How Do We Build Unbounded, Co-Created Pathways for Every Learner? | Jean-Claude Brizard
From Getting Smart Podcast by Getting Smart
April 15, 2026 · 23 min
About this episode
Tom Vander Ark interviews Jean-Claude Brizard about building unbounded, co-created pathways for learners and the role of technology in education.
In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast , Tom Vander Ark talks with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise, about the launch of the Center for Learner Pathway Innovations and what it will take to build New Pathways that are truly "unbounded." They dig into the barriers that keep learners from seeing and accessing opportunity (visibility, value, and recognition gaps), why pathways must be co-created with learners and communities, and how credentialing and learner records can better capture skills and verified experiences—from work-based learning to out-of-school learning. The conversation also highlights regional pathway design (including an Alabama cybersecurity example), lessons from P-TECH, and how emerging technologies like AI can support powerful learning grounded in agency, purpose, curiosity, and connection. Outline (00:00) Introduction (2:30) Barriers & Unbounded Pathways (5:39) Co-Creation & Credentialing (13:58) Cybersecurity Pathway & Alabama (16:07) Powerful Learning & Emerging Technology Links Read the full blog here Watch the full video here TNTP Jean-Claude Brizard Digital Promise
People in this episode
Host: Tom Vander Ark
Guest: Jean-Claude Brizard
Topics covered
- learner pathways
- co-creation
- credentialing
- emerging technologies
- education equity
Keywords
- Digital Promise
- Center for Learner Pathway Innovations
- P-TECH
- AI
- cybersecurity
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Getting Smart Podcast
Places: Alabama
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