Project

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY

2016 – 2019

Location

Pennsylvania

Practice Area

Evaluation

Service Area

Implementation Evaluation, Outcomes Evaluation, Cost Evaluation

EVALUATION OF MICRO-CREDENTIALS: OPPORTUNITY THROUGH STACKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Project Overview

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (the Department) was awarded a United State Department of Labor (USDOL) Workforce Innovation Fund (WIF) grant in 2015 to implement the “Micro-credentials: Opportunity Through Stackable Achievements” project. The project united seven community colleges and seven workforce development boards (partnerships) with the goal of creating bite-sized educational opportunities for students with barriers to education and employment. The idea of micro-credentials differs from traditional educational models where the degree (credential) is not received until a series of competencies are displayed via requisite courses. Micro-credentials are designed to allow students to earn credentials in a shorter timeframe, helping address the needs of the individuals to quickly gain skills and become employed. The Department contracted TPMA to conduct the robust evaluation required by USDOL.