Reimagining Higher Education: A LabStorm with Polymath University

Feedback Labs | March 24, 2025

About Polymath University

Polymath University is an innovative higher education institution founded by Dan Futrell to address the gap between college education and real-world job readiness. Through a three-major curriculum, hands-on apprenticeships, and a unique funding model where employers, not students, cover tuition costs, Polymath University aims to create graduates with broad, deep, and integrated expertise across multiple disciplines. They call it “ROTC for the private sector” referring to the debt-free plus employment obligation model that the military uses.

At the core of their launch is the Polymath Fellowship, a 12-month post-baccalaureate program designed to prepare early-career professionals to tackle complex global challenges. Fellows work on “wicked problems” such as climate change, food security, and global health, supported by interdisciplinary mentors who guide them in developing solutions that transcend traditional academic silos.

The Challenge

With its first fellowship cohort launching in 2025, Polymath University came to this LabStorm seeking insights on:

How to attract and recruit the first 100 Polymath Fellows in a competitive landscape of post-baccalaureate programs.
How to communicate the unique value of the fellowship and distinguish it from traditional certificate or master’s programs.
How to develop a mentor community that provides meaningful guidance while fostering long-term engagement with fellows.

LabStorm participants explored these questions through the lens of marketing, recruitment, and mentorship-building, offering ideas to strengthen Polymath University’s value proposition and outreach strategy.

Key Discussions

1. Building a Strong Recruitment Pipeline for Fellows

Attracting the right fellows for a brand-new program is a major challenge. Participants suggested targeting communities that already value interdisciplinary learning and innovation, such as:

Fellowship Networks: Programs like AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and Teach for America have alumni who might be drawn to the problem-solving focus of the Polymath Fellowship.
Professional Groups: Young professionals in workforce development, innovation hubs, or startup incubators could see the fellowship as a career accelerator.
Higher Education Programs: Collaborating with universities that emphasize interdisciplinary studies could yield highly motivated applicants.

Additionally, positioning the $9,500 tuition (covered by employers) as a compelling alternative to costly master’s programs could help attract fellows seeking a career boost without student debt.

2. Crafting a Clear and Compelling Narrative

Participants noted that Polymath University’s unique approach needs a strong, concise message to differentiate itself from other education programs. Effective messaging should emphasize:

“A New Model for Higher Education”—Positioning the fellowship as a first-of-its-kind initiative that blends interdisciplinary learning with real-world impact.
“Wicked Problem Solvers”—Branding fellows as leaders tackling pressing global challenges could appeal to mission-driven applicants.
“More Than a Degree”—Framing the program as a human accelerator, not just another academic credential, could attract professionals looking for impact-driven career growth.

To refine this narrative, participants recommended testing messaging through focus groups or early application conversations to understand what resonates most with prospective fellows.

3. Developing a Sustainable Mentor Community

A key component of the Polymath Fellowship is the mentor network, where fellows receive guidance from interdisciplinary experts. Participants explored strategies to attract and retain high-quality mentors, including:

Leveraging Corporate Volunteer Programs: Many companies offer employee mentorship initiatives—partnering with them could provide a pipeline of industry experts willing to support fellows.
Engaging Alumni of Other Fellowships: Connecting with graduates of Rotary Fellowships, Coro Fellowships, and Ashoka Changemakers could yield mentors who understand interdisciplinary work.
Providing Value for Mentors: Offering continuing education credits, networking events, or recognition could encourage long-term engagement from mentors.

Ultimately, building a mentor community that feels invested in fellows’ success will be critical to the long-term sustainability of the program.

Key Takeaways

Recruitment should focus on mission-driven young professionals. Targeting alumni of service programs, innovation hubs, and interdisciplinary universities could help attract the right first cohort.
A clear and compelling message is key. Positioning the Polymath Fellowship as a career accelerator that blends learning with real-world impact will help differentiate it from traditional graduate programs.
A strong mentor network is crucial for long-term success. Engaging corporate volunteers, interdisciplinary professionals, and fellowship alumni will ensure fellows receive meaningful, cross-sector guidance.

Conclusion

This LabStorm with Polymath University reinforced the power of interdisciplinary education and real-world learning. By strategically recruiting fellows, refining its messaging, and building a strong mentor network, Polymath University is poised to reshape higher education and prepare the next generation of polymath leaders.

Do you have ideas for how new education models can thrive? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us at sophia@feedbacklabs.org to continue the conversation!

Learn More About LabStorms

LabStorms are collaborative problem-solving sessions designed to help organizations tackle feedback-related challenges or share what’s working well in their practice.