By Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO Coursera
Today, we are proud to announce that Coursera has received B Corp certification from B Lab, an independent non-profit organization, for meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We have also converted to a Public Benefit Corporation. Now we have a legal duty not only to our shareholders but also to make a positive impact on society more broadly.
Now more than ever, institutions must play a vital role in rebuilding a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Society needs companies to be a catalyst for positive social change, ensuring that their growth and innovations have a broader and equitable impact on our communities.
Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng founded Coursera with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. While our purpose, strategy, and practices have always been consistent with B Corp requirements, the demand Coursera has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic calls for us to play an even greater role in empowering communities and institutions. This is one of the reasons we are now committing to a higher standard of purpose and impact through third-party validation, public transparency, and legal accountability. Becoming a Public Benefit Corporation in the State of Delaware and obtaining B Corp certification represents our formal commitment that we will continue our efforts to reduce barriers to world-class education and help institutions around the globe collaborate, learn, and advance together.
I am excited about the transition and how it creates new opportunities for our stakeholders to join us in our efforts to make a positive difference in the world. It brings us even closer to many of our educator partners. As top universities, they are naturally driven by a bigger cause. It will also broaden our collaboration with industry educators and enterprise customers who share our commitment to a better and more equitable world. Finally, we are tremendously excited about the influence it will have on our employees and culture — today and in the future. Together, we expect this journey to further inspire Courserians as we lead the way in exemplifying how businesses like Coursera can be a force for good in the world.