From Birmingham To the World: Empowering Communities Through Digital Education

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Lisa Herring of Ed Farm and The PROPEL Center; Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor of the City of Birmingham, AL; and Waymond Jackson, President of Ed Farm.

The session explored how bold public-private partnerships can transform career readiness for K–12 students, HBCUs, and adult learners. Using Birmingham, Alabama as a case study, the speakers addressed the disconnect between traditional education models and the digital workforce. They shared how Ed Farm collaborates with school districts, municipal leaders, and industry partners to bridge that gap—preparing learners across the Southeast and beyond for a tech-driven future. The conversation highlighted Birmingham as a dynamic proving ground for innovative learning models and emphasized how community-led initiatives, digital education, and strategic alliances can drive educational and economic transformation.