$5,000 Bachelor’s Degree Pathway – StraighterLine & University of the People
Extended Pathways
Miami Dade College Registered Apprenticeship Program – Florida
ChatGPT Study Mode
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) – Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Synchronizing Pathways: Expanding Institutional Capacity for Improving Credential Data Quality and Learning Mobility- UPCEA
CollegeAPP
CARA (College Access: Research & Action)
Toolkit: Unlocking the Power of Peers – CARA (College Access: Research & Action)
Career & Technical Education (CTE): Building Talent Pipelines
Framework for Advancing Equitable Credit for Prior Learning – REACH Guidebook Series
Innovations in Higher Education: Preparing for the Future of Learning & Work
Colorado Skills Institute (CSI) – Colorado Community College System
Digital Employee Experience (DEX)
Gated Content | Gated Information
FutureReady States— Lumina Foundation
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
Credential Value Index (CVI) – Burning Glass Institute
Transfer Agreement Credit Alignment Model (TACAM) – AcademyOne & Credential Engine
Partnership to Expand the Use of Competency-based Education in the Automotive Sector – C-BEN & International Advanced Vehicle Technology Education and Credentialing Coalition (AVTECC)
Trade Schools
CompetentU – Competency-Based Education Network (C‑BEN)
AI Academy & Futures Skills Board – General Assembly
The Learner Information Framework (LIF)
Governor Executive Orders in the Learn-And-Work Ecosystem
Report: 8 Reasons Why Skills Training Is Key To Economic Prosperity: The Empirical Case For Investments In Workforce Development — National Skills Coalition
Two-Generation Approach (2Gen Approach)
Education and Learning for Longer Lives: Building a National Vision for Human Capital Development and Shared Prosperity – Stanford Center on Longevity & Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences
Apprenti Registered Apprenticeship Program
The Role of Workforce Boards in the Learn-and-Work Ecosystem
Community Vibrancy Framework — Achieving the Dream (ATD)
Research Report: “Governors Reshaping Workforce Development: Turning WIOA Challenges into Workforce Solutions”– Project on Workforce & National Governors Association
Union of Skills – European Commission
Career Passport—California
Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP)- Southern New Hampshire University
Supporting Adult Learners and Boosting Degree Completion in Tennessee + Tennessee Reconnect
Project Infuse: Democratizing Access to Digital Credentials – AACRAO
Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance (CWA)
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Credit for Prior Learning Policies: A Database of Findings from the ACE-CAEL 50-State Analysis
AI Transfer and Articulation Infrastructure Network (ATAIN)
Micro-credentials Portal – eCampusOntario (Canada)
The Rise of Mega-Universities
Credential WV
European Association of Distance Teaching Universities – EADTU
SkillStorm
SkillsAware (Australia)
Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU)
Some College, No Degree — New Jersey Re-enrollment Initiative
Scaling Learner Opportunity and Economic Growth Across Arkansas – Education Design Lab
Digital Libraries in the Learn-and-Work Ecosystem
Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program (Military)
Global Learner Pathway, Pathways Model, & Cross-Border Partnership in Nursing — Alamo Colleges District
College Unbound (CU)
Indiana Partnership with Credential Engine
Overview The Indiana Partnership with Credential Engine is a statewide initiative to enhance credential transparency and accessibility for learners, employers, and educators. The initiative is driven by the Indiana Commission […]
FutureFit AI / FutureFit
Climb Together
Research: Rising Talent – WGU Labs
PHI
Skills-Based Practices: An Employer Journey Map – Maturity Diagnostic & Readiness Assessment – Jobs for the Future
CredLens
Single Moms Success Design Challenge – Education Design Lab & ECMC
Occupational Mobility Explorer – Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia & Cleveland
EBSCO Information Services
Managing Self-Sovereign Learning and Employment Records through LER.me – EBSCOed
University Efforts to Serve Working Learners – Georgia Institute of Technology & Western Governors University
Research: 2024 Higher Education Trend Watch – EDUCAUSE
New Classrooms Innovation Partners Inc
New Math Pathways for Adult Learners – Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) & New Classrooms
College Credit for Industry-Recognized Credentials – State of Ohio
Overview College Credit for Industry-Recognized Credentials is a key transfer initiative in Ohio and part of Ohio Transfer Promise initiative. Through the Industry Recognized Credential Transfer Assurance Guides (ITAGs), individuals […]
Experience You – Education Design Lab & T3 Innovation Network
Overview Launched in January 2023 by the Education Design Lab (the Lab) and the T3 Innovation Network, the Experience You initiative explores how new technologies can convert massive amounts of […]
Project Kitty Hawk – North Carolina
Overview The 2021 North Carolina General Assembly allocated $97 million to start Project Kitty Hawk, a nonprofit ed-tech startup focused on producing a diverse, globally competitive workforce, fostering scholarly research, […]
