Since its launch in 2009, University of the People has taken great strides as the world’s first tuition-free, online academic institution. Founder & President Shai Reshef has also been widely recognized.
January 2009: University of the People Launches
Reshef announces pioneering initiative at the DLD Conference in Munich, Germany, in January 2009 in front of 300 innovators in education, Internet and design.
April 2009: Enrollment Opens
Recognizing the potential for technology to change the face of education, University of the People opens enrollment in April 2009 to students from around the world.
May 2009: United Nations Welcomes Shai Reshef and University of the People
The United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) named Reshef to its High-level Panel of Advisers at a briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on May 19, 2009.
May 2009: Fast Company Names Shai Reshef to Its List of the 100 Most Creative People in Business
Honoring dazzling new thinkers, rising stars and boldface names, Fast Company magazine chose Reshef as one of its 100 Most Creative People in Business for his vision of globalized, accessible higher education.
September 2009: Classes Commence
While speaking at the UNDESA-GAID Global Forum in Monterrey, Mexico in September 2009, Reshef announces that 178 students from 49 countries across the globe would comprise the inaugural class at University of the People, beginning their studies in the fields of Computer Science and Business Administration.
September 2009: Yale Law School Information Society Project Partners with University of the People
The Information Society Project at Yale Law School (Yale ISP) expanded its program in digital education by entering into a research partnership with University of the People in September 2009. Within the partnership, the Yale ISP engages in research, advocacy, and network building to advance the marketplace of ideas supporting UoPeople’s effort to create accessible, high-quality digital education.
December 2009: Reshef Inducted into International Ashoka Fellowship
In recognition of his revolutionary venture, Reshef was elected an Ashoka Fellow in December 2009. The program lends Reshef professional support, including access to a global network of two thousand peers throughout the world.
April 2010: Google Keynote
Reshef was the Keynote Speaker at Google's first education summit Think Education: Connecting with the eduSearcher in April 2010. Discussing what the future holds for higher education, Shai spoke to education marketers about the best way to engage students.
April 2010: Harvard Berkman Luncheon Series
As part of Berkman Luncheon Series at Harvard University, Reshef led a session titled “Educating the Many, Not the Few: A Digital Model for Change” in April 2010.
August 2010: University of the People Rings NASDAQ Closing Bell
In August 2010, the non-profit organization was invited by the for-profit world to ring the closing bell. The ceremony was broadcast to thousands over the 7-story NASDAQ video tower in Times Square, online and on television.
August 2010: Clinton Global Initiative Grants Membership
Reshef, on behalf of University of the People, became a member of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in August 2010. Reshef presented UoPeople’s commitment to “Developing Haiti Through Higher Education” and spoke on the panel “Democratizing Education: The Key to Global Economic Growth” during the annual meeting. Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, CGI convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
September 2010: HuffPost Game Changer
Recognized for “taking the world to school,” Shai Reshef was selected as the HuffPost 2010 Ultimate Game Changer in Education. Awarded by The Huffington Post, the accolade celebrates innovators, visionaries, mavericks, and leaders who are transforming their fields through innovation. Individuals are honored in 12 different categories including politics, entertainment, style, tech, business, travel, green, sports, food, education, media, and impact.
September 2010: Washington Ideas Forum
Reshef attended the Washington Ideas Forum 2010, an annual event hosted by The Atlantic, the Aspen Institute and Newseum. He joined a group of economists, congressmen, think tank strategists, university presidents and private-sector executives to discuss the fate of the American Middle Class and the 21st century workforce.
November 2010: Haiti Project Commences
In November, Shai Reshef, travelled to Haiti to officially launch UoPeople's CGI Commitment to provide 250 Haitians with the opportunity to access higher education. Classes commenced on November 18 for UoPeople's first 16 students at a dedicated Student Computer Center in Port-au-Prince. Operated by Haitian Connection Network, the Student Computer Center, equipped with computers, satellite internet connection, generator and security, offers students a place to study.
February 2011: Total Number of Countries Students Accepted From Reach 110 Countries
University of the People’s global reach had extended to 110 countries at the beginning of Term 3 of its second year. Among the numerous countries represented included the additions of students from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Ecuador, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Zambia.
June 2011: NYU Collaborates with UoPeople to Accept Students to NYU Abu Dhabi
University of the People established collaboration with New York University (NYU) to identify UoPeople students who are eligible for admission to one of the most selective institutions in the world - NYU Abu Dhabi. High performing students who have studied for at least one year at UoPeople and meet the standards of admission will be eligible to apply for admission to NYU Abu Dhabi. Successful applicants who qualified would also be eligible for financial aid to help enable them to attend.
June 2011: HP Opens Research Internships to UoPeople Students
HP announced the launching of a research internship program with University of the People to help prepare UoPeople students for the world economy. The collaboration was formed as part of the HP Catalyst Initiative, and will allow select students to apply for online research internships, working within the HP Catalyst consortia on various projects across a number of areas, including education, technology and health.
November 2011: UoPeople Partners for a Technology Center in Ramallah, West Bank.
University of the People and Asal Technologies have partnered for a technology center in Ramallah, West Bank. Working together, the technology center will be building upon and enhancing the technology infrastructure of University of the People – offering a unique opportunity to guide the continuance of steady technological development.
