Ed Lazowska, Bill and Melinda Gates Chair with the University of Washington Department of Computer Science and Engineering (www.cs.washington.edu) discusses the dynamic changes shaping the future of educational models that will enable students to compete for careers in a highly global marketplace. Professor Lazowska outlines the need for educators to use regional, national and global networks to allow students to participate in solving and collaborating on real-world public health, computational data research, and other societal issues.