Empower Community and Technical Colleges in Regional Innovation Ecosystems – New America / NSF
Overview In September 2024, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the nonpartisan think and action tank New America announced a strategic initiative to turbocharge the capacity, effectiveness, and impact […]
Accelerated Learning Program Models
Leveraging AI for Skills Extraction & Research (LAiSER) – George Washington University
Overview In 2023, the Program on Skills, Credentials & Workforce Policy at the George Washington University launched a project to help learners, educators, and employers share trusted and mutually intelligible […]
Skills-First Hiring for State Government-California
Overview California is one of 21 states that has adopted skills-first hiring practices for state government positions. This approach means that college degrees and job histories are no longer being used […]
Build Better Careers Initiative – CAEL
Overview In July 2024, the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) launched a 3-year workforce development initiative with support from Truist Foundation’s Where it Starts Initiative. CAEL is creating pathways to […]
Cybersecurity Bootcamp – Wake Technical Community College (North Carolina)
Overview On July 1, 2024, Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh, North Carolina) entered into a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a cybersecurity bootcamp. The bootcamp […]
Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher Program (PaCT) Program – Idaho State University
Overview Since 2022, the Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher (PaCT) Program at Idaho State University’s College of Education has been addressing teacher shortages and retention through a “grow your own” strategy […]
National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC)
Overview In August 2024, the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC) announced receipt of a $2.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE). Consortium implementation […]
Year Up
State of Alabama Workforce Development -Talent Triad
GetEducated.com
Learner Variability / Learner Variability Frameworks & Tools
Learner Variability Navigator – Digital Promise
Overview In 2018, Digital Promise created the Learner Variability Navigator. The Navigator is an interactive tool (also referred to as a platform) that provides research-based strategies and resources tailored to key factors […]
Innovations in Credentialing – Western Governors University
Overview Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, non-profit online university based in Millcreek, Utah. WGU uses an online competency-based learning model and focuses on providing advanced education for working […]
Ithaka S+R
Support Student Success through Holistic Credit Mobility Policies, Practices, & Technologies – Ithaka S+R & Complete College America
Overview In July 2024, Ithaka S+R and Complete College America announced a partnership to support student success through student success through holistic credit mobility policies, practices, and technologies. The project’s […]
Free College / Free Community College / Promise Programs
HBCU Adult Learner Initiative (ALI)
Overview In fall 2021, Lumina Foundation awarded a $2 million grant to the HBCU Adult Learner Initiative (ALI) to identify and eliminate various barriers blocking adult students from the education […]
Reach University Apprenticeship-based Degrees
Overview Reach University is a nonprofit university that focuses on K-12 teacher preparation and administrative credentials for school leaders. Credentials are acquired through an apprenticeship model. The mission of […]
Minnesota State System
New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities
Overview In December 2021, New Jersey’s community colleges and the New Jersey Business and Industry Association launched the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities—Aligning Education to Build an Innovative Workforce. […]
Credit Transfer: Credit by Exam, College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP), Course Review/Recommendations
Graduate/Professional Education in the Learn-and-Work Ecosystem
Center on Education & Labor — New America
The Center on Education & Labor is a part of New America, a nonprofit think and action tank, that develops policies, platforms, products, and new practices to advance equity and […]
Postsecondary State Network — Jobs for the Future
The Postsecondary State Network, also known as the Postsecondary Network (PSN), was convened twice annually by Jobs For the Future (JFF) from 2012 through 2019. The Network includes the 16-state […]
Center for Skills by C-BEN – Competency-Based Education Network
Overview In April 2024, the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) launched the Center for Skills by C-BEN (CFS x C-BEN). Supported by a $1.5 million grant from Walmart, the Center will […]
NOVA Workforce and Professional Development
NOVA Workforce and Professional Development is an initiative of Northern Virginia Community College. The initiative provides continuing education, professional training programs, and pathways to in-demand career fields. The initiative offers […]
The Power of Systems Initiative – NASH
