Education just got a major assist from none other than NBA legend Dr. Shaquille O’Neal!
Imagine getting guidance from a personal success coach, learning from professors who taught at top universities, and having all your tech needs covered – all while keeping your tuition costs low. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, that’s exactly what Campus is making a reality for students across the country, and now they’ve got a legendary teammate on their side: NBA icon Dr. Shaquille O’Neal.
According to its website, Campus isn’t your typical online education platform. Inspired by programs like CUNY ASAP that tackle the unique challenges students face, Campus goes beyond lectures. The company understands that success in higher education requires a holistic approach. They also provide students with a dedicated success coach and live classes for personalized attention and even cover essential tech needs like laptops and Wi-Fi.
“We’re inspired by the efforts of those seeking to increase completion rates for community college students,” says Campus founder Tade Oyerinde. “We envision a space where students’ multitude of needs are met so that they may find their own success within any higher education program they take on.”
And Dr. O’Neal couldn’t agree more. “When we met and he shared his life story with me,” says Oyerinde, “it was almost immediately obvious that his values aligned with our mission of maximizing access to world-class education.” Shaq’s belief in the power of education to transform lives makes him a perfect partner for Campus’ mission.
What truly sets Campus apart is its affordability. With tuition capped at the Pell Grant maximum, most students attend with no out-of-pocket costs. Plus, with unlimited access to math and writing tutoring, Campus equips students with the tools they need to excel.
“Many have tried to make big impact in this space and we are inspired by their efforts,” says Oyerinde. “We believe that if we can do the above, consistently and at scale, we will be able to massively increase class mobility in our country.”
Campus is more than just an online school; it’s a supportive community paving the way for a brighter future, one student at a time. With a champion like Shaquille O’Neal on their team, there’s no doubt they’ll be scoring big wins for educational equity for years to come.
Watch Oyerinde and Shaq sat down for a chat about their backgrounds, the current state of higher education, and their shared vision for the future.
Cover photo: Shaq Becomes Newest Investor in Online Community College, Campus / Credit: Getty Images