2U Inc.
12/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/04/2024 12:45
A New Chapter in Tech Training at 2U
The future of education is evolving, and so are we. Today, we're announcing an important decision: 2U will transition away from our traditional boot camp offerings. In their place, we're developing new, innovative technical microcredentials-shorter, more flexible, and affordable programs that combine live teaching with asynchronous components.
These new technical skills certificates better align with the tech industry's current needs, delivering greater impact for both learners and employers.
This decision to transform our boot camps comes after careful consideration and analysis of fundamental shifts in technology skills training and labor markets. It reflects our commitment to providing scalable, impactful education that benefits learners, employers, and our university partners.
A Decade of Transformation
Boot camps emerged over a decade ago as a solution to a critical tech talent shortage in a rapidly evolving labor market. These programs equipped learners with technical skills for entry-level roles and helped launch countless careers during a time of extraordinary growth in demand for tech talent.
Since Trilogy Education's founding in 2015 and its integration with 2U in 2019, we've partnered with more than 50 universities to reskill tens of thousands of working adults. Over 96,000 boot camp graduates have transformed their lives, achieving career transitions, promotions, and enhanced job satisfaction. Together, we've strengthened regional workforces, empowered learners, and connected employers with vital talent. We're incredibly proud of the impact we've had.
Adapting to Meet Today's Needs
Today, however, the landscape is very different. Demand for entry-level tech roles has decreased while the pool of available, experienced tech talent has expanded. Employers are increasingly focused on hiring for more specialized tech skills, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. At the same time, the growing availability of shorter, lower-cost courses, along with the rise of generative AI, has created easier and more accessible pathways for learners to quickly and efficiently acquire skills for entry-level tech roles.
Simply put, the long-form, intensive training that boot camps provide no longer aligns with what the market wants and needs.
We are adapting to meet these new market realities by partnering with universities to create more flexible programs that equip learners with the in-demand, practical skills for success in today's rapidly evolving digital economy.
Market-Aligned Microcredentials
Our first offerings in this new model are targeted professional certificates being developed with Columbia Engineering. These cohort-based offerings, such as Python Fundamentals and Machine Learning and AI Applied Fundamentals, will emphasize community, interaction, and practical skills to help learners develop foundational, advanced, and applied skills.
Additional offerings in topics like coding, data, AI, and cybersecurity are also in development and will add to 2U's extensive portfolio of technical training programs available on edX.org.
Supporting Our Community
As we move forward, we are committed to supporting current boot camp students through the completion of their programs. All current cohorts will continue uninterrupted with the same high-quality instruction and support you've come to expect from us.
To our dedicated colleagues, past and present: you have been the heart of our boot camp programs. Your work has transformed lives and communities, and your impact will be felt far into the future. We recognize the personal impact of this transition, and we thank you for your invaluable contributions.
Our Vision for the Future
This transition is a pivotal moment for 2U, rooted in our commitment to expanding access to education that empowers learners to thrive. By focusing on shorter, deeply market-aligned programs, we're strengthening our mission and better-serving learners, employers, and our university partners. Together, we're shaping the future of education and workforce training.
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About Columbia Engineering
Since 1864, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University has been a resource to the world for major advances in human progress. Today, Columbia Engineering is a global leader in engineering education, research, and impact. Located in the heart of New York City, the school convenes more than 260 faculty members and 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students to push the frontiers of knowledge and solve humanity's most pressing problems.