Benjamin Franklin
Lindsey Sewell
Brief Background
Educational Changes
Franklin felt that college education should be available to the people of Pennsylvania. It was already available in Connecticut (Yale), Massachusetts (Harvard), and Virginia (William and Mary). He discussed with members of the Junto about his idea. He then wrote a pamphlet called Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania. He recommended that the curriculum focus on basic skills like writing and speaking. In 1749, Franklin was elected the first president of this new Academy, helping to enlist trustees, raise money, rent a house, and hire teachers. The Academy prospered and went on to become the University of Pennsylvania.
Impact on Public Education
Works Cited
"Benjamin Franklin: The Man Who Invented the American Dream | Foundation for
Economic Education." FEE Freeman Article. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
"Franklin's Impact on American Education." - Benjamin Franklin, Then and Now. Web. 08
Dec. 2015.