Upskilling Through Non-Degree Credentials
Educational Equity
Washington University in St. Louis is embarking on a research project aiming to understand the impact of short-term credentials on various aspects of individuals’ lives, such as increased earnings and employment opportunities, while also exploring the transferability of non-degree credentials across employers and geographic contexts. In doing so, this project will provide novel insights for individuals, education institutions, and communities seeking to meet local labor market demands.
While there is a substantial amount of research out there on two- and four-year degree programs, we know very little about the return on investment for short-term credential programs. Findings from this project will serve as a vital step toward demonstrating the transformative potential of short-term credentials in improving social mobility and advancing racial equity for adults working in various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, education, and healthcare.
Through big data and advanced machine-learning techniques, the research team will merge multiple years of individual-level data from Equifax and the National Student Clearinghouse across eight metropolitan regions to rigorously examine the effects of short-term credentials on social mobility and racial equity, with a particular focus on Black, Hispanic and Latino workers. By analyzing the data and experiences of participants, the research team will uncover valuable insights that will contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and programs aimed at closing the racial wealth gap and fostering economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Funding Partner: Lumina Foundation
Investigators
