About the 100 Million Learners Global Initiative

Countries

190+

Languages

40+

Learning

No-cost

Since

2022

About us

The Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative is an education movement led by Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. The initiative provides no-cost online education opportunities in global entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and leadership for learners worldwide.

Designed to expand access to high-quality education at scale, the initiative equips learners with practical skills that support career growth, economic mobility, and community impact. Courses are available online and on demand, allowing learners to study at their own pace from anywhere in the world.

Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has reached learners in more than 190 countries and offers foundational learning opportunities in more than 40 languages.

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History

The 100 Million Learners Global Initiative launched in January 2022 with a bold goal: to provide world-class education to 100 million learners worldwide at no cost to the learner.

Developed by the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, the initiative aims to expand access to education and strengthen opportunities for individuals seeking to build and grow their business, leadership, and innovation skills.

The initiative was launched with support from Thunderbird alumnus and philanthropists Francis and Dionne Najafi, whose commitment to expanding educational opportunity helped make the program possible.

Today, the initiative offers multiple learning pathways designed to support learners at different stages of their educational and professional journeys. Programs range from foundational learning experiences to advanced coursework, with opportunities to earn digital badges and certificates, and potential for academic credit.

A key part of the initiative’s global reach is accessibility. The Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation Foundations program is available in more than 40 languages, and the Global Entrepreneurship and Business Essentials Bootcamp in 10 languages, with more on the way, helping learners engage with course content in their preferred language and at their own pace.

Francis and Dionne Najafi pose together under the sign for the "100 Million Learners" Francis and Dionne Najafi Global Initiative. — Francis and Dionne Najafi pose together under the sign for the "100 Million Learners" Initiative.

Learn more about the initiative

Access downloadable brochures for the 100 Million Learners Global Initiative. Resources are available in multiple languages and provide an overview of the initiative, learning pathways, and learner opportunities.

Two hands holding a printed flyer for the Thunderbird ASU "100 Million Learners" initiative, featuring colorful artwork, student photos, and the headline "Transforming lives, empowering futures."

About the 100 Million Learners Global Initiative

Countries

Languages

Learning

Since

About us

Quick navigation

History

Learn more about the initiative

Download brochures

Why Thunderbird

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Resources