Micro-credentials offer a potentially attractive pathway for developing marketable skills because they give employers a clear indication of an individual’s specific competencies. In the same way that iTunes has given people the option of buying specific songs instead of an entire album, micro-credentials allow people to gain competencies for a specific career path at a low cost, and to earn those competencies as needed instead of earning them as part of an entire degree program. Nevertheless, little is known about whether micro-credentials can be effectively integrated into education and training systems to improve people’s employment outcomes.

On June 29 from 3:00–4:30 p.m., a panel of experts, including Roy Swift, Chair of the Credential Engine Certification and Licensure Advisory Group, and Holly Zanville, Senior Advisor for Credentialing and Workforce Development at Lumina Foundation, will discuss the rapid growth of micro-credentials as an alternative or enhancement to traditional college degrees, certificates, and certifications. This event will be held at Mathematica’s Washington, DC, office and via live webinar.