Overview The National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) manages a number of projects within its Power of Systems initiative launched in December 2021, and expanded in spring 2024. NASH […]
Postsecondary Education in Prisons
Texas Policy on Community College Finance – Performance Funding (HB 8)
Overview House Bill 8 was passed unanimously in the Texas Senate and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbot in June 2023. HB 8 calls for strengthening community colleges by establishing a […]
Indiana Model Credit for Prior Learning Policy Guidance
Overview In March 2024, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education launched the Indiana Model Credit for Prior Learning Policy Guidance, a first-time statewide policy guidance for credit for prior learning. […]
Florida Ready to Work – Assessments & Courseware
Overview Florida Ready to Work is a career readiness training and credentialing program established in 2020 by Chapter 445 Section 06 – 2020 Florida Statutes – The Florida Senate: Florida Ready […]
Reentry 2030
Overview Reentry 2030 is a nationwide initiative launched in April 2022 to scale reentry success for people transitioning from incarceration to their communities. The initiative calls on leaders across the […]
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Essential Education
Guide: The 6 Anchors of Student Retention – Proven Strategies for Long-Term Student Success & Engagement in Adult Education
Overview Essential Education in partnership with the Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE) examined six adult education retention-impacting factors to produce The 6 Anchors of Student Retention – Proven Strategies […]
The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE)
Access in Prison Initiative – JSTOR
Overview The JSTOR digital library enables incarcerated people to access scholarly materials and texts online in more than 1,000 U.S. prisons across all 50 U.S. states. Learners use JSTOR resources […]
The Great Admissions Redesign – Lumina Foundation
Overview The Great Admissions Redesign is a grant-funded initiative of Lumina Foundation that responds to the evolving landscape of college admissions. In February 2024, Lumina announced the winners of its […]
Noncredit Research Collaborative
Overview Researchers from four universities (University of Michigan, University of California-Irvine, University of North Carolina – Charlotte, and Rutgers University) are partnering in the Noncredit Research Collaborative launched in early […]
Digital-Reskilling at Universities (D-Reskill Project)
Overview The D-RESKILL@U Project, coordinated by Sorbonne Université, focuses on providing European higher education institutions with guidelines for online lifelong learning offers at the post-bachelors level for the reskilling or […]
Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE) — AAC&U
Overview The Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE) initiative is the signature approach to learning assessment from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). Recognizing the need […]
Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP)
TrustEd Microcredential Coalition — 1EdTech Consortium
Overview The 1EdTech Consortium established the TrustEd Microcredential Coalition to help realize the potential benefits of microcredentials for learners, educators, and employers. Founding members of the coalition include senior representatives from: […]
Expand Acceptance of Digital Records and Credentials Initiative
Overview The Scaling Digital Credentials with Community College Systems to Empower Underserved Adult Learners project was a collaborative effort to enhance access to education and employment opportunities for underserved adult […]
ReUp Education
CCA Accelerator – Complete College America
Overview In August 2023, Complete College America, a national non-profit organization focused on raising postsecondary attainment in the U.S., announced selection of 11 state partners to join the national Complete […]
Employer Tuition Assistance Program / Employee Tuition Reimbursement – Finance
WIOA Workforce Programs
Overview The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. The Act is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and […]
Student Financial Aid Models – Finance
California Reconnect
Overview A 3-year initiative launched in Spring 2023, the California Reconnect Program is a collaborative effort from the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), InsideTrack, and Project Attain. California Reconnect […]
GradPLUS loans / Finance Option
ColoradoFWD – Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC)
Overview A project of the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC), funded by SkillsFWD and announced December 2023, this initiative will leverage learning and employment records (LERs) to address urgent talent […]
Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio (WDBCO) / ASPYR
Accelerate Montana
Adult Learner Centered and Equity Framework (ALCEF) in a SNAP Network — Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
Overview All states maintain federally funded SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs that provide assistance to job seekers, including upskilling and reskilling resources (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP). In […]
Coursera Inc.
