Dale J. Stephens

Founder, UnCollege and Thiel Fellow

Dale J. Stephens brings a unique perspective on the future of education, talent, and innovation.  At 19, Dale leads UnCollege, a social movement that applies the methods of unschooling—the self-directed brand of homeschooling with which he was raised—to the realm of higher education. In May 2011 Dale was selected out of hundreds of individuals around the world as a Thiel Fellow.  The Thiel Fellowship recognizes the top changemakers around the world under the age of twenty.

Oft-rejected for being young or inexperienced, Dale has risen above skepticism to do what many said he couldn’t. Because he bridges the gap between teens and adults, he doesn’t just relate to both but shares their experiences, fears, and challenges.

Dale is currently writing a book about the opportunity cost of going to college and how to create your education from the world.