Together with
Steuart and Tom Walton, two grandsons of Walmart founder Sam Walton, are converting the company’s old HQ in Bentonville, Arkansas, into a flexible, STEM-focused university.
Why It Hits: The concept of a college education appears to be undergoing an existential crisis, as entry-level jobs seem harder than ever to come by post-graduation, and the rising costs of higher education burden borrowers for decades after. Finding faster and more affordable ways to learn cutting-edge skills may become a more appealing path for many prospective students.
Behind the Syllabus: Can Walmart sell you on an alternative to the typical university experience?
- The college, which doesn’t have a name yet, will offer “innovative, flexible pathways to jobs in automation, logistics, biotech, and computing,” per Axios.
- It plans to accept 500 students at first and eventually grow to about 1,500 undergrads and 500 non-degree learners.
- It’ll offer “stackable, flexible credits” to potentially switch majors or change areas of expertise if opportunity seems to be blowing in a different direction.
The Future: Steuart Walton, who also sits on Walmart’s board, wants the school to “move at the speed of innovation.” Specifically, Walton says that the fields the school will focus on are those needed in Arkansas, suggesting that servicing the local job market will take precedence. It’s the “company town” model of higher education.
Prediction: If the Waltons’ school is successful, other corporations that are deeply embedded in their community could also launch their own colleges that provide clear pathways to employment. Here’s looking at you, Starbase.
TOGETHER WITH CANVA
No design skills needed! 🪄✨
Canva Pro is the design software that makes design simple, convenient, and reliable. Create what you need in no time! Jam-packed with time-saving tools that make anyone look like a professional designer.