THE midterm review of the Postgraduate Micro-Credentials for Food Security and Climate Change (PMC-FSCC) project started on Wednesday.The PMC-FSCC project is aimed at generating inputs to develop modular, flexible, and stackable micro-credential programs. Funded by the European Commission's Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program, the review was set for April 23 to 24, 2025, at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Friday, January 30, 2026
A Meta manager explains how she thinks about hiring: curiosity and constant learning matter more than a degree - Business Insider
Meta manager Cindy Tan says earning a college degree is just the bare minimum for landing a tech job. Instead, Tan says it's the micro-credentials you earn from bite-sized courses that will impress employers. "I'm not saying that we should all not do our degrees anymore. But I think there's more to it, whether that's your social experiences or being more entrepreneurial," Tan said in an interview with Business Insider last month. Tan, 47, joined Meta in 2021 and is a managing director overseeing the social media giant's clients in Asia Pacific.
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Wharton Online Launches Entrepreneurship Certificate
Wharton Online today announced the launch of its new Entrepreneurship Certificate, a fully online, self-paced credential designed to help professionals cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, identify high-potential opportunities, and execute ideas that create real-world impact. Built around a clear three-stage learning journey – Inspiration, Identification, and Implementation – the certificate brings together Wharton faculty research and practical frameworks to demystify entrepreneurship and make it accessible to a broad range of learners. Participants may enroll in individual courses or complete all three to earn the Entrepreneurship Certificate. “Entrepreneurship is not limited to founding a startup,” said Lori Rosenkopf, vice dean of entrepreneurship at the Wharton School and academic director of the program. “It is about creating value through innovation, whether you are building something new, leading change inside an organization, acquiring and growing an existing business, or pursuing a mission-driven venture. This certificate meets learners where they are and gives them evidence-based tools to move forward with confidence.”
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Up to 25 percent of U.S. colleges may close soon, Brandeis president warns - The College Fix, University Business
Higher education is approaching a period of profound disruption, and many colleges may not survive, Arthur Levine, the newly appointed president of Brandeis University, said during a recent event. Levine estimated that between 20 and 25 percent of colleges will close in the coming years, while community colleges and regional universities move increasingly online. He made these remarks during a recent American Enterprise Institute event titled “Tackling Higher Education’s Challenges: A Conversation with Frederick M. Hess and Brandeis University President Arthur Levine.”
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
AI's Impact on Future Education - Jensen Huang, YouTube
In this video, the future of education is described as a fundamental platform shift where traditional universities must evolve or risk becoming obsolete. Huang argues that because the cost of intelligence is dropping, institutions can no longer rely on their old business model of bundling knowledge, networking, and credentials [02:09]. AI is transforming learning from a slow, expensive "knowledge distribution" process into an "intelligence factory" that is adaptive, personalized, and available 24/7 [02:42]. This shift moves the educational barrier from a student's ability to "do" a task to their ability to know "what" to do and why it matters, prioritizing judgment and curiosity over rote memorization [01:32]. As AI becomes a "force multiplier," the traditional four-year degree is being challenged by a model of continuous, project-based learning. Instead of "front-loading" education before starting a career, learners will use AI as a life-long thought partner to maintain "learning velocity" in an exponentially changing world [17:10]. The universities that survive will move away from being content providers and instead become "crucibles" for high-stakes practice, ethics, and character building—areas where human mentorship and social proof remain irreplaceable [08:19]. Ultimately, the video suggests that the rarest and most valuable skills in the AI era are not information retrieval, but "taste," "direction," and the courage to frame and solve complex, real-world problems [24:04]. (Gemini 3 assisted with summary)
Monday, January 26, 2026
ILO promotes micro-learning to drive jobs and skills development - Ecofin Agency
The International Labor Organization (ILO) says lifelong learning must evolve toward more flexible and inclusive formats to keep pace with rapid changes in labor markets. Among the solutions identified, micro-learning has emerged as a strategic lever to develop targeted skills that can be mobilized quickly, according to ILO analyses published in 2024 and 2025. Micro-learning is based on very short training modules, usually completed in less than ten minutes. The content is designed to be accessible at any time, mainly through smartphones and tablets, allowing learners to fit training into busy schedules.
