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Learn21 Update
Igniting Passion for EdTech: Learn21’s Co-op Program
In the heart of Cincinnati, where innovation meets academia, a powerful alliance thrives—the partnership between Learn21 and the University of Cincinnati (UC). Through this partnership, our two organizations have worked to elevate opportunities for students in K-12 and higher education. Our participation in the UC co-op program has allowed us to be better vested in our community and provide valuable experiences to university students. Pioneered by the University of Cincinnati over a century ago, the cooperative education, co-op, program continues to innovate all aspects of experience-based learning by blending academic study with real-world work experience.
The relationship between Learn21 and UC is not just proof of Learn21’s commitment to education but it is the origin of how Learn21 came into existence. Kevin Ghantous, a Learn21 co-founder, knows the impact of a good co-op experience. His journey began at the University of Cincinnati, where he had his first co-op at Sycamore Community Schools, under the supervision of the then Tech Coordinator, now Learn21 CEO, Bill Fritz. During his co-op, Kevin dove into the field of education, learning about real-world projects and collaborating with educators and administrators. “It wasn’t just about coding; it was about understanding the challenges in education and using my skills to empower staff and students with the tools to do more,” says Kevin. It was this co-op that led Bill and Kevin to start Learn21 with the mission to help educators and students successfully leverage technology while also opening a door for students, through the co-op program, to be introduced into the world of educational technology.
Since 2013, Learn21 has welcomed more than 20 co-op students through our doors. These students aren’t just interns; they’re integral team members, contributing skills, passion, and fresh perspectives. Some of them have stayed, becoming full-time team members, while others have carried their Learn21 experiences into other realms – with the hope that a passion for education has been instilled in them.
When asking the group of former co-ops, turned full-time team members, we found similar stories of growth and opportunity. “Learn21 pushed me out of my comfort zone, accelerating my career in software development beyond my college experience,” shared Aaron Kitelinger a Learn21 Junior Developer, set to graduate in 2024, speaking of the challenges that spurred his growth.
Jacob Morgan, a Junior Developer and 2023 graduate, reflects on the confidence and professional development he gained during his co-op time: “Learn21 helped solidify my career goals, proving I am capable and providing the tools to grow my skill set.”
Developer, Allie Prusha a 2021 graduate who leads the Learn21 implementation team and manages the Self-Service Integration for TDT-Asset, shares her journey of applying academic concepts to real-world challenges: “Learn21’s supportive environment allowed me to grow as a professional in the EdTech space, continuously improving my coding skills. It’s also super fulfilling to interface with clients at the school districts we serve.”
Eric Davin, a Developer and 2023 graduate, highlights the impact of his work: “My experience with Learn21 honed my technical skills and showed me the positive implications that my work can have on schools. With the encouragement of my colleagues, I have been able to step out of my comfort zone and learn new skills that I couldn't see myself learning in the past.”
“At Learn21, I flourished as I took my first steps into programming, and I was given the opportunity to be a part of a supportive team who generously shared their expertise with me,” shares Austin Arnett, Senior Developer and Program Lead for TDT-Asset and a 2018 graduate. “Learn21’s guidance allowed me to refine my skills and contribute meaningfully to projects. I was able to grow in an environment where innovation and collaboration thrived for the benefit of education.”
These narratives are not just individual success stories; they are collective evidence of Learn21's vision to empower students and advance education through innovation.
As we look to the future, Learn21’s co-op program is just one of the many ways that we are working to innovate in education. Learn21 is committed to partnering with schools, from the K-12 districts we work with daily to institutes of higher education like UC. These partnerships allow Learn21’s software and services to have an even greater impact on all learners – and is a reminder that when education and technology meet, the possibilities are boundless.
While we wanted to highlight our UC co-op program with this piece, we also offer internships for local high school students. Reach out if you have questions about our co-op experience or just want to chat about setting up a similar type program for your team.
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