Reimagining the Future of Education: A Conversation with National Geographic Society’s Dr. Deborah Grayson
Cengage Group and the National Geographic Society share a powerful mission, to inspire learners by connecting them with the world through immersive, real-world learning. Through National Geographic Learning, part of Cengage Group, this partnership has brought global stories and Explorers into classrooms helping learners see themselves as explorers of knowledge and possibility. This partnership was recently deepened with the announcement of a new interactive student experience at the Museum of Exploration, a dynamic extension of our shared vision to make learning immersive and impactful.
“At National Geographic Learning, our mission is to bring the world into the classroom through hands-on, interactive engagement that inspires curiosity and fosters career-connected learning,” said Marty Lange, EVP & GM of Cengage School. “By opening a window to careers across diverse fields, we strive to help learners imagine possibilities they may have never considered.”
Together, we’re shaping a new vision for education; one that’s experiential, inclusive and deeply connected to the world learners live in. In this Q&A, Dr. Deborah Grayson, Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer at the National Geographic Society, shares how this collaboration is inspiring the next generation of changemakers. With a career spanning nonprofit, government, and academic sectors, Dr. Grayson brings a wealth of experience in learning and organizational development. Since joining the Society in 2022, she has led efforts to amplify the work of National Geographic Explorers and support educators and learners of all ages around the globe.
Q: What is National Geographic’s vision for education and how this is evolving?
A: “In partnership with researchers, educators communities and learners of all ages, National Geographic Education and Community Engagement works at the nexus of science and storytelling to push the boundaries of research and practice to improve scientific outcomes, advance new knowledge and spark the attitudinal and behavioral shifts necessary for sustainable and resilient, long-term conservation efforts.
We work to inspire a new generation of changemakers and conservationists by equipping them with the knowledge, tools and opportunities necessary to better understand the world around them and take action to preserve it. To bring this vision to life, we’ve implemented several shifts in our educational and community engagement strategy to focus on five core capabilities:
- deep and authentic engagements with communities
- research and evidence-based work with Explorers and educators
- co-designed content with Explorers, educators and other collaborators
- immersive field experiences
- measurement and evaluation specific to learning outcomes
An example of our strategy shift in action is the way we are actively expanding our audiences. Since the Education and Community Engagement division was established, our core audience has been K–12 learners and teachers. While these grades will continue to be a core audience for us, we have expanded to include higher education and adult learners. We recognize the importance of designing for learners of all ages, building for real-world environments and supporting locally driven solutions. This aligns with the Cengage and National Geographic Learning audience, which includes these same groups.”
Q: How does the partnership with Cengage Group fit into your vision for education?
A: “Taking a more expansive approach to the audiences we serve means broadening our organizational partnerships and deepening our engagement with existing partners, including Cengage Group. We’re proud to partner with Cengage to bring experiential learning to life through National Geographic Learning, and we're thrilled to further our partnership through 2043. In 2024, we reached more than 25 million people through our education programs and online learning resources, and nearly 17.4 million learners through educational books and media published through our partnership. The extension is key to our new vision, as it will enable us to further amplify the programs and tools in National Geographic Learning and reach millions more learners worldwide.
Additionally, in 2026, our revitalized campus (Base Camp) in Washington, D.C., will open its doors to everything National Geographic has to offer, from our legendary archives, expanded exhibit spaces showcasing Explorer research, iconic photography and world-famous artifacts, to new learning spaces that will spark curiosity in generations of learners. The National Geographic Learning Launchpad, powered by Cengage, will be at the center of this initiative and the first stop for learner groups. This interactive space will inspire young people to connect with the concept of geographic thinking and apply what they learn to their own lives. We can’t wait for it to open.”
Q: At Cengage Group, we are focused on helping learners reach their education and career goals, fostering education for employment. From your perspective, how does National Geographic support career-connected learning?
A: “National Geographic shares Cengage Group’s commitment to helping learners reach their education and career goals. We view career-connected learning as a throughline across our education offerings. We are particularly interested in addressing the gap in learner understanding of which skills will lead them to the kinds of career outcomes they are interested in.
National Geographic Explorers help address this gap as they are constantly redefining what it means to lead in science, conservation, education, technology and storytelling. We’ve seen time and again how their work sparks curiosity, ignites new passions and inspires action in learners of all ages. This is why it’s so important to us to extend the work of Explorers into communities around the world, because our network of thousands of Explorers with varied career journeys offers an excellent way to build career exposure.
We also address this gap by designing offerings that provide flexible opportunities to explore careers and develop an Explorer Mindset. One strong example of this in action is the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy Externship Program. The Externship program is a powerful learning and career development experience for young people ages 18-25 from across the globe. Unlike traditional internships, externships are flexible and scalable, enabling people to apply their learnings within their own communities. Externs determine their own schedules and research topics, receiving mentoring and coaching throughout the experience. To date, the Externship program has had 1,300 participants from more than 120 countries. Participants report significant gains in conservation knowledge and an increased intention to pursue careers in conservation-related and informed fields.”
Learn more:
Discover the impact of National Geographic Explorers firsthand through the work of Tara Roberts—writer, storyteller, and National Geographic Explorer—who traces the origins of Africans in America through powerful narratives and immersive storytelling.