For nearly 13 years, the collaboration between Cengage Group and the National Geographic Society, operating as National Geographic Learning, has been a cornerstone in global education. This powerful partnership has successfully bridged the gap between the world and the classroom, enriching the learning experiences of millions of students annually. The alliance has been instrumental in delivering high-quality English language teaching resources to students across over 133 countries, empowering them to enhance their lives and pursue their aspirations through language acquisition. Furthermore, within the secondary education sector, the integration of insights, experiences, and captivating visuals from over 600 National Geographic Explorers—scientists, educators, and storytellers supported by the National Geographic Society—has profoundly engaged K-12 students in the US and internationally. This access has fostered a deeper connection to learning through culturally inclusive content, enabling students to see themselves and their potential within a global context. Acknowledging this significant impact, Cengage Group and the National Geographic Society have solidified their commitment by extending this dynamic partnership through 2043. This extension ensures the continued delivery of enriching, top-tier educational content to learners and educators for decades to come.
To commemorate this extended partnership, Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage Group, and Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, recently engaged in a discussion highlighting the profound influence of their collaboration on learners’ lives. Both leaders expressed their deep passion for this ongoing endeavor and its future potential.
The enduring partnership between the National Geographic Society and Cengage Group holds significant importance for several reasons. It represents a unique synergy between two organizations deeply committed to education and global understanding. National Geographic brings to the table its unparalleled access to exploration, scientific discovery, and compelling storytelling, rooted in a legacy of expanding knowledge about our world. Cengage Group contributes its expertise in educational publishing, curriculum development, and innovative learning technologies, reaching a vast network of educators and learners worldwide. This combination creates educational resources that are not only academically rigorous but also deeply engaging, visually rich, and relevant to the real world. The partnership ensures that educational materials are infused with authentic, geographically diverse content, fostering a sense of global citizenship and preparing students to be informed and engaged members of an interconnected world. It also allows for the creation of learning experiences that go beyond textbooks, incorporating multimedia resources, digital tools, and real-world examples that resonate with today’s learners.
Through this partnership, both organizations aspire to achieve a profound and lasting impact on global education. Their shared vision is to empower learners of all ages to become curious, informed, and responsible global citizens. This involves fostering a deeper understanding of the world’s cultures, environments, and challenges, and inspiring action towards positive change. By providing access to high-quality educational materials that are both engaging and effective, National Geographic Learning and Cengage Learning aim to improve learning outcomes and create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. The aspiration is to cultivate a generation of learners who are not only academically successful but also equipped with the critical thinking skills, global awareness, and passion for learning needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Ultimately, the partnership strives to make education a powerful tool for personal growth, societal progress, and global sustainability.
One compelling example that vividly illustrates the power of this partnership is the development and global reach of their English language teaching programs. National Geographic Learning, powered by Cengage Learning, has created English language learning materials that are used in over 133 countries. These programs are distinguished by their use of authentic National Geographic content – breathtaking photography, compelling videos, and real-world stories – to make language learning more engaging and effective. Instead of relying solely on traditional textbook exercises, students learn English through exploring fascinating topics related to science, culture, history, and the environment. This approach not only enhances language acquisition but also broadens students’ horizons and sparks their curiosity about the world. For instance, learners might study vocabulary related to ecosystems while examining stunning images of rainforests or improve their reading comprehension by engaging with articles about global innovations in renewable energy. This integrated approach demonstrates how the partnership brings together Cengage Learning’s pedagogical expertise with National Geographic’s captivating content to create truly impactful educational experiences, making learning both effective and inspiring for millions of students worldwide.
To further explore the impact of Cengage Group’s partnership with National Geographic on learners’ lives and their journeys to personal and academic growth, insightful interviews are available. Discover more through the Education Empowers series, featuring stories from individuals like Veronica Ochoa and Paola Luna, who exemplify the transformative power of education and the resources provided through this impactful collaboration. These stories offer a deeper understanding of how National Geographic Learning and Cengage Learning are working together to empower learners globally, helping them to achieve their dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
