From first-generation student to transformative education leader, Oscar Wang shares his journey of reshaping college access in Philadelphia while building a life defined by curiosity, empathy, and impact.
Oscar Wang, the founder of College Together, is an Asian-American social entrepreneur dedicated to creating flexible, student-centered pathways to higher education. A graduate of Haverford College, he has spent over a decade addressing systemic barriers faced by first-generation students, blending mentorship, advocacy, and innovative programming to make college attainable for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Known for his humor, candor, and thoughtfulness, Oscar also embraces the small joys of life, from playful wordplay to discovering the city’s best cheesesteaks.
His journey wasn’t linear. Initially choosing a college based on proximity to the White House, Oscar realized the importance of aligning decisions with purpose rather than appearances. As the sole transfer student at Haverford, he navigated isolation and self-doubt, eventually founding Mentor for Philly to connect college students with high school mentees. Early nonprofit ventures highlighted a gap between popular programs and real-world outcomes, leading him to pivot repeatedly until founding College Together, an institution that combines project-based learning, flexible credit pathways, and personalized student support.
Oscar shares frameworks and principles that guided his leadership: prioritizing mission over ego, embracing collaboration, and learning from “happy hour” conversations to uncover authentic problems. He emphasizes that ideas can evolve, but values remain constant, and that meaningful change comes from empathy, listening, and proximity to the communities served. Through College Together, students earn credits, gain work experience, and complete degrees on timelines that reflect real-world constraints, challenging traditional notions of the college experience.
Listeners will take away insights into leadership, innovation, and the power of culturally attuned mentorship. Oscar’s story underscores the need for representation, persistence, and adaptability in creating educational models that meet learners where they are. Tune in to hear how one leader is redefining college, bridging gaps between aspiration and access, and inspiring a new generation of students and social entrepreneurs.
Chapters
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00:38 Meet Oscar Wang on Resilience and Innovation
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05:08 Oscar's Journey from California to Philadelphia
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06:59 Founding College Together with Challenges and Triumphs
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27:18 Reflecting on the Mentorship Program
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31:39 Learning from the Happy Hour Principle
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32:41 Pivoting to a New College Model
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38:02 Adapting Education to Modern Students' Needs
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45:41 Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
Check out Oscar Wang’s website, follow him on Instagram, and explore his innovative approaches to higher education and mentorship to see how students of all ages can access meaningful, flexible learning opportunities.
Episode 72
