The number one thing we hear from entrepreneurs and artists and creatives when we ask them about their education is about how irrelevant it was to their story. Sure, some folks had wonderful educational experiences, but for many their experiences left them feeling ill prepared for life and their careers. So, we wanted to create a space for folks to share their experiences and ideas for how we can improve our educational system.

Andrea Driskell

If I could make effective change to the current public educational system, I would implement a constructive and user-friendly system for determining each individual student’s educational needs and potential. As a professional, I appreciate norm-referenced scores and their benefits in determining an individual’s performance in a specific skill-set (i.e. their ability to make their sounds correctly in speech). I also maintain that the information provided through standardized testing is limited, narrow, and overly-specific. Read more>>

Denise Mullinex

The education system could be improved by focusing more on identifying and nurturing each student’s individual strengths and learning styles. Throughout my academic journey, I was fortunate to encounter several influential educators who played pivotal roles in shaping my interests and abilities. One particularly impactful social studies teacher fostered a deep appreciation for history and its lessons, encouraging critical thinking and analysis of past events. Read more>>

Brittany Marshall

I believe very strongly that mental health awareness should be a more foundational aspect of school. Learning topics regarding our own mental health as well as the people around us are important skills when navigating the world regardless of how old you are. I think this could result in better relationships, less crime and so many other positives. When I think about my own experiences in school, (especially middle school) I would have benefited more from a mental health related course versus some of the other things we were working on. Read more>>

Adrinda Kelly

We must confront an urgent reality: in New Orleans, fewer than a third of our Black children are reading at grade level – a fundamental indicator of literacy skills. We know that literacy is foundational to a thriving life. Yet within this challenge lies an underutilized solution: the Black educators in our community. This issue has deep historical roots. African-Americans were the only people in our nation legally forbidden to learn to read. In response, Black institutions and educators became vital forces for change. Black schools, at their best, have served as centers of refuge, alternative education, and political advocacy – creating networks that address the needs of a civically marginalized community. Read more>>

Miriam Baranov

To prepare students for a fulfilling life and career, we need to broaden the educational narrative to emphasize that success is not a one-size-fits-all path. The arts, in particular, demonstrate this beautifully. From my own journey, I’ve learned that becoming a successful artist doesn’t necessarily require a traditional college education—it requires skill, connections, and courage. In high school, I remember feeling the immense pressure to follow the “natural next step”—go to college, get a degree, and join a structured program. This is often presented as the only legitimate path, but it’s far from the truth. Many students who aspire to become artists face significant barriers, such as the high cost of education, or end up enrolled in programs that don’t fully prepare them for the realities of the art world. Traditional art degrees often emphasize electives and theory over the craftsmanship and industry knowledge that actually lead to a thriving art career. Read more>>

Tiffany Renée

I love this question. I want young black students to be made aware of the different creative avenues they can take in their college years. We mention the impressive but mundane careers constantly. Teaching, banking, or getting your doctorate aren’t the only avenues available for a successful life. What about becoming the top director at a creative agency? That wasn’t spoken enough in my high school years. I found out years after deciding on a major that there are schools that will help you get onto the sets of the latest Nike campaign or your favorite artists’ next video shoot. One of my goals is to make this knowledge easily accessible through creative workshops for high school students. Read more>>

Molly Blaisdell

I found school to be a brutal place for me as a creative individual. I don’t think my rural Texas public school could deal with the “History of Witchcraft” tucked inside my algebra book. Thinking back, I was saved by drama. It gave me a place. I would like to see a whole new model for education to appear that give more creatives places. I am doing my part through my program Teens Publish. It brings in 10 to 20 kids every summer It offers them a space where their work is valued. They learn how to collaborate and be professional. There are no grades. The goal is to produce excellent work. I believe that you have to be the change you want to see in the world.  Read more>>

Sagarika Debnath

As a self-trained artist, my journey has been a winding path filled with experimentation and accidental discoveries. It has involved a lot of back and forth and much trial and error—some misses and some successes. Coming from a middle-class Indian family, I was conditioned to believe that the only viable career paths for me were in medicine or engineering. Throughout high school, I adhered to this expectation and excelled academically, maintaining straight A’s all the way. I truly enjoyed the sciences—well, until I got my hands on my friend’s digital camera for the very first time. Something about looking at the world through a different lens (quite literally) helped me see beyond the dichotomy of black and white. It made me search for the grey, and looking into the grey is not easy. Read more>>

Daniel Rust

I think modern education is obsessed with the idea of following your passions. And there is a general disdain for career paths in muscle work, trades, or working with your hands. I originally chose a life in theatre. Which while fulfilling in many ways, was not especially profitable. Life was hard being poor. I had always been involved in construction trades as side jobs, and had always been able to do quite well for myself there. It was only by chance when I was really in need of cash that I took a full time position with a duct cleaning company. Read more>>

Cecilia Rapp

With lecture-based learning being the most common approach in today’s classrooms, our education system is lacking opportunities for students to engage in practical hands-on learning experiences. With my business, STEAM Central, we’re bridging this gap through our creative, hands-on learning workshops in which learners collaborate and develop applicable skills they can use throughout their lives. Often times in traditional education, subjects are taught very separately. In STEAM Central workshops, we highlight the connections between different subjects especially those in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math). Our education system often focuses on exams to test student’s learning leading to stress and anxiety among students. Alternatively, creative, hands-on learning workshops allow for a more collaborative learning environment where learners can develop skills, and have a more positive association with learning. The education system often teaches students material without highlighting practical applications of this material. STEAM Central workshops demonstrate practical applications of material through activities learners take on, and provide additional practical applications they may encounter. Our approach prepares students for a more fulfilling life and career as they have a more positive association with learning, adopt learning as a lifelong practice, and are equipped with skills they can use throughout their lives. Read more>>

Francis Robateau Jr.

Change in the educational system starts when we see ourselves as collaborators in the pursuit of knowledge with students rather than from the view of a higher authoritative figure with education. I believe that our differences strengthen us, and that diversity leads to greater wisdom and compassion. I am dedicated to helping students learn using accessible methodologies to develop their art skills while understanding the value of critical development philosophies. I recognize that racism and discrimination still exist within academia and higher learning institutions, and I am committed to supporting marginalized students and create a space that is safe while pursuing their higher education. Read more>>

Felix Dang

I think the only thing I would change is to let students know that even though education is important, there are many ways a person can become financially stable. Learning a skill or a trade at times can sometimes better the person of their learning skills. One might not be able to sit in a classroom for hours. But if skills are more hands on more student would be better to pick up on skills. Read more>>

Matthew Wilcox

Challenging youth to question their identity, purpose, and conduct could be a powerful component of personal development through education, offering numerous benefits to both the individual and the public education system. Encouraging young people to explore who they truly are helps them develop self-awareness, leading to higher emotional intelligence. This self-awareness can lead to greater confidence and an understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions, while facilitating personal growth, by simply encouraging the questions: Who are we? Why are we here? How are we to conduct ourselves? Read more>>