Steve Wozniak, who needs no introduction, is starting a new online school for people who want to learn anything related to technology, coding, or similar studies. He's calling it "Woz U," and it's supposed to provide people with skills required to enter the tech industry.
The goal is to train people with digital skills and make them employable in the tech world without putting them into years of student debt, like a normal U.S. college education often does.
You May Soon Enroll In Steve Wozniak's Online University
"People often are afraid to choose a technology-based career because they think they can't do it. I know they can, and I want to show them how," Wozniak said in a statement.
At present, Woz U only has online programs focused on software developers and computer support specialists, but next year, Woz U will begin offering programs related to data science, mobile applications, and even cybersecurity. It remains unclear, though, whether Woz U's courses will be offered for free or if it will charge students for certain elements of the online educational platform. But according to Mac Rumors, Woz U will employ a "subscription-based curriculum."
Woz U: Programs And Courses
In addition to courses, Woz U will also offer tech companies access to various tools and resources that can be used to train and recruit employees. K-12 students will also get access to Woz U via partnerships with different school districts. Later on, Woz U aims to offer one-on-one instructions and, in 2019, facilitate a 12 to 16-month accelerator program geared toward prospective startup founders.
But Wozniak's goal for the online university is quite simple: to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — though it's hard to say if there's a shortage or even a decline in those fields. Anyhow, the inclusion of arts is an interesting choice, and it's presumably a nod to Wozniak and fellow cofounder Steve Jobs's dedication to make design, art, and aesthetics as important as engineering.
Wozniak said his entire life has been devoted to building, developing, and creating a better world through the use of technology, and that he has always respected education.
"Now is the time for Woz U, and we are only getting started," he said.
Wozniak has grand ambitions for Woz U. He wants to expand the online platform to include as many as 30 physical locations around the globe. Wozniak has also launched a mobile app that'll aid potential Woz U students in figuring out which tech path is best for them.
Thoughts about Woz U? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
