The Future of Education and Training Services: Insights from Kaplan's Long-Standing Influence in the Industry
Kaplan’s Legacy and Global Reach
Kaplan, Inc., founded by Stanley Kaplan in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has grown into a globally recognized educational services company. Over the decades Kaplan has expanded its offerings beyond test preparation to a broad portfolio of education and workforce development services. Today Kaplan serves approximately 1.2 million students and professionals and partners with more than 13,000 corporate clients and 4,000 educational institutions worldwide. Committed to education and training, Kaplan’s scale and long history give it a unique vantage point on shifts shaping the future of learning.
The Shift Towards Online and Hybrid Learning
The rapid adoption of online learning has been one of the most visible changes in education over the past decade, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as an important accelerator. Kaplan has been active in delivering online courses and digital learning experiences that reach a global audience. These platforms make it possible for learners to access high-quality content from anywhere, study at their own pace, and combine coursework with professional and personal commitments.
Bimodal and Hybrid Models
A practical response to diverse learner needs is the bimodal or hybrid approach that blends in-person instruction with online coursework. Kaplan’s investments in technology and instructional design support a bimodal model that can offer the structure and social interaction of in-person sessions alongside the flexibility and customization of online learning. For many adult learners and working professionals, this hybrid model reduces barriers to continual skills development while preserving opportunities for mentorship and hands-on practice.
Personalization, Data, and AI-Enabled Learning
One of the defining trends for the next era of education is personalization. Advances in analytics and artificial intelligence enable more tailored learning paths, adaptive assessments, and individualized feedback. Kaplan has incorporated technology to provide customized learning experiences, ensuring students navigate content suited to their background, pace, and goals. Personalization increases engagement and learning efficiency, which is especially important when learners balance education with careers and family obligations.
Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development
The demand for lifelong learning is rising as industry needs evolve rapidly and career paths become less linear. Kaplan’s broad set of services caters not only to traditional students but also to professionals seeking continuing education, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities. Partnerships with thousands of corporate clients and educational institutions enable Kaplan to design training programs aligned with employer needs, helping workers remain competitive in changing labor markets.
Credentialing, Assessment, and Outcomes
As credentials diversify — including micro-credentials, certificates, and digital badges — institutions and employers are placing more emphasis on demonstrable skills and measurable outcomes. Kaplan’s experience with assessments and test preparation informs its approach to credential design and evaluation. Effective measurement of learning outcomes and transparent reporting of competencies will be central to future credibility and learner success.
Global Partnerships and Access
Kaplan’s global partnerships expand access to education across geographies and demographics. Collaborations with colleges, universities, and corporations allow Kaplan to deliver localized programs while maintaining quality standards. This global footprint supports learners in different markets and helps institutions scale programs more efficiently.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
The future of education will be defined by technology-enabled personalization, flexible delivery models, and stronger ties between education and the workforce. Companies like Kaplan are well-positioned to shape that future due to their history, scale, and breadth of services. Key challenges remain — including ensuring equitable access to digital resources, maintaining quality across modalities, and continuously aligning curricula with rapidly changing employer requirements. Addressing these challenges will determine how effectively education systems serve learners in the decades ahead.