The Power of Education to Uplift, Empower, & Prepare Students for the Future (2023)

With YeSeul Kim, Head of K-12 at H-FARM International Schools

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The Power of Education to Uplift, Empower, & Prepare Students for the Future (1)

We’ve all heard that knowledge is power. Knowledge gives people the freedom to innovate and think freely, while contributing to the progress of our shared world.

YeSeul Kim has recognized the power of education her whole life, which is why she has kept coming back to it throughout her eclectic career path. YeSeul is currently the Head of K-12 Education at H-FARM International Schools. On the Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast, YeSeul shared her personal experiences in education and why she champions innovation as being key to the future of schooling.

In this post we’ll discuss the power of education. We’ll talk about its importance to empowering lives, how it’s changing the world, and what the future of education can or could look like.

What is the Power of Education?

Access to a quality education is one of the Sustainable Development Goals put forth by the United Nations as a key factor in escaping poverty and ensuring socioeconomic mobility.

The pandemic only increased the barriers to receiving basic education, especially for marginalized people without access to technology. Online platforms are used by 83% of countries to continue the learning process, but this only reaches approximately a quarter of schoolchildren globally.

YeSeul’s experience in recognizing the power of education came at a young age, as she described in the podcast episode.

“I’m a first-generation Korean American, who witnessed firsthand the opportunities that education can provide for a single person. My parents both had to drop out of college, even though they did really well in high school. And in the 80s, that was fine. But as they got older, and as they became immigrants in a new country, just the fact that they didn’t have a college degree meant that they lost a lot of job opportunities. They were white-collar workers who became blue-collar workers.”

Coming from this background, YeSeul’s career and passion kept circling back to inspiring others and harnessing education’s benefits for students from any background.

What is the Importance of Education?

The goal of true education is to provide knowledge that allows learners to dissect systems, develop opinions, and even strengthen character. Education’s purpose isn’t only to give children the necessary knowledge to pass tests, it helps develop critical thinking skills that help them interpret the latest news, make career moves, and become a lifelong student. An education helps lay the groundwork needed to feel confident in our abilities and helps us find our passions in life. It also teaches us to stay committed and gives us the ability to problem-solve.

Gaining knowledge doesn’t only happen in classrooms; it extends far beyond our graduation days. In the workplace, in social circles, and while pursuing personal interests, we all have the opportunity to glean new knowledge that gives our life purpose.

What are the Benefits of Education?

Now, we’ll look at some of the global benefits of education and focus on the ways that educating a child can not only prepare them for university but also for a happy and fulfilling life.

Reducing Inequality

Systems of oppression exist in many learning institutions for many students. Black students are more likely to be heavily disciplined and therefore spend less time in the classroom. They’re also less likely to have access to college readiness courses, and when they are out in those courses, they experience a severe lack of representation.

Young girls are less likely to receive adequate education, with only 39% of rural-living girls attending school globally. Women make up more than two thirds of the 796 million illiterate people in the world, despite each additional year of primary school increasing their eventual wages by 10–20%.

Education, regardless of class, race, or gender, is essential to improving lives. Education is also our most powerful weapon against inequality in society. This is why investing in education around the globe is imperative.

Improving the Economy

Knowledge pays! Skilled and educated workers make more money, which drives the economy. A recent study showed that increased math skills correlate to a salary increase of $21,000 per year. Not only does this increase generational wealth but it also benefits a country’s global domestic product (GDP) and spikes the entire economy, which is crucial as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plus, having higher education gives people the ability to secure stable careers, which means they’re better able to provide their future children with those same learning opportunities.

Boosting Health

Education also has the power to increase our health. Studies have proven that educated people and their children are less likely to be obese and more likely to live healthy, active lifestyles. One particular study posited that health is actively deteriorating among less educated populations, which poses a great risk to society.

Access to higher salaries also enables people to purchase healthy foods, spend time cooking meals, and exercising.

The Future of Education

Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly an ideal time for children and teachers alike to ponder the future of education. But as we reconvene for in-person classes, graduations, and events, it’s important to have a technological component embedded within modern education. There was explosive growth during the pandemic for these tools out of necessity, but H-FARM, where YeSeul works, is going one step further by implementing a virtual reality classroom, giving students the ability to safely convene for learning.

The Power of Education to Uplift, Empower, & Prepare Students for the Future (2)

YeSeul outlined her excitement: “I’m just really looking forward to the launch of our virtual reality school that I think can be a game-changer in education to increase the accessibility of high-quality education, teaching, and more, so we can build a community by using the strength of the Internet and social networks.”

Making education more accessible is in everyone’s best interest. An educated mind is an invaluable tool to help achieve global goals, ensure human rights, and truly change lives.

