Hello from The Jacobson Institute!

August 14, 2023

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” These words of Socrates, like the ideas of Danish philosopher N.S.F. Grundtvig, remind us that learning never ends; instead, it is a lifelong process. These sentiments echo across the centuries and continue to inform the evolving world of modern education. It is in the face of these new challenges and possibilities that The Jacobson Institute (The Ji) was established.

Founded in 2008 thanks to a generous gift from the late Dick Jacobson, The Ji was created to establish Grand View as a resource for Central Iowa by improving the process of continued education. With ongoing changes to the workplace in light of newly incorporated intelligent technologies, The Ji has updated its vision to address the educational and occupational training needs of the future. In 2021, Grand View hired Dr. Lynn Burks, futurist and innovator, to spearhead the institute and its revised future forward mission.  

Dr. Burks, with the help of her team, is leading The JI to new opportunities, both in Iowa and globally. This includes partnerships with six different companies and organizations: CEPA Foundation, MedCerts, The Moses Project, NCMIS Pathways, SkillNet, and their newest partner - SkillStorm. Each of these partners provides The Ji with unique and affordable pathways for continued education. These include industry-verified certifications in various fields of employment as well as a retreat center in Strasbourg, France, for their Global Fluency for Leaders program.

As the world's leading resource hub and workbench, The JI is committed to providing learners and leaders with the necessary tools to excel in their respective fields. This includes certifications in fields such as healthcare, technology, IT Development, Administration, Organizational Leadership, and more. Whether building on previous education or serving as a launching pad for new opportunities, the goal of The Ji is to offer “the Right Skills, at the Right Time, for the Right Opportunities.” notes Dr. Burks.

With an innovative approach centered around a personalized micro-learning pathway and immersive experiences, The JI ensures that their participants acquire the education necessary to thrive in today’s shifting landscape. Whether you are wanting to learn something new or simply wish to expand your current skillset, The JI has a certification for any level of learner.

If you would like to learn more about our programs or have any questions, please visit our website and connect with us.