Dr. Claudia Urrea

Dr. Claudia Urrea serves as Executive Director of the pK-12 Initiative at MIT Open Learning, a cross-Institute effort addressing global challenges in pK-12 education. The initiative leverages MIT’s strengths to advance AI and computational thinking in education, broaden participation in STEM and STEAM, and connect learning to societal issues like climate change, energy, and health.

A strategic thinker and passionate educator, Dr. Urrea has played a pivotal role in shaping MIT’s pK-12 vision. She contributed to the Task Force on the Future of MIT Education and supported initiatives like the MIT Online Education Policy Initiative and the Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL), expanding MIT’s global impact in learning innovation.

Dr. Urrea founded the MIT STEAM Camp, bringing hands-on, interdisciplinary learning to middle school students and teachers worldwide. She also co-founded Full STEAM Ahead, a virtual platform offering project-based STEAM learning to thousands globally. Currently, she leads the development of a Center for Early Childhood Education in Medellín, Colombia, in collaboration with Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo and the Buen Comienzo initiative. She previously directed the creation of a STEAM laboratory school in Belize with the Ministry of Education.

She spearheaded MIT’s Day of Climate, a landmark event mobilizing educators, researchers, and students around climate action and education.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Urrea has partnered with governments, NGOs, and institutions across Latin America, Africa, and Asia to foster inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Her work continues to empower educators and learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.