CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission recently convened dozens of faculty and other leaders from colleges and universities for a second statewide summit focused on implementing microcredentials, which are short, targeted learning experiences focused on specific skills designed to be more flexible and accessible than traditional degrees. This initiative, known as Credential WV, aims to equip students with workforce-relevant skills through targeted, stackable credentials, designed to address the evolving demands of West Virginia’s labor market.
At the workshop, higher education leaders developed key strategies for embedding microcredential programs into existing academic courses, creating opportunities for students to build industry-recognized skills that will make them more competitive in the job market, and heard from national speakers who shared expertise on degrees that allow school and work to be compatible. Credential WV offers students a straightforward approach to career advancement, whether they are current students, adult learners, or members of the workforce looking to upskill.
“Microcredentials offer options for postsecondary education and training that meet the immediate needs of people looking to further their education in a shorter amount of time. Our institutions recognize that while many students need or desire a degree, others may want a shorter-term program with the option of completing a degree at a later time,” said Chris Rasmussen, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for Higher Education. “It’s great to see West Virginia colleges and universities aligning with local and regional workforce needs while creating lower-cost pathways for students.”
Next steps for the microcredentials initiative include visits by higher education staff and college/university personnel to the state’s seven workforce regions for conversations with employers about how best to align microcredentials with in-demand jobs and developing industries.
The recent summit, which was funded in part by the Lumina Foundation, was part of a phased rollout for Credential WV, with statewide implementation occurring over the next three years.
