CARA (College Access: Research & Action)
Toolkit: Unlocking the Power of Peers – CARA (College Access: Research & Action)
AI Recruiting
Academic advising
Academic advising is the collaborative process by which students engage with a member of their institution (professor, mentor, or advisor) to receive direction or advice on academic or personal decisions. […]
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
Micro-credentials Portal – eCampusOntario (Canada)
Credential WV
SkillStorm
Scaling Manufacturing and Renewables Training in Iowa (SMART Iowa)
SkillsAware (Australia)
A Community College’s Guide to Building Strong Partnerships – Education Design Lab
Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU)
Some College, No Degree — New Jersey Re-enrollment Initiative
Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program (Military)
Global Learner Pathway, Pathways Model, & Cross-Border Partnership in Nursing — Alamo Colleges District
Career Connected Campus Designation for Higher Education Institutions – Colorado
Transformers in the Public Sector – Opportunity@Work
Prior Learning Network– American Council on Education
Research: Rising Talent – WGU Labs
Single Moms Success Design Challenge – Education Design Lab & ECMC
Upward Mobility Initiative – Urban Institute
Overview In September 2024, Urban Institute published the Upward Mobility Data Dashboard which is an outcome of the Upward Mobility Initiative. The initiative addresses the need for communities throughout the […]
Carnegie Math Pathways at WestEd
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
ASA Center for Career Navigation at JFF
Overview In July 2024, Jobs for the Future (JFF) with support from a multi-year $25 million grant from American Student Assistance, announced it will create the ASA Center for Career […]
Fast-Track Industry-recognized Credentials in Manufacturing (Georgia Association of Manufacturers / Technical College System of Georgia)
Overview The Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) is collaborating with the Technical College System of Georgia to quickly prepare workers for good manufacturing jobs. Over the last year, GAM worked with […]
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 […]
Study Hall: Arizona State University, YouTube, and Crash Course Partnership
Overview Arizona State University (ASU), YouTube, and Crash Course (educational video company) partner in an initiative to: Reduce key barriers to a college education (cost, accessibility) Provide personalized, flexible pathways […]
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 […]
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 […]
Work Forces Podcasts
Overview Work Forces is a bi-weekly podcast created in 2023 by J. Alssid Associates with a goal to revolutionize thinking about the future of work and learning. The podcasts engage […]
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
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. […]
Skills-Based Talent Ecosystem – ETS & SHRM
Overview In June 2024, ETS and SHRM announced their initiative to develop a Skills-Based Talent Ecosystem. The initiative focuses on three talent-specific elements that are important to addressing the future of […]
Credentials Futures Coalition (CFC)
Overview In July 2022, four founding members established the Credential Futures Coalition (CFC) — AACRAO, 1EdTech, C-BEN, and UPCEA. The Coalition is composed of non-profit stakeholders working to develop a scalable, resilient, […]
European Battery Alliance / European Battery Alliance Academy (Industry Sector Initiative)
Overview Launched by the European Commission in 2017, the European Battery Alliance (EBA) was created to enable Europe to compete globally in an industry sector critical to the green and […]
Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship Program – Tennessee
Overview In 2022, the Tennessee Department of Education announced a new way to develop K-12 teacher pipelines through an apprenticeship model and was the first state to be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to establish a […]
Transfer & Credit Mobility Technology
Student Success Center Network — Jobs for the Future
The Student Success Center Network (SSCN) initiative began in 2012 and is managed by the Jobs for the Future (JFF) organization. SSCN collaborates with approximately half of all public community […]
Training Older, Lower-Income Adults in Digital Skills for Economic Security – AARP Foundation/ Older Adults Technology Services
Overview In 2022, Google.org (Google’s philanthropy) awarded a $10 million grant to AARP Foundation to support free technology trainings to people with low-income, age 50+, focusing especially on women and […]
BACK TO WORK 50+ – AARP
Overview AARP Foundation launched BACK TO WORK 50+ in 2016 to provide unemployed older workers with tools and coaching resources to help them compete for high quality in-demand jobs. A […]
First-year Success
Tools & Regulations Impacting College Selection Processes – U.S. Department of Education
Overview The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) provides a suite of consumer tools such as the College Financing Plan (formerly known as the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet), the College Scorecard, and the […]
Bridging the Gap: A State Leader’s Guide to Implementing Summer Bridge Programs (Education Strategy Group)
Overview In March 2024, Education Strategy Group published A State Leader’s Guide to Implementing Summer Bridge Programs with support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Guide provides insights […]
Young Adult Talent Development Network
The Young Adult Talent Development (YATD) Network is an initiative of the Jobs for the Future (JFF) organization, designed to provide information and research to help communities establish talent development […]
Resource Community for Higher Education in Prison (RCHEP) — Alliance for Higher Education in Prison
Overview Developed by the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, the Resource Community for Higher Education in Prison (RCHEP) offers an interactive platform where practitioners, students, graduates, advocates, administrators, and […]
CASA Latina: Online Bilingual Program – Davenport University
Overview In March 2024, Davenport University (Grand Rapids, Michigan) launched Casa Latina, an initiative that leads to career-oriented bilingual undergraduate and graduate degrees and professional proficiency in English and Spanish. […]
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 […]
LER Accelerator