ADVANCE Integrated Education and Training (IET)
Overview The ADVANCE IET (Integrated Education & Training) project (2022–2025) is being conducted by the American Institutes for Research in partnership with World Education, Inc. and funded by the U.S. […]
Inaugural Equity Toolkit for Community Colleges – Achieving the Dream
Overview Achieving the Dream developed a toolkit as a comprehensive guide and framework for operationalizing equitable policies and practices at community colleges to help increase student outcomes and eliminate equity […]
Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation – UPCEA
Overview Developed by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), the Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation are a collection of best practices and aspirational goals that can help […]
Degrees When Due (DWD) – Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP)
Overview Degrees When Due (DWD) was an initiative launched in 2018 by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) to help more than 200 participating institutions across more than 20 […]
Credit When It’s Due (CWID) – Reverse Transfer
Overview The Credit When It’s Due (CWID) initiative was a multi-foundation funded (6 foundations), multi-state (16 states) initiative aimed at increasing associate degree conferral for transfer students who meet associate […]
Building Capacity, Expanding Pathways: Accelerating the Growth of Credential Innovation in Higher Education – UPCEA
Overview In August 2023, UPCEA received a one-year grant from Walmart to accelerate the growth of credential innovation in higher education. The project is founded in the recognition that non-degree […]
OpenStax (Open Educational Resources) – Rice University
Overview OpenStax is a nonprofit educational technology initiative based at Rice University. The aim of OpenStax is to improve educational access and learning by high school and college learners, by: […]
Skills Compass Platform – CAEL
Overview The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a national, nonprofit membership organization working to improve education-to-career pathways for adult learners. CAEL’s services to organizations include providing expertise, […]
Improving Economic Mobility for Adult Learners Initiative – Achieving the Dream & Jobs for the Future
Overview Achieving the Dream (ATD) and Jobs for the Future (JFF) are leading the Improving Economic Mobility for Adult Learners Initiative which launched in June 2023 and runs through December […]
Skills-based Incremental Credentialing
Incremental credentials, frequently known as microcredentials, are an evolving concept in postsecondary education and training. Less comprehensive than a degree, they represent the attainment of a specific competency or set […]
Accelerate ED
Overview Accelerate ED focuses on building stronger, smoother, and accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers. The initiative is coordinated by the Education Strategy Group (ESG) and supported […]
Aspire Ability
Adult Learners
Adult learners are known by a variety of names: nontraditional students, adult students, returning adults, adult returners, mature learners, comebackers. Common characteristics: usually 25 or older; delayed entering college for […]
Year to Career Through Micro-Pathways – Colorado Community College System
Overview The Arapahoe Community College Consortium (Colorado) launched Year to Career Through Micro-Pathways (Year to Career) in February 2033. The initiative is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant […]
The State of Digital Credentials 2022 Guide & 2024 State of Credentialing Report (Accredible)
Overview Accredible issued The State of Digital Credentials 2022 Guide in August 2022, and the 2024 State of Credentialing Report in July 2024. The Guide explores the landscape of digital […]
Pathways to Credentials – CTE Technical Assistance (US Department of Education)
Overview The Pathways to Credentials Technical Assistance Cohort, supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE), recognized that the stackable credentials approach can […]
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
National College Transition Network (NCTN ) – World Education
Career Optimism Index- University of Phoenix
Overview In March 2022, the University of Phoenix launched the University of Phoenix Career Institute, a research center within its College of Doctoral Studies. The institute conducts research, shares insights to […]
Education Exchange
Adult Learning & Literacy Network (ALL IN)
