Advancing Innovation in Work and Learning | july 29, 2021
Certificates. Licenses. Microcredentials. Nanocredentials. Digital badges.
The array of options for postsecondary education and training has exploded over the last several decades, and interest is still growing: According to Strada research, 62 percent of Americans would prefer skills training or another nondegree option if they enrolled in education within the next six months.
Yet assessing their value — especially whether they can help individuals emerge from the pandemic to better opportunities — continues to be a challenge.
In a webinar discussion Wednesday about new Strada research into the value of nondegree credentials, expert panelists offered insights into what education providers, employers, and policymakers should know now about nondegree credentials:
Combining credentials with a bachelor’s or associate degree might be a norm of the future. Seventy percent of those who had both an associate degree and a nondegree credential said their education made them an attractive job candidate, compared to 43 percent of associate degree holders without a nondegree credential.
The timeline for completing nondegree credentials is less rigid and is changing the landscape of postsecondary education. High school students often graduate with credentials; midcareer workers seek them, too.
For guidance on how to effectively deploy and stack nondegree credentials, education providers, policymakers, and employers might need to look beyond the United States. Countries such as New Zealand and Canada are leading the way, the experts said.
In the absence of an existing system from education providers, employers are starting to do the work of standardizing credentials and making them transferable.
STRADA AT ASU+GSV SUMMIT Strada researchers, leaders, and affiliate presidents will be in San Diego from Aug. 9 to 11 for the ASU+GSV Summit, where leading minds focused on transforming society and business connect around learning and work. In addition to the presidents of InsideTrack, Roadtrip Nation, and Education at Work, Strada presenters at the conference include Ruth Watkins, president of Strada Impact, who will join college presidents for a panel, "The Future of Higher Education," and Strada Interim CEO Tom Dawson, who will discuss Strada's role as a social impact organization in a discussion called "New Models for Education Philanthropy." Conference attendees also can connect with Strada researchers and leaders in an exhibit booth at San Diego's Manchester Grand Hyatt.
SEEKING YOUNG ADULTS IN TEXAS In partnership with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, and Strada, Roadtrip Nation is looking for three young adults from Dallas, Houston, and the surrounding regions for an upcoming road trip. Applications are open until Aug. 8, and roadtrippers will explore how different educational and job readiness pathways in Texas can help them meet your unique career goals.
CAEL JOINS NGA NETWORK
CAEL has joined the National Governors Association's Workforce Innovation Network as an advisory member as the network expands to include additional philanthropic supporters, subject matter experts, practitioners, and industry leaders to assist governors and state leaders in their workforce innovation efforts through future grants and technical assistance. Advisory members were invited based on their experience advancing workforce innovation critical to governors.
STUDENT COACHING SOLUTION
Golden Gate University partnered with InsideTrack to provide coaching directly to prospective students through one-on-one meetings and ongoing digital communication via voice, email, and text messaging. Coaches worked with students to define their long-term goals, evaluate program options, and develop the habits that will ensure their success — both in college and beyond. In a recent case study, Golden Gate reported a 28 percent increase in fall 2020 enrollment, a rate 23 percent over the school's enrollment goal.
Lessons Earned
In our podcast, we explore bold ideas to help Americans navigate between learning and earning throughout their lives.