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Aotearoa New Zealand: Growing veterinary student numbers spark nationwide call for externship partners - Massey News
In 2023, admissions to Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science increased by 25 per cent, lifting the total intake cap to 175 students (125 domestic students and 50 international students). The change follows an increase in the number of places available for domestic students set by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and reflects the urgent need to strengthen the veterinary workforce across the country. Entry to the Bachelor of Veterinary Science is consistently oversubscribed and takes place via a competitive selection process. For nearly 20 years, Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science has worked alongside contracted veterinary clinics nationwide, partnering to deliver externships which provide structured, hands-on clinical placements that form a core part of the degree. These placements allow final-year students to apply their learning in real-world settings, working alongside experienced professionals in commercial environments.
Saturday, January 24, 2026
The Army wants soldiers to travel less for training, do more in virtual reality - Patty Nieberg, Task & Purpose
Soldiers will travel less for training and do more virtually, Army leaders said Tuesday. The Army is planning to have soldiers “train differently” with more remote learning and other more innovative courses that use augmented reality and virtual reality, called AR and VR, respectively. The programs would work in lieu of having soldiers travel to schoolhouses and training centers across the United States, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said at a virtual town hall at Fort Drum, New York. The Army’s goal is to cut down on temporary duty assignments, TDY, or short-term moves where soldiers leave their permanent duty station for training that can last from several days to months. Instead, the Army wants them to do courses and trainings “at your local home station,” George said at the town hall, which covered topics affecting soldiers, from quality of life to training.
Friday, January 23, 2026
MOOC Market Trends 2025: AI, Micro-Credentials, and Workforce Upskilling - Open PR
The global MOOC market is witnessing strong double-digit growth, fueled by digital transformation, remote work, and the rising need for continuous skill development.
Market Size: Multi-billion-dollar global industry
Forecast Period: 2025-2032
Expected CAGR: ~39.20%
The post-pandemic shift toward online and hybrid learning models has permanently changed how individuals and organizations view education, making MOOCs a long-term growth engine.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Microcredentials Explosion Is Imminent And What It All Means - Neil Wolstenholme, FE News
A very significant structural shift in British education since the expansion of universities in the 1990s is imminent. While the headlines focus on tuition fees or teacher retention, a more profound revolution is taking place – one that challenges the very monopoly of the three-year degree The imminent explosion of microcredentials is a policy inevitability. With the rollout of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement in 2025, the UK Government will effectively decouple funding from the “full degree,” allowing learners to borrow money for individual modules and short courses. This legislative change is the spark that will ignite the powder keg. For the first time, the “atomisation” of education – that is breaking learning down into stackable, verifiable blocks – will have the financial backing of the State.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The “Micro-Credential” Boom: Why Degrees Are Losing to Certificates in 2026 - Srabanti Das, Editorialge
In 2026, the “Paper Ceiling” has not just cracked—it has shattered. With tuition for a four-year degree hitting record highs while the half-life of a technical skill shrinks to just 2.5 years, the math no longer favors the university. This analysis explores why a $300 certificate is currently outperforming a $100,000 diploma in the ROI economy.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Rethinking the community college’s role in the new economy - University Business
Community colleges have historically served as engines of regional economic development, drawing on strong community integration to translate labor market needs into accessible education. However, rapid technological change and the decline of entry-level jobs now require a recalibration of this mission. Instead, the contemporary economy requires strategic partnerships focused on co-designed curricula and long-term worker adaptability. The central question has shifted from whether colleges contribute to growth, to whether they can lead with the strategic vision needed in a labor market transformed by automation and rapid occupational change. Meeting this challenge requires an expanded economic development role—one that goes beyond training transactions toward shared-value partnerships, entrepreneurship ecosystem development and active technology diffusion.