H-FARM: An Innovation Campus for All Ages

The Power of Education to Uplift, Empower, & Prepare Students for the Future (3)

A completely unique institution, H-FARM is an Italian-based immersive living laboratory, campus, and platform, where innovation, entrepreneurship, and education coexist.

Established in 2005 and located in Treviso, H-FARM is the largest hub of innovation in Europe. Using a human-centered design approach, H-FARM prepares businesses and children who emerge from the campus to be resilient and future-ready.

With the goal of preparing children for a future of uncertainty, H-FARM has a unique, immersive educational experience for each student via its international community. From pitching real business ideas to operating classrooms in virtual reality, H-FARM is more than a place of learning—it attempts to bring true real-world experience into the classroom that prepares students for life beyond the campus.

YeSeul Kim, Head of K-12 Education at H-FARM International Schools

The Power of Education to Uplift, Empower, & Prepare Students for the Future (4)

A first generation Korean American, YeSeul was keenly aware of the power of education even prior to her days at MIT, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban planning. In the years since, YeSeul has had many social impact jobs.

She honed her storytelling and entrepreneurial skills in corporate America at nonprofits, such as Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, and during a sabbatical, during which she created The Serendipity Stories, a podcast chronicling how life’s most unexpected moments can spark innovation.

“I really believe that the quality of education that you receive shouldn’t depend on which side of the railroad tracks you’re born on.”

Closing: Investing in Knowledge

The benefits of harnessing the power of education extend beyond the individual to positively impact communities, countries, and the global systems we all rely on. After all, education is a fundamental human right.

By investing in education systems that may not look like a traditional classroom while increasing opportunities for young people to excel in school, we have a better chance at addressing pertinent issues, such as climate change and global inequality.

Additional Resources & Links Mentioned from the Episode:

The Power of Education to Uplift, Empower, & Prepare Students for the Future (5)

Jacqueline Goodwin

Sustainable Workplaces Manager & Writer

Jackie is the Sustainable Workplaces Manager at Urban Green Lab, a sustainability education nonprofit in Nashville, Tennessee. She’s passionate about connecting people withactionableways to make a positive impact on the environment. She graduated from Dickinson College with a degree in Environmental Studies and a certificate in Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Jackie worked in the nonprofit world in Washington D.C. for Ashoka and the National Building Museum.

Jackie enjoys hiking with her rescue dog, finding craft breweries, and traveling the globe in search of plant-based eats.

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FAQs

How does the power of education help students? ›

Education helps you develop critical skills like decision-making, mental agility, problem-solving, and logical thinking. People face problems in their professional as well as personal lives. In such situations, their ability to make rational and informed decisions comes from how educated and self-aware they are.

How does education help prepare you for the future? ›

Those who get an education have higher incomes, have more opportunities in their lives, and tend to be healthier. Societies benefit as well. Societies with high rates of education completion have lower crime, better overall health, and civic involvement. Lack of access to education is considered the root of poverty.

How do you empower learners to plan for their future? ›

Here is a quick list of ways you can empower your students in the classroom.
  1. Help students find their passion.
  2. Recognize students who participate and share their thoughts.
  3. Personalize lessons and make them relevant.
  4. Encourage debate and expression of ideas and opinions.
  5. Brainstorm with students.
  6. Have patience.
Oct 21, 2014

Why is the power of education important? ›

It helps people become better citizens, get a better-paid job, shows the difference between good and bad. Education shows us the importance of hard work and, at the same time, helps us grow and develop.

Why is education important and what is the purpose of education? ›

Education is a process of expediting learning, acquiring knowledge, values, and virtue. It contributes to the development of better people around the globe. It is more of an enduring method in which people gain information, skills, and ethics.

What power does education give to an individual? ›

Education gives everyone a chance to acquire new knowledge and learn soft skills that will help them improve their life. Education also helps children to appreciate themselves, their ambitions and knowledge from an early age, and to understand that they have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Why education is the important key to success your future? ›

Education is the key factor for success. Education gives us knowledge of skills and ethics that has been there in the world which we learn as it helps us to progress further. Nowadays, education is thought of as a way of life where one can not only learn but also share their knowledge with others.

How can we prepare students for the future? ›

How to Prepare Students for the Future
  1. Combine Academic, Emotional, and Social Competencies.
  2. Teach the Art of Learning as an Ongoing Process.
  3. Provide Alternatives to Conventional Grading Systems.
  4. Normalize Hybrid or Virtual Classrooms.
  5. Promote Soft Skills For Future Employment.
Oct 26, 2022

Why education is important and how does it affect one's future? ›

Studies have shown that those who are more educated are more likely to live longer, live healthier lives, and are even more likely to help strangers. Investing in various types of education from the time children are young ensures that they have a strong foundation and that the whole person is being educated.

