12 Higher Education Teams join Inaugural Cohort of the 2024 Transformation Accelerator in the Philippines

Photos by Adia Pauline Lim/RTI International

The University Design Institute (UDI) welcomed 12 teams from higher education institutions across the Philippines for the inaugural Transformation Accelerator, part of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) program. 

UPSKILL, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/ Philippines and implemented by RTI International, is a multi-year program that brings together U.S. universities, Philippine government agencies and private sector partners to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions through faculty and staff training, program improvements and increasing community outreach and technology transfer.

“There is an often-cited narrative around the impact the first-generation college student has on his or her family. Just one generation can transform the entire financial outlook for multiple generations to come. If higher education can transform families, imagine what it can do for a whole country?” said Michelle Chen, Director of the Education Office of USAID/Philippines during the Nov. 8 launch event. “This is why USAID continues to invest in strengthening the higher education sector in the Philippines. We firmly believe in the transformative power of your institutions.”

Members from the 12 teams will undergo comprehensive online mentoring and design workshops where they will have access to UDI’s IMPACT Framework as they work on a critical higher education problem, proactively collaborate, and propose interventions with guidance from each other and from UDI. The teams will also be mentored by four Philippine experts to support their accelerator journey including: 

• Ms. Michelle Alarcon, President and Co-Founder of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines
• Ms. Cecile Ang, Chairperson, San Miguel Foundation

• Dr. Ester Ogena, Standing Committee Member - Second Congressional Commission on Education

   

• Dr. Ruperto Sangalang, Former Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education

   

“The Transformation Accelerator offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the higher education system in the Philippines,” said Minu Ipe, Vice Chair and Managing Director of the University Design Institute. “These 12 teams will be able to create deep impact within their institutions and for their communities, while building a collaborative learning network with each other. We look forward to supporting them on this important journey.”

The Accelerator was formally launched November 8, 2024 at Mapua University - Makati, with leaders from the 12 universities and Filipino government officials. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III congratulated the 12 successful teams as part of the ceremony. 

“Being selected as part of the first cohort is not a small feat. Each of you exhibited commendable proposals sensitive to the challenges that you feel are important to be resolved and showcased powerful teams to advance your initiatives," said Philippine Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III during the event. “Through the Accelerator, you will benefit from the guidance received, from global and local experts, and in particular the #1 university for innovation over the past 10 years, Arizona State University.”

The inaugural cohort will undergo the three (3) phases of the Transformation Accelerator Program:

• Phase I: Five sessions designed by UDI focused on shaping their transformation projects that are connected to a local or regional need. 
• Phase II: Design workshops and coaching sessions focused on refining their proposed solutions toward a more concrete implementation plan. 
• Phase III: UPSKILL intends to release a Request for Application toward this phase, where the teams may apply for funding to support project implementation.
  
  Meet the successful Philippine universities and colleges receiving this UDI-led capacity-strengthening program.