# Episode #329: How University of the People Stays Workforce Aligned

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-higher-ed-geek-podcast-1126176/episode-329-how-university-of-the-people-stays-workforce-aligned
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-higher-ed-geek-podcast-1126176/episode-329-how-university-of-the-people-stays-workforce-aligned.md
Podcast: [The Higher Ed Geek Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-higher-ed-geek-podcast-1126176)
Published: 2026-05-13T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: http://higheredgeek.com/podcast
Audio file: https://afp-232483-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com/fb612789-3126-4c18-a9af-51b679db73e3/episodes/41fb4021-7307-44f8-bd98-ee82beabc020/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=fb612789-3126-4c18-a9af-51b679db73e3&awEpisodeId=41fb4021-7307-44f8-bd98-ee82beabc020&feed=doLZc_ov
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-higher-ed-geek-podcast-1126176/episodes/episode-329-how-university-of-the-people-stays-workforce-aligned
Duration seconds: 1682

## Resource

We’re pleased to welcome back Shai Reshef, founder of University of the People, to the show to talk more about his institution’s unique tuition-free, globally accessible model. We explore how aligning academic programs with workforce demand, while maintaining a strong foundation in critical thinking and general education, can create more equitable and sustainable pathways for students worldwide. The conversation also highlights the rise of stackable certificates, the importance of affordability and relevance, and why institutions must rethink traditional structures to better serve today’s learners and remain viable in a rapidly changing landscape.

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## Transcript

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