What is the type of education that will empower the students for the future? ›

Digital education has helped achieve this. Education has given students from across borders opportunities to connect and communicate and work towards building a better future and a better world.

What does it mean to empower students in learning? ›

Student empowerment means giving students the ability to not only have a voice and share their thoughts and ideas, but to believe that their voice can lead to positive change. Empowerment is closely linked to self-efficacy and agency.

What are some ways in which education can empower students? ›

How Can You Empower Students In A Connected World?
  • Practice positive reinforcement. ...
  • Allow for creative expression. ...
  • Give students more discussion time to explore and develop their ideas. ...
  • Offer more engaging prompts. ...
  • Blogging.
Oct 8, 2019

What are 3 reasons why education is important? ›

Top 10 Reasons: Why Is Education Important?
  • Provides Stability. Education provides stability in life, and it's something that no one can ever take away from you. ...
  • Provides Financial Security. ...
  • Needed For Equality. ...
  • Allows For Self-Dependency. ...
  • 5. Make Your Dreams Come True. ...
  • A Safer World. ...
  • Confidence. ...
  • A Part Of Society.

Why is education the most powerful thing? ›

Education provides you the tools to improve the quality of life in modern society both economically and sociologically. Education is power and no one can ever deny this fact. It enables us to make the right choices in life and to perform our duties properly. It ennobles our mind and refines our sensibility.

What is meant by power in education? ›

The term power standards refers to a subset of learning standards that educators have determined to be the highest priority or most important for students to learn. In most cases, power standards are developed or selected at the school level by administrators and teachers.

What is education's biggest contribution to society's growth and development? ›

Education Helps to Build Human Capital, Which Is Essential for Economic Development. Well-educated individuals are more likely to be employed in high-skilled, high-paying jobs and start businesses. They are also more likely to be engaged in their community and have a stronger sense of civic duty.

What is the importance of education in simple words? ›

Education certainly determines the quality of an individual's life. Education improves one's knowledge, skills and develops the personality and attitude. Most noteworthy, Education affects the chances of employment for people. A highly educated individual is probably very likely to get a good job.

Why is education important for all students? ›

Education helps a person hone their communication skills by learning how to read, write, speak and listen. Education develops critical thinking. This is vital in teaching a person how to use logic when making decisions and interacting with people (e.g., boosting creativity, enhancing time management).

What is the role of education in youth empowerment? ›

Education and knowledge to help self and others. Providing the knowledge and skills they need to avoid risk or problem behaviours. Developing positive coping skills and problem solving skills. Providing a safe environment to learn and practise life skills.

How does education empower a better world? ›

Education helps individuals become well informed and make good decisions. It increases their chances of succeeding in life and it is important for building communities. These skills help people grow as productive members of society, delivering reduced crime rates, greater positive impact and greater harmony.

What is the link between education and empowerment? ›

strengthen the national economy. Education is considered as a milestone for women empowerment because it enables them to respond to the challenges, to confront their traditional role and change their lives.

How does education bring success? ›

Education teaches us to be flexible and stable as well as positive in every situation. Through education we develop and learn a perspective of looking differently in our life, at the same time, it helps us to grow beautifully and develop with essential qualities. Thus we can shape a better society to live in.

What is the most important thing for a successful education? ›

1. Leadership. The first attribute is quality leadership. Students perform better when the principal and school board members provide strong leadership.

Why is education key to a brighter future? ›

Education is a powerful weapon as it can transform our lives by enabling us to live our dreams. Educating future generations and giving them the opportunity to express themselves is the only way we can eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and ultimately achieve sustainable development.

Does the educational system prepare the student for real life? ›

Schools focus on academic knowledge and teach students to memorize information, and gives them extremely low chances to learn critical life skills. Schools focus on preparing them for universities, but not for jobs and real life.

Does education prepare students for real life? ›

The best schools and teachers do prepare students for life through the knowledge students gain, the skills they master, and the relationships they build.

Can education bring you a bright future? ›

Education is the key to a brighter future. It is a tool that makes us understand the world around us. It is vital and a basic human right that everyone should have.

Does education determine your future? ›

In conclusion you can see that school doesn't necessarily determine future success. School offers opportunities for some but not all benefit from what's taught and learned there. School is not a guarantee for career success. Uniformity, outdated skills, and grade-based assessments don't help in career growth.

What are the 3 major components of education for the future? ›

Effective teaching involves aligning the three major components of instruction: learning objectives, assessments, and instructional activities. Taking the time to do this upfront saves time in the end and leads to a better course.

