Students Of A Different Education

Students Of A Different Education

Don't judge a drop out too quickly, think about the education they're leaving instead. Here are three issues with higher education today:
Colleges and Universities are massive- there's minimal customization, material overlap between years, and only recently has there been an increase in inter-disciplinary study and real-world integration.Students are shuffled to higher ed as though its the only next logical step. There's rarely a conversation about whether a college degree is going to be helpful or required for personal goals.Education in general lacks options- for learning types and individual goals. The popularized University model has made us forget about learning in its natural essence- that it need not happen in a classroom and from a book, but can be through conversation, observation, practice, apprenticeship, or experimentation.

With a little bit of support, drop outs can find a path that works for them and people that are more tailored for them to learn from. But those that self-select for a different course quickly find that currently there is little support unless they cultivate it on their own.
Kane Sarhan and Shaila Ittycheria realized this after reflecting on their own schoolings and careers, so they set out to create a new program. Enstitute is an alternative to higher education for high school grads, college drop outs, and even college grads who are interested in technology startups and increasing their business acumen. The 501c3 provides two-year apprenticeships with top NYC entrepreneurs for those 18-24 years old. Enstitute also props up the apprenticeship with over 300 mentors and advisors for fellows to engage with, room and board, food, and personal stipends.
As Enstitute's co-founder Shaila Ittycheria describes the first batch of Fellows, she demonstrates how Ensitute is a new option for those that are bored by typical college semesters, looking to acquire MBA skill sets, or just want something that's hands on and with experienced people. "We have fellows who are 18 and directly out of high school, 20 year old college juniors who have left top schools out of frustration, and 23 year old university graduates who found themselves unprepared for the job market and lacking marketable skills.”These Fellows didn't take a risk by abandoning school, college just wasn't the right fit. The path towards the ambitions of each of the eleven Enstitute Fellows will now be a bit less windy and lonely- and they certainly won't have to settle for rudimentary University classes.
Though Enstitute is one of the few alternative educations, there are many more to come. Enstitute is leading by "educating tomorrow's workforce by turning startups and small businesses around the world into classrooms." Meet their Fellows in the gallery above.