https://universitybusiness.com/opinion-rethinking-the-community-colleges-role-in-the-new-economy/
Monday, January 19, 2026
Howard Updates AI Curriculum to Align With Workforce - Government Technology
Howard University is redesigning its Intro to Artificial Intelligence course, teaching the fundamentals of AI-assisted software development that are proving necessary for entry-level roles. The course introduces AI directly into instruction through hands-on, industry-aligned training, according to a news release Tuesday. Developed in partnership with CodePath, the course draws on curriculum originally designed by the industry-aligned education nonprofit and is co-taught by Howard faculty alongside an instructor from CodePath’s faculty network. CodePath shapes its courses around employer needs, which its surveys indicate are internship experience, technical interview performance, and side projects or portfolios
https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/howard-updates-ai-curriculum-to-align-with-workforce
Sunday, January 18, 2026
The US wants more apprenticeships. The UK figured out how to make them coveted roles - Kelly Field, Hechinger Report
Most students here and in the United States wouldn’t get access to expensive equipment like this until graduate school. Goshawk — a 21-year-old undergraduate student and one of 149 “degree apprentices” employed by AstraZeneca across the U.K. — started using them his second week in. “It shows the trust we’ve been given,” said Goshawk, who is working nearly full time while studying toward a degree in chemical science at Manchester Metropolitan University that his employer is paying for. By the time he graduates next spring, he will have earned roughly 100,000 pounds (approximately $130,000) in wages, on top of the tuition-free education.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Jump Into A Fitness Career With These Online Certificate Programs - Ahsan Washington, Black Enterprise
Entering the fitness industry no longer requires physical travel to the traditional educational setting or classrooms. The rise of digital learning has created accessible online personal-training certification programs, which serve as popular entry points into the growing fitness industry. Online certification offers the perfect opportunity to enter the fitness industry, with its flexible nature and cost-effective approach, meeting the rising need for professionals who deliver online or hybrid fitness services. The CPT programs enable individuals to work as entrepreneurs or become employed in fitness centers and institutions.
Friday, January 16, 2026
The Rise Of Micro-Credentials In The Skilled Trades - Kristin Bigda, Facility Executive
Many factors contribute to the increase in competition for skilled work in a strained job market, from the rise of artificial intelligence to trade workers foregoing college before starting their careers. As a result, trade professionals are looking for ways to stand out in a crowded room of candidates. One of the ways they’re doing this? Micro-credentials. Micro‑credentials, short and focused certifications that verify hyper-specific skills and knowledge, are emerging as effective ways to expand the repertoire of trade workers, enabling them to build credibility, diversify their skillsets, and step into more advanced roles. While micro-credentials benefit all types of trade works, micro-credentials offer three primary advantages for facility management teams: speed, relevance, and recognition.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Cornell Cooperative Extension: Farm Disaster Preparation online Certificate Training - Wellsville Sun
Two ZOOM classes are required for certification, from Allegany County Cornell Cooperative Extenstion. The Farm Disaster Preparation program will help farm owners plan for and manage possible disasters. This program focuses on practical pre-disaster education and preparedness regarding farm equipment safety on the road, fire or structure collapse, storm and wind damage, criminal activity, farm chemical risks, and biosecurity. Farms that complete the training will receive a certificate to provide to their insurer and may be eligible for a credit or discount toward the farm’s annual insurance premium. The value of the credit or discount will vary according to individual policies and policyholder circumstances but can be up to a 10 percent discount.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A closer look at workforce development initiatives that prepare and inspire the next-gen workforce - Karen Haywood Queen, Advanced Manufacturing
The skills gap is across multiple generations of workers, observes Dora Smith, senior director, global academic and startup strategy, at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “The accelerated pace of technological change means the traditional knowledge and skills taught even a few years ago are outdated,” Smith says. “We’re seeing a widening digital-skills gap that needs immediate attention. We must move beyond one-stop training and foster a culture of lifelong learning to ensure the workforce can adapt, innovate and thrive in this dynamic environment.”
