In a recent podcast interview with Heidi Schalk at Buzz Sprout, Miriam Chickering, CEO of NextGenU.org (NGU) and founder of Nurses International (NI), shared her journey and the mission behind her transformative work in global education. Through a strategic partnership between NI and NGU, Miriam has positioned both organizations as leaders in delivering high-quality education at scale.
Miriam’s leadership at NGU and NI exemplifies a commitment to democratizing education and empowering learners worldwide. By utilizing innovative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strategic partnerships, these organizations provide accessible, high-quality training across healthcare, science, and public health disciplines.
The collaboration between NI and NGU is mutually beneficial. NI gains access to NGU’s high-quality resources, which are integral for developing educational content that meets global healthcare standards. In turn, NGU benefits by hosting all of NI’s courses on its platform, attracting a diverse array of nurses, physicians, students, and professionals from various fields who enroll in these comprehensive nursing courses. This synergy between NI and NGU amplifies the impact and reach of both organizations in the global education landscape.
Understanding the unique needs of different audiences is central to NGU’s approach. Miriam highlighted the importance of tailoring educational materials to suit varying professional requirements—from doctors and nurses to frontline humanitarian workers. This adaptability ensures that the content resonates with, and effectively serves its intended audience.
One innovative method being employed is microlearning, which offers learners short, focused education segments on any device. This approach facilitates quick and efficient learning, which is particularly beneficial for busy professionals seeking to enhance their skills on the go.
NextGenU’s commitment to reaching underserved communities is evident in its strategies to overcome barriers such as intermittent internet access and high-conflict zones. By hiring extensively within the countries they serve and ensuring materials are available offline, NGU ensures that education is accessible to those who need it most.
By securing contracts to create content for large NGOs and maintaining an investment portfolio, NGU can continuously develop and expand its offerings. This financial strategy supports their core mission while enabling the development of new courses and educational resources in areas like nursing.
Miriam Chickering’s work with NGU and Nurses International exemplifies the power of visionary leadership in education. Her passion for lifelong learning and problem-solving drives her to convene experts and tackle global challenges, from public health to STEM education.
As NGU and NI continue to expand their reach and impact, they remain dedicated to their mission of creating opportunities for learners everywhere. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, Miriam and her team are revolutionizing global education, one learner at a time.
You can click here to listen to the full podcast episode to explore more about NGU’s groundbreaking work and the strategies that make it a leader in global education.
Author: Samantha Baboolal
Nurses International is a non-profit entirely focused on helping nurses obtain the education and the support they need to make a difference in developing nations worldwide.
We connect colleges and institutions with experts who can take their nursing programs to the next level. We help establish new nursing programs where they’re needed most. And we eliminate the barriers that stand between students and education.