Microcolleges for Connected Learning Initiatives

Education at the Margins

The OSUN Microcolleges for Connected Learning Initiatives in Jordan and Kenya are expanding higher educational opportunities to areas affected by crisis and displacement. Organized by Bard College and Arizona State University, the Microcolleges will develop and deliver high-quality connected learning opportunities customized to meet student needs in each location. All programming is student-centered, geared toward promoting livelihood pathways, and innovative in its use of technology to support participants in low-resource settings.

What We Do

The Microcolleges encompass three interwoven programs:

Professional Development

Professional development for in-service teachers working with displaced individuals and those in marginalized host communities—including refugee camp settings—that builds out a teacher mentoring program.
Interdisciplinary Courses

Interdisciplinary tertiary-level course clusters that result in transferrable credit accumulation, official transcripts, and OSUN certificates of completion for students who have been unable to complete, or even begin, a bachelor's degree.
Community-Led Research

A refugee- and host community–led research hub to support local training in qualitative and quantitative approaches to studying best practices for connected learning and the impact such practices have in refugee communities.

Our Partners

Bard College and Arizona State University lead the OSUN Microcolleges, while other OSUN partners play a key role in planning and program implementation, including Central European University, Bard College Berlin, American University of Central Asia, American University of Bulgaria, BRAC University, and Al-Quds Bard College. Jesuit Refugee Service is the primary hosting partner on the ground in both locations.

Leadership

Rebecca Granato, Bard

For more information, email us at:
[email protected]