Open enrollment is a time when our core values—both their promise and their challenge—come together in truly remarkable ways.
What does it mean to Democratize Education? It means inclusion, equality, approachability, affordability. It means barrier-less access to world-class education. When we open our virtual doors to new students, these are the issues we’re thinking about, the challenges we’re wrestling with, the goals we’re pursuing.
And this is why Students First is our mantra. It’s a critical ritual of self-query, an ongoing look in the mirror to try to make sure we’ve thought everything through, and done our best to keep the best interests of our students front-and-center.
Which is why our message is Be In Demand. Because that’s what we want for our students. We want each and every one of you to emerge from your Udacity coursework as the most in-demand you that you can be.
As someone whose primary role it is to write for and about Udacity, I can tell you from direct experience that this is an amazing organization, and unlike any other I’ve ever been a part of. So many different teams, departments and groups, all united around the same core goals, but each doing such dramatically different things. Yet this is not the most singular thing; many companies have diverse teams that are mission-united. What is unique is that every group—regardless of role, realm, or reach—has a direct line of communication with those we serve; every group connects directly with our students.
We learn from you, and we learn about you. We support you through your challenges, and are inspired by your accomplishments. We push you, and you push us. And when all’s said and done, we celebrate together, because your successes are our successes.
For all these reasons and more, open enrollment is an amazing time for us, because everything we do comes into such sharp focus during these dramatic days. Each new enrollment means for us a new connection, a new journey, a new story, a new life.
What incredible days these are.
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Changing careers? Returning to the workforce? Skilling up to land a promotion? Whatever your career objectives, Udacity provides an education that ensures you meet your goals. We partner with industry leaders like Google, AT&T, and Facebook to create cutting-edge courses on everything from mastering web design to tech entrepreneurship. Empowering yourself through learning is an investment in your future, and it’s one we share. Graduate from one of our industry-built and recognized Nanodegree programs within twelve months, and we’ll pay half your tuition.
