Pursuing an online degree can be a pretty solitary experience. But if students are willing to sacrifice the social aspect of studying on-campus in exchange for affordable tuition and a flexible schedule, they still need basic gear: a chair, a desk and an Internet connection, at the very least.
Hoping to facilitate the experience of taking online classes, WeWork recently announced a partnership with 2U, a Maryland-based provider of an online platform that universities use to power their online classes. This means that students who are pursuing a graduate degree towards one of 2U-powered universities can now go to the nearest WeWork location, sit down and get to work - without paying any fees to access the WeWork offices.
Specifically, WeWork will provide eligible students with "Global Access Memberships" to WeWork locations across the globe. A Global Access Membership - a spokesperson for 2U clarified - includes open desks with 24/7 access to workspace and all-inclusive amenities like fast Internet, business-class printers, office supplies and paper shredders, common areas, mail handling, private phone booth and beer on tap.
The "WeWork x 2U Global Access" passes will not start becoming available until mid-year, a spokesperson for 2U wrote in an email to BostInno.
WeWork counts 207 physical locations in 65 cities and 20 countries around the world, with seven of them in the Boston greater area:
- WeWork - One Beacon Street
- WeWork - 33 Arch Street
- WeWork - Fort Point
- WeWork - South Station
- WeWork - Mass Ave.
- WeWork - St. James
- WeWork - 200 Portland
"Evolving our technology platform, offering our degree programs and short courses to the WeWork community and providing students in our degree programs global access to WeWork spaces is a win, win, win. It is an exciting day for 2U and the beginning of a transformational collaboration,” 2U CEO and co-Founder Chip Paucek said in a statement.