How will you motivate your future students in learning? ›

Positive Outcomes

Give verbal praise for successful progress or accomplishment. Give personal attention to students. Provide informative, helpful feedback when it is immediately useful. Provide motivating feedback (praise) immediately following task performance.

How do you empower students to create change? ›

How to Empower Students to Create Change
  1. Examples of Social Change Abound. ...
  2. Offer Them a Choice and a Voice. ...
  3. Use Technology Effectively. ...
  4. Connect Real Life to the Classroom. ...
  5. Hold Them Accountable. ...
  6. In Short.

How do you encourage and empower children? ›

How to Help Empower Your Kids
  1. Let kids know their voice matters. ...
  2. Teach kids about personal boundaries. ...
  3. Do not hide your feelings. ...
  4. Tell kids it's OK to make safety judgments. ...
  5. Help children to understand their challenges. ...
  6. Encourage daily routines. ...
  7. Teach kids to dream big.
Jun 26, 2021

How can education bring a positive change in society? ›

Education shapes the skills, attitudes, and beliefs of the individual and plays a role in shaping the norms and values of a particular society. These values eventually define the community structures people build, the goals they strive for, and how they help advance global development.

Why is empowerment important? ›

Why is empowerment so important? Empowerment enables leaders and team members to live to their fullest potential and to own their own work. Leaders who build a culture of empowerment set their people up for success in three major ways by enabling employees to: Experience continual growth.

What are the 4 basic purpose of education? ›

These four above include implicit assumptions about the aims of school being: 1) academic achievement, social mobility; 2) character/mindset development, math learning; 3) social cohesion, and; 4) social equality.

What is the best benefit of education? ›

Learn basic skills

School provides an environment where we can learn a lot of basic skills. Children as young as three years old are taught how to read and write at their preschools. They start to learn the alphabet, numbers, and even do some simple arithmetic problems.

What do you think about the power of an education? ›

Education is power because it gives people knowledge. But education can go beyond the base of knowledge by engaging the learner. Engagement breeds all kinds of other powerful traits. The world's brightest inventors, a country's powerful leader were each born from their having an education.

How do teachers have power over students? ›

The teacher has in their power the right to use disincentives, say No, withhold privileges, and give consequences or punishments to students. When they do this we could say that they are exercising their coercive power.

How does education affect power? ›

In particular, systems of higher education provide resources that give power and legitimacy to a limited group of U.S. citizens: the middle and upper classes. This power translates into political influence, financial control, and cultural supremacy that further divide social classes.

How would education help children? ›

Through education, children can garner emotional and mental strength which helps in various aspects of their lives. Exams, sports, games, and more, help develop a strong mental foundation and enable a child to take on obstacles and challenges with determination.

How does education impact your life? ›

Education can also lead to more accurate health beliefs and knowledge, and thus to better lifestyle choices, but also to better skills and greater self-advocacy. Education improves skills such as literacy, develops effective habits, and may improve cognitive ability.

What are the five main reasons why education is important? ›

Top 10 Reasons: Why Is Education Important?
  • Provides Stability. Education provides stability in life, and it's something that no one can ever take away from you. ...
  • Provides Financial Security. ...
  • Needed For Equality. ...
  • Allows For Self-Dependency. ...
  • 5. Make Your Dreams Come True. ...
  • A Safer World. ...
  • Confidence. ...
  • A Part Of Society.

What are the 4 purposes of education? ›

Purposes of school

These were: (1) to learn and develop self-knowledge; (2) to develop life skills and social skills; (3) to optimize life chances and quality of life; (4) to enable future employment and economic wellbeing.

Why education is important for development? ›

Education arms individuals with the knowledge of their rights and duties. It is informed citizenry which forms the base for the development of any society. If the people are educated, they can easily contribute to the national economy because they can better know the economic principles and rules.

How does education create power? ›

Education is the most empowering force in the world. It creates knowledge, builds confidence, and breaks down barriers to opportunity. For children, it is their key to open the door to a better life. However, it is a sad reality of our world today that millions of children will never receive this key.

What are the sources of power in education? ›

They are expert, referent, legitimate, reward, and coercive power. Understanding how these forms of social power influence the classroom environment is important for teachers as they seek to support and help their students. Expert power is the knowledge and experience a teacher brings with them into the classroom.

What are benefits of education? ›

Education helps you make a positive contribution towards the betterment of the society. Education plays a key role in the overall development of the society. It helps in the establishment of industries and businesses, thereby increasing employment opportunities, which in turn leads to economic prosperity of a country.

How does education improve quality of life? ›

It Gives Empowerment. Education helps turn weakness into strength. Education gives us the confidence to stand up for ourselves. It improves our decision-making capabilities, makes us mobile, and gives us access to social networks.

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