CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission recently convened dozens of faculty and other leaders from colleges and universities across the state to chart the course for implementing microcredentials, which are short, targeted learning experiences focused on specific skills designed to be more flexible and accessible than traditional degrees. This new 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 Oct. 9-11 summit, 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. Credential WV will offer students a straightforward approach to career advancement, whether they are current students, adult learners, or members of the workforce looking to upskill.
“Implementing microcredentials statewide can directly impact the lives of our students by meeting them where they are and preparing them for where they want to go,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “Imagine the working adult who can only take a few courses at a time, the recent high school graduate who wants to build a portfolio of skills quickly, or the mid-career worker who needs to reskill for a new job opportunity. With microcredentials, we can give these individuals practical, career-relevant tools they can apply immediately – whether they’re looking to advance in their current roles or pivot to new industries.”
At the summit, representatives from the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Blenko Glass Co. and West Virginia Workforce Development provided insights from industry, while higher education officials from Colorado and Ohio shared best practices and lessons learned when developing their microcredential programs. National experts from the Lumina Foundation, the Higher Learning Commission, Gallop, Astrum U and Anthology also participated.
The summit, which was funded in part by the Lumina Foundation, marks the beginning of a phased rollout for Credential WV, with statewide implementation occurring the next three years.