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Summer Internships: A ‘Powerful Bridge’ between Classroom and Career - Andrew J. Concatelli, Trinity College
Trinity College students have spent the summer gaining professional experience and developing industry-related skills through intensive internships. This summer, the College’s Career and Life Design Center worked with about 130 students across all majors to secure co-curricular credit and funding for experiences around the globe. Dozens more found their own internships as they explored their passions and potential career paths. The internships covered a wide variety of fields, including healthcare, sports, banking and finance, scientific research, entertainment, nonprofits, design and architecture, and government and law.
Monday, January 12, 2026
College Students Can Now Apply for Summer Internships in NC State Government Agencies - Julia Hegele, DOA NC
Beginning today, college students can apply for summer internship opportunities with North Carolina state government agencies. Administered by the NC Department of Administration’s Division for Women and Youth, the annual competitive program offers 10-week, paid internships for college students interested in careers in state government. “As a former intern with the North Carolina Department of Justice, I know firsthand how much summer interns get to grow as they learn about the impact public service has on our communities,” said Governor Josh Stein. “No matter which department or division our interns support, they help our government make positive change.”
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Virginia Looks to Plug Brain Drain With More Internships - Ashley Mowreader, Inside Higher Ed
The state of Virginia promised all undergraduate students a meaningful internship experience and partnered with Handshake to elevate opportunities. Internships can be a meaningful step in a college student’s career development. That’s why the commonwealth of Virginia is working to guarantee that undergraduates have a fair shot at paid experiential learning. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership announced a new collaboration today with the job board Handshake as part of the state’s effort to train and retain local talent through internship opportunities. Virginia has committed to giving all undergraduate students at least one form of meaningful work-based learning before graduation, said Megan Healy, senior vice president of talent and workforce strategy at VEDP. Overseen by the Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership, this work-based learning could include experiential learning or a paid internship.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Take the first step toward an extraordinary career - Abbott
Looking to make a difference in advancing human health? Early career opportunities at Abbott include internships, our co-op program and apprenticeships. Open up your career pathways and your future. Every year we host hundreds of interns from the world’s leading universities for paid summer internships in functions that include engineering, science, finance, information technology and marketing.
Friday, January 9, 2026
How micro-credentials and hybrid models powered India’s future workforce - Education Times
Micro-credentials that complement formal degrees are becoming essential academic currency. By 2026, these certifications, linked with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), will serve as the backbone of the gig economy. The national mission to upskill 500 million individuals is a long-term commitment. Current trends at NIIT University show a 25% rise in enrolment from tier-II and tier-III cities, driven by professionals who recognise that the ability of 'learning to learn' is the most critical skill for the current decade.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
5 Education Trends to Look Forward to in 2026 From AI literacy to micro-credentials, education is entering a new phase. - Anindita Acharya, Millenniumpost
Digital badges are becoming an increasingly popular way to showcase skills and learning achievements. They give students and professionals the chance to demonstrate practical competencies beyond traditional degrees, highlights Prof Jaiswal. “Earned through courses, workshops, or conferences, these badges can be shared on platforms like LinkedIn, helping learners gain recognition and visibility across the globe,” he said. Other Big Changes Coming to Education in 2026 * Entrepreneurship, innovation, and patent-driven research will continue to accelerate * Relationship between industry and academia will change towards shared ownership instead of occasional involvement * Growth of dual and multiple degree programmes.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
New ‘FutureReady States’ initiative will promote short-term credential programs in North Carolina, other states - Ben Humphries, EdNC
Lumina Foundation announced on Thursday a new initiative called “FutureReady States” with the goal of increasing access to education and credential training that “pays off in the labor market.” Lumina — a private foundation based in Indianapolis — and partner organizations will do that by offering states technical assistance and policy guidance, according to a press release. In 12 states, including North Carolina, Lumina will make investments “to improve credential quality and learning outcomes,” the release said. National Skills Coalition, one of five intermediary organizations, will work with the foundation in North Carolina. The other states included in the initiative are Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
CSUF Is First Public University in OC to Offer School Social Work Credential - Cal State Fullerton
Capp said CSUF is the only public university in Orange County to offer the Master of Social Work program and school social work credential program. “If MSW students want to work in schools as school social workers, they need this credential,” said Capp, whose research focuses on schools and supporting the mental health of K-12 students and staff. “CSUF is providing an affordable pathway for our students.” School social workers are trained to identify and provide intervention strategies for children and their families, including counseling, case management and crisis intervention.
