Relational Map coming soon. Learn more about the work we’re doing with AI and view our example prototypes here.
The Non-Degree Credentials Research Network (NCRN) is a project funded through a grant from Lumina Foundation (2024-2025) and managed by researchers at the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP) and the Rutgers University Education and Employment Research Center (EERC). The NCRN is a multi-disciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers that focuses on the little-understood role of certificates, certifications and other non-degree credentials in the labor market.
Prior to January 2024, the NCRN was supported by a grant from Lumina Foundation from 2018-2023 at the George Washington University Institute of Public Policy - GWIPP.
Since its formation, the NCRN’s goals have been to:
The NCRN offers a variety of resources to members and the public. Examples of resources in any specific year may include webinars, newsletters, research reports, literature reviews, in-person meetings, and opportunities to comment on federal legislation related to non-degree credentials.
The NCRN studies non-degree credentialing—including licenses, industry-awarded certifications, certificates, apprenticeships, and microcredentials—and provides relevant information to the learn-and-work ecosystem regarding what credentials are being offered and their value in the labor market.
Federal Data Collections Relevant to Non-degree Credential Research(spreadsheet)
Federal Agencies with Skilled Technical Workforce (STW) Development Programs
GW Institute of Public Policy. (2022, July 17). Non-degree Credentials Research Network (NCRN). George Washington University. https://gwipp.gwu.edu/non-degree-credentials-research-network-ncrn
NCRN. (June 2019). What We Know About Non-Degree Credentials: A Literature Scan
Opportunities to Comment on Proposed federal Data Collections: A Primer on How to Respond
Report of the Non-Degree Credentials Research Network, Spring 2021
Spring Conference Report, March 27 & 28, 2023
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