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Fort Valley State University and REP4 Alliance Partners Convene in Chicago to Advance Learner-Led Innovation

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 at 16:28 PM

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) joined nine other higher education institutions and was accompanied by 20 leaders from the technology, finance, consulting and community sectors in Chicago for the REP4 Alliance Gathering, a national convening focused on advancing learner-led innovation in education. Co-hosted by Illinois Institute of Technology and Grand Valley State University, the two-day event brought together alliance partners and these industry leaders to collaborate on scaling student-driven solutions to real-world challenges.

Representing FVSU were President Paul Jones, Ph.D., Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies and REP4 National Fellow, and two standout student innovators, Haneefat Adanijo ’26, a computer science major and Blanche McCluskey '27, a plant science major and REP4 Summer Summit Counselors. Their presentation spotlighted a transformative initiative launched by the university in January 2025—a student-run hydroponic trailer farm designed to combat food insecurity in Middle Georgia. Using AI-powered hydroponic systems, the project cultivates fresh produce year-round. The harvests are processed locally and distributed to schools, clinics, and community partners, eliminating long-haul transport and ensuring consistent access to high-quality, nutritious greens. By integrating education, sustainability, and technology, the initiative provides students with hands-on, real-world experience while serving the broader community.

“The REP4 Gathering is a powerful platform for our students to showcase their creativity, leadership, and commitment to solving real-world challenges,” said Paul Jones, Ph.D. “Haneefat and Blanche’s presentation reflected the innovative spirit of FVSU and our dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving world.”

The REP4 Alliance, which began in 2021, has grown into the nation’s only learner-led innovation movement. The Chicago gathering marked a significant milestone in its evolution, with more than 1,500 learners engaged across the alliance, a Net Promoter Score of +43 (well above the higher education average), and $9 million secured in philanthropic and federal funding. Of that, $3 million has been invested directly into learner-inspired ideas now scaling nationally.

“REP4 is more than a conference—it’s a movement,” said Beth Day-Hairston, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “It empowers students to lead, to innovate, and to transform their communities. Our students are not just participating—they’re shaping the future of education.”

Adanijo and McCluskey’s presentation was part of a student showcase that explored how technology and AI can link purpose with future-ready skills and career pathways. Their project stood out for its practical impact and scalability, offering a replicable model for other communities facing food insecurity.

“My biggest takeaway from the experience was witnessing how transformative learner-led innovation can be when higher education, industry, and community organizations work together. Hearing direct feedback from industry leaders reinforced that the ideas students create through REP4 are not only relevant but capable of driving real change in access, equity, and opportunity,” said Haneefat Adanijo.

“Being part of REP4 has been life-changing,” said Blanche McCluskey, REP4 Alumna. “It’s given me the confidence to lead and the tools to make a real difference. Our hydroponic farm isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing opportunity.”

The gathering also introduced new initiatives, including REP4ⓇFinLit and REP4ⓇPromiseUnlocked, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and connecting students’ lived experiences to career readiness. Plans for a Virtual Learner Design Summit were also unveiled, expanding the reach of regional summits to engage more students and community leaders.

Join the Wave
Ready to be part of the next wave of innovation in education? Join Fort Valley State University as we launch the Southeast Region REP4 Summer Summit in June 2026! Discover how you can contribute to learner-led change, network with forward-thinking leaders, and help shape solutions that make a difference for our communities. For details, partnership opportunities, or to get more information, please contact the FVSU REP4 team at collegofed@fvsu.edu or (478) 825-6365. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact—connect with us today!

About the REP4 Alliance 
REP4—Rapid Education Prototyping—is a national alliance committed to transforming higher education by empowering learners to lead innovation. The initiative puts students at the center of educational change, encouraging them to design agile, scalable solutions to real-world challenges. REP4 is backed by a powerful network of regional and national education, industry, and technology leaders. The alliance is led by eight founding higher education institutions, each committed to equity, access, and learner-driven transformation: Grand Valley State University (Organizer and Convener), Fort Valley State University (Founding Southeast Region Partner), Amarillo College (Texas), Austin Community College District (Texas), Boise State University (Idaho), California State University San Marcos (California), Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (Connecticut), Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois), and Shippensburg University (Pennsylvania).

 

 

 

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