Overview The Adult Literacy and Learning Impact Network (ALL IN) is a collective impact initiative that was formed in 2022 to address America’s adult literacy and learning issues: About 43 […]
AARP Foundation
Rand Corporation
Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA)
Ed2Work
Education Strategy Group (ESG)
Complete College America
Workforce Training Partnerships, Good Jobs Challenge, US Department of Commerce
Overview In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded grant awards to 32 industry-led workforce training partnerships across the U.S. as part of the $500 million Good Jobs Challenge […]
Office of Career, Technical & Adult Education, OCTAE
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)
Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
UPCEA
UPCEA, formerly the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, is a nonprofit membership organization in the field of higher education, focused on advancing professional, continuing, and online education. Founded in […]
Southeast Michigan Community Alliance
Western Governors University (WGU)
Walmart Foundation / Walmart
Collaborative Community Advancing Digital Learning (DLAC)
Guild
CVS Health
Goodwill
Trusted Learner Network (TLN) — Arizona State University
Velocity Network Foundation
SAP Training & Adoption
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN)
US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Desire 2 Learn (D2L)
Credit Pathways, Noncredit-to-Credit Articulation
Goodwill Career Centers
Certification
Competency-Based Education (CBE)
Alternative Credentials
Adult Learners: Second-chance Options, Accelerated Options
SNHU 2025
Overview Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has developed a new mode of learning focused on stackable digital credentials and the alignment between jobs, skills, prior experience, and learning: SNHU 2025. […]
North Dakota Digital Credential Publishing Application – State of North Dakota
Overview North Dakota is the first state to develop a digital credential publishing application for high school transcripts as a verifiable credential. It allows high school graduates to present their […]
Micro-Pathway Design Initiative — Alamo Colleges District
Overview The Micro-Pathway Design Initiative at the Alamo Colleges District (Texas) invites college faculty and staff to form design teams and draft learning pathways composed of credentials that stack toward […]
Skillful – Markle Foundation, Rework America Alliance, Jobs for the Future
Overview Skillful, a nonprofit initiative of the Markle Foundation, works to develop resources to accelerate the adoption of skills-based practices to reduce bias in hiring and talent management and open […]
Employability Skills Bundle Project — Alamo Colleges District
Overview The Employability Skills Bundle project at the Alamo Colleges District (Texas) offers a suite of marketable skills micro-courses leading to digital badges used for job-market entrants and current workers […]
T-Profile Builder (Education Design Lab)
Overview The nonprofit Education Design Lab designs, tests, and implements higher education models that address the rapidly changing economy and emerging technology opportunities. The Lab demonstrates where technology, rigor, and […]
Credential As You Go
Overview The Credential As You Go initiative focuses on building an incremental credentialing system, recognizing the value in many types of quality credentials, including degrees, certificates, industry certifications, licenses, badges, […]
Learning in Public — College Unbound
Overview Many forms of learning traditionally go unseen by colleges. College Unbound’s Learning in Public (LIP) identifies, reflects on, and credits learning that takes place outside a college course. College […]
Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas
Overview The Kansas Board of Regents, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Commerce, has implemented Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas (AO-K) to transform the delivery system for adult education in the […]
Racial Equity for Adult Credentials In Higher Education (REACH) Collaborative
Overview The Racial Equity for Adult Credentials in Higher Education (REACH) Collaborative is a national initiative of Lumina Foundation. It focuses on creating pathways designed for Black, Hispanic, and Native […]
Unmudl Skills-to-Jobs Marketplace
Overview The Unmudl Skills-to-JobsTM Marketplace connects learners with new or better jobs, college and continuing education credits, and credentials—from certificates to certifications and degrees. Unmudl.com was released publicly in November […]