Monday, January 5, 2026
Mississippi wants more citizens to earn a college degree or obtain industry credentials - Jeremy Pittari, Magnolia Tribune
Mississippi has a goal of more of its citizens being trained in an industry recognized credential or obtaining a college degree, an effort referred to as Ascent to 55%. Jennifer Rogers, Director of State Student Financial Aid at the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, told lawmakers last week at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Universities and Colleges Committee about a potential program that could help the state reach that goal. Currently, Mississippi is at roughly 48.7 percent. Jean Massey, Executive Director of the Mississippi Economic Council for Ascent to 55%, said during her presentation that the national average is 54.9 percent.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
RISE OF MICROCREDENTIALS - Press-Reader, India
It wouldn’t be incorrect if we say that 2025 has been a hallmark year where micro-credentials emerged as a vital tool to bridge skill gap, and boost employability. However, these courses also raised questions on authenticity and quality. Dr Ashwini Kumar Sharma, Pro- Vice Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University, mentioned nearly 96 per cent of employers around the world think that microcredentials enhance job applications, and close to 90 per cent of students view them as essential to better job prospects, as per an AACRAO survey. Prof Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director, IIT Kanpur, believes the rapid proliferation of short-term certificates.
https://www.pressreader.com/india/millennium-post-kolkata/20251225/282175067471355
Saturday, January 3, 2026
SIM Unlocks Career Agility Through Micro-Credentials - Taiwan News
Micro credentials are short, focused courses designed to equip professionals with in demand skills quickly. Unlike full degree programs, they enable learners to upskill or reskill without disrupting their careers. For industries shaped by rapid technological change such as digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and sustainability, these credentials are becoming essential for staying relevant. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, 39% of workers' core skills will change by 2030, and 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling to meet evolving demands. This shift, driven by automation, AI, and sustainability imperatives, makes continuous learning a necessity rather than an option.
Friday, January 2, 2026
The Skills Revolution: Why 63% of Americans Say Four-Year Degrees Aren't Worth the Debt - Chris John, University Herald
Something fundamental has shifted in American attitudes toward higher education. In a startling reversal, 63% of registered voters now believe a four-year college degree isn't worth the cost, according to recent NBC News polling—a dramatic increase from just 47% in 2017 and 40% in 2013. The numbers tell a story of eroding confidence. Only 33% now agree that a degree is worth the cost, down from 53% just over a decade ago. Even more telling: this sentiment isn't confined to those without degrees. College graduates themselves have flipped, with only 46% now saying obtaining a degree is worth the cost versus 63% in 2013. "The cost overwhelms the value," explained Jacob Kennedy, a 28-year-old Detroit resident with a two-year degree who now works in the service industry. "You go to school with all that student debt—the jobs you get out of college don't pay that debt, so you have to go find something else that can pay that debt."
Thursday, January 1, 2026
How two new rules are reshaping career education - Dana Godek, University Business
The new gainful employment and financial value transparency rules fundamentally change the way the federal government decides which college programs deserve access to federal financial aid. Instead of assuming that anything offered by a college has inherent value, the government is now asking a more pointed question: Does this program actually improve a student’s economic future compared to what they could earn with a high school diploma or a short-term workforce certificate? Under these rules, colleges must show evidence that their graduates earn more than typical high school graduates and more than those completing equivalent certificates that are often available through high school CTE, workforce boards or industry credentialing bodies. Programs that cannot demonstrate this “value add” are now at risk of losing eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans and work-study.
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