“Leading the Future of Higher Education in Latin America”: A new action-learning program for university leaders

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MONTERREY and PHILADELPHIA (January 28, 2025) — Two prominent leading universities in Monterrey, México, and Philadelphia, PA, are collaborating to launch an 8-month long action-learning program titled “Leading the Future of Higher Education in Latin America.”

The initiative is a collaboration of the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey and the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), which is known for its global strength in education leadership. The jointly designed and delivered program features a hybrid learning journey, with two in-person immersive sessions, one in Mexico and one in the U.S.

This first-of-its-kind program features international education leaders, interactive sessions, and mentoring opportunities. Throughout the program, participants will apply tools to design and implement a transformative project for their institutions, with a safe environment to network, share practices, and learn from each other. Participants completing the program will receive joint certification from Tecnológico de Monterrey and the University of Pennsylvania.

“Educational leaders globally face complex challenges in adopting innovative pedagogies and advanced technologies, to better prepare learners for the future of work,” said Dr. Michael J. L. Fung, Executive Director of the Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey. “The Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey is proud to partner with the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, to offer this dynamic, action-oriented program, that will empower leaders with the tools and strategies needed to drive transformative change within their institutions, to address the evolving needs of Latin American economies and societies in these rapidly changing times.”

“This extraordinary collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing education leadership on a global scale,” said Dr. L. Michael Golden, Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships, Catalyst @ Penn GSE. “By bringing together the strengths of Tecnológico de Monterrey and Penn GSE, we are creating a unique opportunity for leaders to learn from diverse perspectives, propel their networks, tap global experts, and shape the future of higher education in Latin America. This program is about equipping leaders with the vision, knowledge, and capabilities needed to drive meaningful and lasting impact in their institutions and beyond.”

The inaugural run of the program is expected to be launched in the middle of 2025; registrations will commence three months prior.

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About Tecnológico de Monterrey

Tecnológico de Monterrey is a private nonprofit multi-campus university system. Since its foundation in 1943 it has been distinguished for its academic excellence, innovation in education, entrepreneurship, global vision, and deep engagement with industry and employers. With a presence across 33 cities of 20 states of Mexico, the institution has 60,000 enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, almost 7,000 faculty members, and more than 27,000 high school students, served by 2,500 professors. The institution has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) since 1950. According to the QS World University Rankings (2025), Tecnológico de Monterrey ranks #185. The Times Higher Education (THE) Latin America University Rankings (2024) ranks the institution #7 in Latin America and #1 in Mexico, and in THE Global University Employability Ranking as #81 worldwide and #1 in Mexico. Tecnológico de Monterrey is #9 in The Princeton Review & Entrepreneur magazine ranking of Top Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies USA (2025), for undergraduate entrepreneurship programs. Tecnológico de Monterrey belongs to prestigious global networks including the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and Universitas 21 (U21), among others.

Visit the Newsroom, Tecnológico de Monterrey's press room.

About Institute for the Future of Education

The Institute for the Future of Education is an interdisciplinary research institute of Tecnologico de Monterrey, with the mission to improve the lives of millions of people through transforming higher education and lifelong learning around the world. The Institute creates, disseminates, and applies research-based educational innovation to improve learning ecosystems and practices, engaging in a range of research, edtech entrepreneurship, consulting, impact projects, advocacy, and community building activities globally.

You can follow the activities of the Institute for the Future of Education on social media:

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About the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) is one of the world’s leading schools in education research and practitioner preparation. Penn GSE partners with schools, universities, and communities to expand educational access — especially for those underserved by society — and, through rigorous research and innovative programs, develops new knowledge and transformational teachers and leaders in pursuit of educational opportunity.

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