H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, awarding the 2019 WISE Prize for Education to Larry Rosenstock, CEO of High Tech High. Pic: Aisha Al Musallam
Larry Rosenstock, the founder of a network of unique public charter schools in the US, walked away with the 2019 WISE Prize for Education, in Doha yesterday and he was recognised for his innovative learning model, combining technical and academic education.
HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, presented the prestigious WISE Prize for Education to Rosenstock, CEO and Founding Principal of High Tech High, during the opening plenary session of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 2019) held at Qatar National Convention Centre.
High Tech High is a network of American public charter schools in San Diego, California. Rosenstock was recognised by WISE for his contribution to quality education through an innovative learning model that allows students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to succeed.
On receiving the WISE Prize, Rosenstock expressed his excitement by saying “Wow” before an audience of more than 3,000 participants from 110 countries.
Then after a long pause, he said, “I want to thank HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Qatar Foundation not just for recognising my work but for creating this prize, which elevates the work of educating young people globally.”
“I am tremendously honoured to receive this prize from such a distinguished jury. For me to be in the company of past winners of this prize, who have now made an impact on education around the world, is very moving. I hope the prize will allow us to share the work of High Tech High students and teachers even more widely. The prize confirms two of my strongest beliefs: that the work of hands and minds can and must be integrated into our schools. And that all young people are capable of doing work that matters when we give them the opportunity.”
The WISE Prize for Education is the first distinction of its kind to acknowledge an individual for an outstanding contribution to education.
“Larry’s work encapsulates the essence of the WISE Prize for Education: a decade-long commitment to education as a force for positive individual and social transformation, manifested through impactful work and tangible achievements as a visionary educator, policymaker, thinker, and social entrepreneur,” said Stavros N Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, while announcing the WISE Prize winner.
Rosenstock has pioneered the concept of project-based education, and his model re-imagines the role of teachers as ‘designers’ who adapt their curricula and blend different subjects depending of each student’s specific needs.
The High Tech High model is shaping the present and future of education by serving as a proof point for the concepts of project-based learning, teaching 21st-century skills, and demonstrating that systemic change through the classroom is possible.
The schools have helped prepare thousands of students of varying backgrounds for higher education, citizenship, and work. Ninety-eight per cent of High Tech High students have been accepted to university, compared to a nationwide average of 69%.
Educators, policymakers, and leaders from all 50 US states and 30 countries have participated in High Tech High programmes.