Overview The LER Accelerator was launched in 2024 with support from Walmart. The effort is boosting the adoption of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) in postsecondary education by focusing on […]
Second Chance Business Coalition (Employment/Advancement for People with Criminal Records)
Overview Second chance programs provide employment opportunities to individuals with a criminal record, supporting their reentry into the workforce, upward mobility once employed, and improving equity in employment. Business Roundtable […]
Playbook: Learner Supports (Credential As You Go)
Overview Credential As You Go is an initiative working with many partners toward a nationally recognized transferable incremental credentialing system that increases the number of high-quality, post-high school credentials that […]
Playbook: Providing Access to All Learners (Credential As You Go)
Overview Credential As You Go is an initiative working with many partners toward a nationally recognized transferable incremental credentialing system that increases the number of high-quality, post-high school credentials that […]
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 […]
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. […]
Career Development Incentive Program (CDIP) – State of Colorado
Overview Colorado’s Career Development Incentive Program (also known as the Career Development Success Program) provides financial incentives for school districts and charter schools that encourage high school students in grades […]
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 […]
Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – Accountability & Implementation Board
Overview In February 2021, the state of Maryland created the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB). The goal of the cross-agency Board was to develop a comprehensive implementation plan for the Blueprint […]
Career Connected High School Grant Program
Overview In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Career Connected High School Grant program. The $25 million program is providing grants to consortia of local educational agencies […]
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: […]
Wraparound Learner (Student) Support Services
A term used to describe a package of services found in the research literature to support learner success. Tutoring, counseling, childcare, transportation and other non-instructional services can help learners at […]
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 […]
Research Survey: State Priorities for Higher Education in 2023 – State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)
Overview The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) conducted a survey of “State Priorities for Higher Education in 2023.” SHEEO provided an initial list of issues based on common […]
Bendable (Lifelong Learning Platform) – Bendable Labs & Drucker Institute
Overview Bendable is a community-powered learning marketplace. It operates a lifelong learning platform that was established initially in 2020 to allow residents of all ages and backgrounds in South Bend, […]
Scaling Up College Completion Efforts for Student Success (SUCCESS) – MDRC
Overview Scaling Up College Completion Efforts for Student Success (SUCCESS) is an initiative launched in 2019 by MDRC. This work seeks to improve graduation rates for traditionally underserved students at […]
National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS)
Overview The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS), located at the University of North Georgia, is a national organization that focuses on transfer student success. NISTS operates […]
National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS)
OneTen
Overview The OneTen Network aims to close the opportunity gap for Black talent in America. The Network is composed of a coalition of leaders working together to cultivate economic opportunities […]
Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success – ED
Overview In November 2022, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success, a Biden-Harris Administration initiative to increase and expand access to high-quality training programs to […]
CTE Leadership Collaborative
Overview The CTE Leadership Collaborative launched in 2018 by ECMC Foundation to bring together diverse perspectives and equip postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) leaders with the tools, resources and skills […]
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
Overview The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a private nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)] that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and […]
Every Learner Everywhere
Overview Every Learner Everywhere was launched in 2017 with the support of a grant from the Gates Foundation to create a network of partner organizations with expertise in evaluating, implementing, […]
Guild
Academic Advising
AACRAO Alternative Credentials Initiative / Report
Overview AACRAO’s initiative for alternative credentials highlights opportunities and challenges for higher education and empowers registrars as key stakeholders in this conversation. The report (AACRAO alternative credentials workgroup report, 2022) […]
Propel Polk! Credentialing 21st Century Skills for Postsecondary Success
Overview Propel Polk! Credentialing 21st Century Skills for Postsecondary Success is a pilot program to teach durable skills to 11th and 12th graders in the Polk County (Florida) School District. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Course+Badge Initiative
Overview The Course+Badge Initiative of the Alamo Colleges District in Texas is training faculty to embed marketable skills badges into credit-bearing courses. The project directly serves students who receive skills […]
Just Equations
Overview Just Equations is an independent partnership focused on reconceptualizing the role of mathematics in ensuring educational equity. It works across educational sectors to build awareness and support for policies […]
Noncredit and Credit Alignment Lab (NCAL)
Overview The Noncredit and Credit Alignment Lab (NCAL) launched in August 2021 to support 14 community college governance units (systems, districts, or colleges) to develop new or improved pathways between […]
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 […]
Apprenticeship Accelerator Initiative
Overview The Business Roundtable leads the Apprenticeship Accelerator initiative. The initiative helps companies develop and/or scale their registered apprenticeship programs to expand opportunities to workers who lack a four-year college […]