Overview
Launched in July 2025, Synchronizing Pathways: Expanding Institutional Capacity for Improving Credential Data Quality and Learning Mobility supports the need for clear, transferable, and career-relevant non-degree credentials, particularly for adult learners navigating dynamic educational and workforce landscapes. The initiative addresses two intertwined areas—data quality and learning mobility—that are vital to ensuring that non-degree credentials deliver real value for learners and employers. By unifying national conversations and building institutional capacity in these areas, the initiative aims to help colleges and universities clearly articulate and support the outcomes of noncredit credentials while facilitating improved pathways for credential transferability and career relevance.
Key activities:
- Plenary sessions at UPCEA’s Convergence 2025 conference, co-hosted with AACRAO, focused on credential data and learning mobility.
- Virtual and in-person strategic conversations to spotlight promising practices and frameworks.
- A publication on the state of credential data quality and implementation of learning mobility frameworks from the perspective of professional and online education.
The initiative is led by UPCEA and supported by the Strada Education Foundation.
Background
The initiative was developed in response to growing challenges surrounding the clarity and comparability of non‑degree credentials, especially for adult learners. Many higher education institutions struggle to accurately track and communicate credential value, and existing data systems are fragmented and inconsistent.
This work also addresses needs of the more than 41.9 million adults in the U.S. with some college but no credential. Many in this population need stackable, short-term, and industry-aligned educational options.
This work is aligned with UPCEA’s long-standing focus on credential innovation, adult and professional education, and helping over 400 member institutions better serve working and adult learners.
Partners & Funders
UPCEA (University Professional and Continuing Education Association) leads the project, offering infrastructure, research, and sector-wide leadership.
AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) partners with UPCEA to co-host sessions at the Convergence 2025 conference, helping institutional leaders align on credential data and learning mobility.
Strada Education Foundation provided a one-year incubator grant to support the initiative.
Resources
UPCEA. (2025, July 29). Synchronizing pathways: Advancing the national dialogue on credentials and learning mobility. https://upcea.edu/synchronizing-pathways-advancing-the-national-dialogue-on-credentials-and-learning-mobility/
