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ERIC Number: ED660612
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 35
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Catalyzing Career Success through Sub-Degree Credentials: Lessons from the Industry Corps Program at Wentworth Institute of Technology
Brian McGahie
Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
In the United States, education-to-career pathways are undergoing a rapid evolution Shortages of skilled workers in many industries have prompted renewed attention to strengthening existing education-to-career pathways, as well as innovating new ones. At the same time, the notion that bachelor's degree programs should serve as the default pathway for all students has come into question. Employers and students increasingly prioritize skill development over degree attainment, and the skyrocketing cost of college has motivated many students to seek alternate pathways. As a result, there has been a sharp rise in efforts to fortify education-to-career pathways through investment and innovation in postsecondary career and technical education (CTE)--an umbrella term for programs that blend education with workforce preparation to equip postsecondary students with technical knowledge and often at least one industry-recognized credential, such as a certification, license, or degree. Postsecondary CTE programs prepare students to meet workforce needs and achieve personal career success. This report explores the state of sub-degree credentialing programs in the United States, highlighting effective practices and pitfalls of these programs. It then provides a case study of the Industry Corps model, exploring best practices related to access, student support, and career preparation, describing the ways in which Industry Corps addresses common challenges faced in traditional sub-degree credentialing programs. The report concludes with lessons learned from Wentworth's pilot of Industry Corps, offering important takeaways for higher education institutions seeking to develop or improve innovative credentialing programs.
Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy. 114 State Street, Boston, MA 02109. Tel: 617-354-0002; e-mail: info@renniecenter.org; Web site: http://www.renniecenter.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts (Boston)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A