Key Moments
2019-2020 MIT ReACT Computer and Data Science Certificate Program Graduation Celebration
MIT OpenCourseWareKey Moments
MIT ReACT celebrates graduates of its Computer and Data Science Certificate Program.
Key Insights
The future of education requires agile, continuous learning, moving beyond traditional degree models.
Graduates are encouraged to be 'CEOs of their own lives,' managing marketing, technology, and legal aspects.
The MIT ReACT program combines online certification, paid internships, and entrepreneurship for success.
Resilience, often forged through challenges like displacement, is a valuable asset for leadership and innovation.
Networking, leveraging global connections, and continuous learning are crucial for career advancement.
The program aims to provide quality education and opportunities to displaced and underserved populations globally.
WELCOME AND AGENDA OVERVIEW
Gillian Walsh, academic coordinator for MIT ReACT, opens the celebration for the graduating class of the Computer and Data Science Certificate Program. She outlines the agenda, which includes remarks from Vice President for Open Learning Sanjay Sarma, founder Professor Admir Masic, alumni and student speakers, certificate conferral, and closing remarks from MIT Corporation member H all a Fidel. Walsh also acknowledges the program's partners, supporters, and philanthropic contributors.
THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF EDUCATION AND WORK
Vice President Sanjay Sarma emphasizes the rapid changes in education and work, moving away from the traditional model of completing education in a fixed period. He asserts that continuous learning and updating skills are essential, comparing it to daily exercise for fitness. Sarma highlights MIT's development of agile, continuous education modules, including MOOCs and certificate programs like ReACT, positioning graduates as pioneers in this new educational pathway.
EMBRACING THE ROLE OF 'CEO OF YOUR LIFE'
Sarma encourages graduates to see themselves as the 'CEOs of their own lives,' responsible for navigating various aspects such as marketing, technology adoption, and legal matters. In the new economy, these individuals will not only work for large companies but also lead their own paths, requiring adaptability and self-management. This perspective empowers graduates to take proactive control of their personal and professional journeys.
THE PILLARS OF THE MIT REACT PROGRAM
Professor Admir Masic, founder of ReACT, discusses the program's mission to provide quality education to displaced individuals, noting the global increase in forcibly displaced people. He highlights the program's three core pillars: high-quality online certification content, crucial paid internships, and entrepreneurship. These elements are designed to equip participants with essential skills and open new opportunities, enabling them to thrive despite challenging circumstances.
PROGRAM SUCCESS AND GRADUATE COHORT DETAILS
Masic shares impressive statistics from the pilot cohort, including high graduation rates, new employment opportunities attributed to ReACT, and a significant interest in entrepreneurship. He details the 2019-2020 cohort's profile: over a thousand applications from 42 countries, with 20 students admitted in Jordan and 10 globally. The cohort spans ages 18-41 (average 26), with 55% women, and successfully completed rigorous computer and data science coursework.
ALUMNA REFLECTION: FATIMA AL RASTAN'S JOURNEY
Alumna Fatima Al Rastan shares her rewarding experience as part of the 2018 ReACT cohort while pursuing her Master's in Electrical Engineering. She emphasizes the value of ReACT's close mentoring and supportive community, noting that the program extended beyond technical skills to encompass professional and communication development. Al Rastan secured an internship at CERN, leading to her current PhD studies in neural engineering at Rice University.
GRADUATE SPEAKER: MUHAMMAD HASSAN'S TRANSFORMATION
Representing the Class of 2020, Muhammad Hassan recounts his transformative experience. Initially unsure about redundant coursework, he found the program intensely fast-paced and energizing, leading to significant personal growth. Hassan improved his resume, developed a strong work ethic, secured multiple job interviews with top companies, and ultimately interned at UNICEF. He is now pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Lisbon.
CONFERRAL OF CERTIFICATES
Professor Admir Masic officially confers the Computer and Data Science certificates upon the graduating class. He calls out each graduate's name, acknowledging their achievement and the challenges overcome. The certificates, signed by Professor Masic and Professor Sarma, will be issued digitally and physically, marking a significant milestone in the graduates' educational and professional journeys.
CLOSING WELL WISHES AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Hala Fidel congratulates the graduates and commends their resilience, viewing their challenging backgrounds as assets. She reinforces Sarma's message about being CEOs of their lives and stresses the importance of soft skills like networking. Fidel encourages graduates to cherish their ReACT connections, reach out globally, and use their certificates as a 'magic stick' to open doors. She shares the inspiring story of artist 'Captain Ani' from a Lebanese refugee camp.
FINAL REMARKS AND LOOKING AHEAD
Gillian Walsh, Professor Masic, and Hala Fidel offer final congratulations and express pride in the graduates' accomplishments. They encourage continued engagement with the ReACT community via the website react.mit.edu. The celebration concludes with well wishes for the graduates' bright and impactful futures, celebrating their success in completing the MIT ReACT Computer and Data Science Certificate Program.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Products
●Software & Apps
●Organizations
●Concepts
●People Referenced
Common Questions
The MIT ReACT program offers computer and data science certificate programs designed to provide quality education and create opportunities, particularly for refugees and displaced individuals worldwide.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
The specific program for which the graduates are being celebrated.
A model of ongoing education promoted by MIT, focusing on flexibility and updating skills.
A type of educational offering that the ReACT program utilizes.
A key pillar of the ReACT program, offering practical experience and potential job opportunities.
Another core pillar of ReACT, empowering students to become leaders and start their own ventures.
Fatima Al Rastan's field of specialization for her PhD research.
A term used by Sanjay Sarma and Halla Fidel referring to the graduates and their role in new educational pathways.
Academic Coordinator for MIT ReACT, who opens the celebration and introduces speakers.
Vice President for Open Learning at MIT and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, who speaks about the future of education and personal responsibility.
Founder and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT, and founder of the ReACT program.
A 2019 ReACT alumnus and PhD student at Rice University, who shares her experience and journey.
A representative from the 2020 graduating class, sharing his personal growth and opportunities gained through ReACT.
MIT Corporation member and supporter of the ReACT program, who offers closing remarks and advice.
A philanthropic supporter of the ReACT program.
Philanthropic supporters of the ReACT program.
A professor at MIT who taught one of the initial courses in the ReACT program.
A philanthropic supporter of the ReACT program.
A professor at MIT who taught one of the initial courses in the ReACT program.
A refugee artist from Sabra camp, Lebanon, who became a famous artist exhibiting in Geneva.
A program offering computer and data science certificate programs, particularly for refugees and displaced individuals.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the institution hosting the ReACT program.
The university where Fatima Al Rastan is currently pursuing her PhD in electrical and computer engineering.
A foundation that supports the ReACT program.
The UN Refugee Agency, cited for statistics on forcibly displaced people.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, where alumnus Fatima Al Rastan completed an internship.
University where Fatima Al Rastan worked as a lecturer after her ReACT program.
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