Driving Education Forward: How ASU and Uber’s Partnership is Changing Lives
By Lauren Ikenn
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, Arizona State University (ASU) stands out as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. These values are especially evident in ASU’s groundbreaking partnership with Uber, a collaboration that is creating vast opportunities for individuals previously sidelined by traditional education barriers.
Founded on the principle of accessibility, the ASU-Uber partnership has become a game-changer for Uber drivers, couriers, and their family members by offering them 100% tuition coverage for ASU Online. As they celebrate the fifth anniversary of this transformative program, it’s impressive to note that over 1,100 graduates have emerged from this initiative—a testament to its remarkable impact. Recently, the partnership expanded to include Barrett, The Honors College, further enriching the educational journey for eligible participants.
A Pathway to Second Chances and Academic Excellence
For many individuals in the ride-sharing and delivery industry, education has often felt like an unachievable dream. However, the ASU-Uber alliance is not just an educational offering; it represents a lifeline for many who might have had to abandon their academic ambitions due to financial limitations. Josh Plotke, an Uber driver and proud ASU Online student, emphasizes this transformative potential, stating, “The Uber-ASU partnership is an example of the future of education. By giving drivers a college degree, Uber offers a second chance to achieve educational dreams, whether it’s finishing a degree or starting anew.”
What makes this partnership particularly attractive is its genuine intention, devoid of any hidden stipulations. “I wish more Uber drivers knew there isn’t a ‘catch’ with the college degree from ASU. It’s a genuine reward that can even be shared with a family member, allowing more people to access this incredible opportunity,” Plotke added, shedding light on the program’s accessibility to those who may not be career drivers themselves.
Expanding Opportunities through Barrett, The Honors College
A pivotal development in this partnership has come with the announcement that starting in fall 2024, eligible drivers will also gain access to Barrett, The Honors College. This exciting expansion was propelled by the advocacy efforts of Plotke, who took it upon himself to engage various ASU and Uber leaders to champion this cause.
“I reached out to various ASU and Uber leaders, and after persistent effort, I’m thrilled that starting in the fall semester, Uber will cover the Barrett fee,” Plotke shared. This new addition not only opens doors for many aspiring individuals but also establishes a close-knit community of academically ambitious peers. “The most valuable thing about the honors college is having the opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. It makes you feel like you aren’t alone,” he added.
Corporate Partnerships as Catalysts for Innovation
ASU understands that corporate partnerships—like the one with Uber—are vital for expanding educational access and providing innovative learning opportunities that cater to today’s diverse learners. Sean Hobson, chief design officer at EdPlus at ASU, underscores the importance of such alliances, stating, “All partnerships are integral to ASU’s mission. They help us widen our aperture for learning, allowing us to offer more personalized and flexible educational experiences.”
The collaboration has extended beyond standard educational offerings, incorporating Uber’s technological innovations to create a user-friendly educational platform that aligns seamlessly with the busy lives of drivers. “Uber values learning and supports its earners in their journey toward various goals. We’ve worked together to create a frictionless experience allowing drivers to earn a degree while managing their work commitments,” Hobson elaborated.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
The continued success of the ASU-Uber partnership lies in the shared vision and core values of both organizations. Liza Winship, Uber’s director of driver operations, affirms this commitment to education, saying, “Drivers are the backbone of our platform, and we believe that the financial burden of student loans shouldn’t be a barrier to their career advancement.”
With the fifth anniversary being a milestone worth celebrating, both ASU and Uber are emphasizing their mission to raise awareness about the program and reach an even broader audience. “There is unbelievable potential for what this partnership can achieve,” Hobson concluded. “We’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of our learners and creating opportunities that can be transformational for individuals and their families.”
In an era where education is increasingly critical to career advancement, the ASU-Uber partnership exemplifies how corporate alliances can effectively dismantle barriers to higher education, paving the way for a more equitable future.
