The first Human Progress and Flourishing Workshop seminar of 2023 is set to feature Ian Rowe, co-founder and CEO of Vertex Partnership Academies and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
He is scheduled to present a virtual presentation titled “Agency, Not Equity – A Path to Achieve Excellence for All Versus Universal Mediocrity” Friday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. in the Challey School of Music's Beckwith Recital Hall. The event will be followed by light hors d’oeuvres.
Rowe will discuss the “blame the system” narrative that teaches young people they are powerless against societal forces—that only systemic change can open their path to prosperity. Meanwhile, the “blame the victim” narrative tells them that any undesirable outcome in life is a product of their own shortcomings, regardless of whether they have received any meaningful support or guidance along the way.
Rowe will describe a third way, called “Agency,” which keeps the individual at its center while relying on mediating institutions (families, faith communities, schools, neighborhoods and work) to guide and support young people so they can lead flourishing lives.
According to Rowe, young people need a sense of hope, grit and belief in their own ability to shape their future. But, they also need to develop moral discernment by engaging four building blocks: Family, Religion, Education and Entrepreneurship (FREE).
As a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Rowe focuses on education and upward mobility, family formation and adoption. The Vertex Partnership Academies is a new network of character-based International Baccalaureate high schools in the Bronx. He also is board chair of Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit adoption services organization and co-founder of the National Summer School Initiative.
The event is free and open to all members of the NDSU community and the public. The workshop format includes a 40-minute presentation followed by audience questions. Virtual attendance is available on Zoom.
The Human Progress and Flourishing Workshop invites internationally-renowned scholars across the country to present their ideas and engage with the NDSU community.
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.
