How WeWork is transforming the education sector

WeWork is best known for their coworking space locations around the world, but over the past two years, they have noticeably acquired or partnered with companies that transform the way students learn and work.

Here are some quick thoughts:

👨🏽‍💻 Acquisition of Flatiron School

Flatiron School offers immersive coding education courses, teaching students how to develop software in just a few months. Their tuition is a fraction of what you pay for traditional computer science degrees, starting at around $15,000. Initially, you may think that there isn’t much synergy with the office and education space. So why did they do it?

My thoughts are that it has to do with the value-add services that WeWork can offer the students. Finding room to host a class, getting access to perks like free beer and coffee, and curated networking and development events are among the first ideas that come to mind.

Although massive open online courses (MOOCs) have reshaped the way institutions offer learning services, having a blended approach between online and in-person education will address diverse student needs.

Imagine an undergraduate student being able to travel and drop into a tutorial session at any WeWork location, or a professional who’s finishing work at 6 p.m. to start class in the next room. This acquisition makes learning anywhere accessible and affordable, and you should look forward to more course-types outside of today’s coding, UX/UI and data analytics.

👋🏼 Acquisition of Meetup

Over a hundred thousand people attended Meetups in WeWork locations in 2017. This is only a small fraction compared to the 35 million members on Meetup, who use the platform to connect with other enthusiasts to share common interests, like drone racing or learning Chinese.

Mixing hobbies, career and education is becoming more prevalent today, and is important for students to grow their network beyond classmates. For WeWork, this deal adds a new dimension to its brand.

It started out providing professional office space to freelancers and independent workers, but now it opens the community to all sorts of archetypes interested in sharing lifestyle and wellness tips. It also empowers students and potential employers to connect in person by adding greater flexibility, convenience and community.

🎓 Partnership with 2U

The recently announced partnership with 2U also proves that WeWork will be a huge player in enhancing the future of work and learning. This deal provides students with $2 million in scholarships powered by world-class graduate programs and online short courses. They are also using this platform to co-create a Future of Learning and Work space by 2019.

With education driving change and upward mobility for individuals globally, WeWork is reshaping how the world thinks about studying and challenges the traditional value of a university degree. These partnerships are also encouraging students, young and old, to foster lifelong learning and build more meaningful connections and experiences.

What a time we live in.

👩🏼‍🚀 About us

NewCampus is a lifelong learning school for people excited by change. We’re a gym membership for learning experiences, with daily classes hosted at a network of accessible colearning spaces. Members learn together, from global entrepreneurs and experts, about emerging business, technology and cultural trends, and consistently building the skills they need to thrive in the changing world.

We are a team of 10 passionate individuals from Australia, the United States, Singapore, China, India and the Philippines. 🌍