Sal Khan was born on November 10, 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. His parents, immigrants from Bangladesh, instilled in him the importance of learning and striving for success. Khan excelled in school from a young age, showing a natural aptitude for mathematics and science.
After completing his high school education, Khan attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned not one, but three degrees. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, a Master's degree in electrical engineering and computer science, and a Master's degree in computer science.
After graduating from MIT, Khan pursued a career in finance, working as a hedge fund analyst on Wall Street. He enjoyed success in the financial industry, but eventually felt a calling to do something more meaningful with his life.
In 2005, Sal Khan made the bold decision to leave Wall Street behind and launch the Khan Academy, a free online education platform. Initially, Khan started creating educational videos to help his younger cousin with math. The videos gained popularity on YouTube, reaching over 8 million subscribers.
Recognizing the impact he could have through online education, Khan expanded the Khan Academy to cover a wide range of subjects, from math to science to humanities. The platform became a go-to resource for students, teachers, and lifelong learners around the world.
In addition to the online platform, Khan founded the brick-and-mortar school Khan Lab School. This innovative school focuses on personalized learning and project-based education, offering a new approach to traditional schooling.
Sal Khan's work in education has not gone unnoticed. In 2012, he was named to Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. His dedication to making quality education accessible to all has earned him praise and support from leaders like Microsoft CEO Bill Gates.
Sal Khan is a family man, married to Umaima Marvi, a medical doctor. The couple has two children together. Despite his busy schedule, Khan always makes time for his family, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.
Sal Khan's journey from Wall Street analyst to education innovator showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a difference in the world. His passion for learning and teaching has inspired millions of people to pursue their educational goals and unlock their full potential.