Nexford University, the Washington D.C.-based next-generation university platform, has announced the launch of its global mentorship program – the 'Global Grid' which aims to develop talent and promote the personal, professional, and social success of learners worldwide. The program launch coincides with Nexford’s third anniversary. Co-founded in 2019 by CEO Fadl Al Tarzi, the online university has grown into a global platform connecting learners, regardless of age, gender or social class, with global employers.
The Global Grid is a global mentorship program that enables talent across the world to prepare for remote jobs. The program aims to increase awareness around the millions of jobs that are moving online, and the skills learners need to have to qualify for these jobs.
The Global Grid program stems from Nexford’s belief that when equipped with the right education talent should be able to access jobs regardless of location, gender, race or social status. The program will deep dive into the specific skills employers are looking for and how talent across the world can join this virtual, global grid.
Nexford has carefully chosen well-known thought leaders in their fields to provide guidance and share business skills via a structured online mentorship program. The initiative is initially focused on a select number of Nexford markets, starting with North America, Africa, The Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Fadl Al Tarzi, CEO & Co-Founder, Nexford University
Al Tarzi commented, “Since day one we’ve had the vision that the world is evolving into a virtual grid, where qualified talent should have access to career opportunities regardless of their physical location. COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation by at least 5-10 years, today’s adoption of online education and remote working are making the virtual grid a reality. If you have connectivity and the right education, you will have access to job opportunities regardless of your location.”
A huge focus of the initiative, according to Al Tarzi, is a focus on interlinked soft skills such as critical thinking, communication and collaboration to encourage people to learn at the highest level through technology. With younger generations now entering the workforce, Al Tarzi noted that communication skills are the number one challenge encountered by Gen-Z when looking for work. “There are some basics that, shockingly, still aren’t covered across higher education systems worldwide. The Grid Initiative aims to teach and to prepare younger generations with these necessary skills,” said Al Tarzi.
The Global Grid initiative complements Nexford’s continued global expansion and its provision of US degree programs to global learners for social and economic mobility. The concept of breaking down these socio-economic barriers and contributing to building a more robust global economy has been part of the Nexford thesis from the beginning. By offering affordable, high-quality skills-driven learning programs, Nexford is helping learners across the world take advantage of trillions of dollars of untapped wealth and employment opportunities.
The newly launched initiative comprises a diverse pool of thought leaders and industry experts from the healthcare, finance, education, human resources, and insurance sectors. Nexford will continue to grow its Global Grid initiative and expand its network of mentors throughout 2022.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
