HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs)
We feel strongly that the way forward for a more equitable future for all is the visibility and validation of skills. For historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) enhancing skills literacy and credentials-for-work will empower learners and improve work outcomes
Competency-based Education
HBCUs find that learners are starting with differing levels of foundational knowledge. Competency-based education (CBE) is a useful model in this context. Assessment of baseline skills and knowledge is key to personalizing the learning experience and helping them achieve their education goals.
Credentials-for-work
Establishing partnerships with industry-recognized certification programs will provide students with the opportunity to earn credentials alongside their academic degrees. This encourages students to pursue certifications in areas that complement their chosen field and enhance employability.
Skills recognition
HBCUs that offer education focusing on skills literacy – covering areas such as communication, critical thinking, digital literacy, and technical skills relevant to the students’ fields of study – help boost employability. Speedy recognition of these skills eases the transition from education to work and can be awarded throughout the learning journey – improving employability during studies, providing milestone incentives to continue their studies, and providing credentials for students who don’t complete the full degree.
Skills-aligned curriculum
Integrating practical skill development into the curriculum, aligning coursework with industry demands and incorporating project-based assignments and real-world case studies that provide hands-on experience are key to long-term employment outcomes. It’s why creating a skills aligned curriculum now will enable HBCUs to bring workplace relevance to education outcomes.
Increase the confidence of your learners
For learners, higher confidence has been correlated to greater success during the interview process and key skills gained in education correlated to higher incomes and greater success in employment.
According to our research, only 33% of university graduates feel confident identifying and speaking to their skills. But after receiving a Personal Evidence Record, our efficacy research found that 76% of learners increased their confidence in expressing their skills.
Showcase learner achievements
Artifacts that showcase learners’ projects, achievements, and skills help them differentiate themselves from other candidates. Credentialate’s Personal Evidence Record can include videos, documents, images, links and feedback or endorsements, creating a holistic view of the learner that features their achievements broadly and deeply to help set them apart.
Lifelong learning
Fostering a culture of lifelong learning by offering opportunities to return for upskilling and reskilling reinforces the importance of staying current in the rapidly evolving job market. With digital credentials that can be stacked over time, learners can return to further education throughout their career and manage their credentials in a lifelong skills wallet.