Skipping right to the social entrepreneurs and activists, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, founders of KIPP schools, spoke loud and clear, “We can no longer be content with possibilities, we need reality. 2+2=5.” There are now 82 KIPP schools across the United States, educating over 21,000 students. The teachers are different. The learning is different. The process is different. 2+2=5 is a simple example of changing mindsets. Feinberg and Levin believe we can improve our school systems, educate teachers better and create a successful learning process for kids across the nation.

“KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.”

They do this by building a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first. And by providing outstanding educators, more time in school learning, and a strong culture of achievement. All I can say is, “Go KIPP!”

Bill Gates was next up. He discussed how we can decrease our 26 billion pounds/year CO2 emissions to zero. “We need miracles in cost, location and long-term stability,” Gates slides stated. This led him to how we can store our energy from alternative sources. All the batteries in the world can only can store 10 minutes of all the energy in the world. This is a major problem.

Gates went on to discuss his plans for an energy breakthrough in nuclear technology to use spent Uranium from other plants. He also showed support for other clean alternative energies as well (which is reflected in his investments).

Temple Grandin gave some great advice when she said, “All minds need to work together — autistic, animal, everyone.” The livestock and autism advocate meant that every mind thinks in different ways and we need to encourage that mind to grow in the way it knows best.

View the rest of the social entrepreneurs of TED2010 here:

• TED2010 Day 1 (Sessions 1-3)
• TED2010 Day 2 (Sessions 4-7)
• TED2010 Day 3 (Sessions 8-10) – You’re reading it
• TED2010 Day 4 (Sessions 11-12) – Coming soon

The TED conference wraps up on Saturday, so I’ll have my last post tomorrow afternoon. Technology, Entertainment, Design I’ll miss you.

P.S. Find more great pictures from TED2010 on Flickr. And visit the TED2010 blog for an inside look and some great quote/image combinations.

(Photo credit: TED)

Contributor Profile: Tristan

Tristan is a social change advocate, writer and social media do gooder. He has worked with Ashoka and Best Buy promoting social entrepreneurship and responsibility.
Twitter: @writerpollock

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