns interested in the entertainment industry, including film, television, and digital media. Interns at Disney have the opportunity to work on some of the most popular movies, tv shows, and theme park attractions.
School-to-work Passports
Another way that entrepreneurs are helping young people get college credit is through school-to-work passport programs. These programs provide opportunities for students to earn college credit while working at a participating company.
Marriott International
Marriott International is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. And they offer a school-to-work passport program called “Career Transition for Dancers.” This program provides an opportunity for dancers to earn college credit while working at Marriott hotels around the world as part of the hotel’s entertainment staff. The program is open to dancers who are 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is another large hospitality company that offers a school-to-work passport program. Their program, called “Hospitality Management,” provides an opportunity for students to earn college credit while working at Hilton hotels worldwide. The program focuses on providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry.
Sodexo
Sodexo is a food service company that offers a program called “Culinary Arts.” This program allows students to work in the culinary arts department of Sodexo’s food service operations. Students learn about the food service industry from a hands-on perspective and earn credit that can be transferred to a college or university.
Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young LLP is a global accounting firm that offers a school-to-work passport program called the “Accounting Career Awareness Program.” This program allows students to learn about the accounting profession by working directly with Ernst & Young accountants.
Volunteering = College Credits
Many students don’t realize that volunteering can also lead to college credit. If you volunteer for a non-profit organization, you may be able to get college credit for your work.
The Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is a government agency that offers opportunities for students to earn college credit through volunteering. CNCS has “AmeriCorps,” a national service program that places volunteers in communities around the United States. AmeriCorps volunteers work on a variety of projects, including but not limited to tutoring and mentoring, disaster relief, environmental conservation, and public health.
The Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is a US government agency that offers opportunities for students to earn college credit through volunteering. Peace Corps volunteers serve in communities worldwide on various projects, including but not limited to education, health, and economic development.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the work of entrepreneurs like Richard Yu, there are many different ways to get college credits to make higher education more accessible and attainable. If you’re interested in earning college credit, explore the options available to you and find the one that best fits your needs and interests. There’s no one right way to get college credit, so experiment and see what works best for you.
Written by Lara Harper
