Last week, the College Board, known for conducting SAT® exams and the AP® program, hosted the India Global Higher Education Alliance Forum 2024 at The Lalit in New Delhi. The event aimed to prepare educational institutions to facilitate successful transitions for students into higher education, addressing crucial issues such as access, success, and the evolving role of assessments in the admission process.
Panel Discussions on Key Topics
Throughout the day, participants engaged in panel discussions covering vital topics, including “Passport to Global Higher Education,” “The Evolving Role of Assessment in Admission,” and “Expanding Access to Rigor: A Student-first Approach.” The forum featured a keynote address from College Board discussing the impact of AP® coursework on global education, along with sessions focused on the internationalization of higher education and advancements in STEM education.
Breakout sessions explored trends in global admissions, the use of data and technology in recruitment, and the essential skills students need to thrive in future economies. Rushi Sheth, Vice President – International at College Board, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “The 2024 College Board India Forum reaffirmed the importance of local, national, and international education institutions working together to support the diverse ambitions of Indian students. As a global not-for-profit organization, College Board is committed to providing university-level education to secondary school students to prepare them for future success.”
Diverse Participation from Global Institutions
The forum witnessed participation from esteemed universities, including MIT (USA), University of Cambridge (UK), University of Michigan (USA), University of Toronto (Canada), IE University (Spain), and Ashoka University (India), among others. Senior representatives gathered to collaborate and strategize on enhancing student recruitment and ensuring access to quality education. Discussions emphasized the significance of socioeconomic diversity and the necessity for global collaboration to address challenges in the rapidly changing higher education landscape.
Fostering Collaboration and Access
Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, Senior Director and Head, India, South and Central Asia at College Board, elaborated on the organization’s initiatives, stating, “This event has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among institutions to explore new ways of improving access to higher education. Our focus is on supporting all students who dream big. We are dedicated to ensuring that no student misses out on their educational aspirations due to technological or financial barriers. Through our India initiatives, such as the India Scholars Program and our collaboration with Khan Academy, where we provide free practice resources for students, we are working to ensure equitable access to education and play a vital role in students’ academic journeys.”
