Micro-credentials for Trent Community Members - Trent University

There are two reasons that you should be interested in Micro-credentials:

They provide an opportunity to develop skills and demonstrate them to employers and further educational institutions. They enable companies to develop their staff to meet the demands of their business. Micro-credentials provide an opportunity to demonstrate the learning and skills that student have, and that employers and further educational institutions are looking for. They are designed to be short and focused on specific topics to deliver the skills that the student needs in a timely manner.

https://www.trentu.ca/careerspace/micro-credentials/micro-credentials-trent-community-members

UA Little Rock Launches First Course in New Applied AI Certificate Program - Angelita Faller, UA Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is opening the door to the future of work with a new course designed to introduce students from all disciplines to the world of artificial intelligence. Students can enroll in the fall course, Foundations of AI (CPSI 23803), the first course in the upcoming Applied AI Certificate program offered through the Department of Computer Science in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The course requires no prerequisites and is open to students in all majors. “AI is transforming the modern workplace,” said Dr. Philip Huff, associate professor of cybersecurity and director of cybersecurity research. “This course gives students a broad, accessible way to explore how AI is used across industries and how they can apply it in their own future careers.” 

https://ualr.edu/news/2025/07/28/foundations-of-ai/

Online and Distance Education - UNC

At its core, and fundamental to its future, Carolina is “of the public, for the public.” Historically, distance and continuing education has been a foundational part of this mission, serving as the “Gateway to Carolina” for the community. Looking ahead, this service mindset drives UNC-Chapel Hill’s planning via its strategic plan, Carolina Next: Innovations for Public Good. Online and distance education look very different than they did even one year ago, but they are still ultimately about the students. We’re working to extend Carolina learning opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access, removing barriers to a great education. Along the way, we’re bringing the best of current standards and emerging trends to our online offerings.

https://www.unc.edu/academics/online-education/

Internships Pave Career Paths - Kelli Caplan, Chiristopher Newport U News

Captains have fanned out across the world, interning in a multitude of fields as they follow their passions, make connections, and build invaluable experience. Alyssia Jimenez ‘26 Criminology and Psychology, spent summer 2025 at crime scenes in Richmond, collecting evidence and learning forensics first hand. Aidan Wells, ‘27 History, worked on archaeological digs and paleontology projects in Yorktown and Williamsburg. And Hannah Dennis ‘ 26 Biochemistry, conducted research on global health in Costa Rica. While all of the students have different interests and career paths, they have in common the fact that their internships were powered by grants from CNU’s Center for Career Planning. The grants allowed them to immerse themselves in unpaid positions that have the ability to shape their career paths.

https://cnu.edu/news/2025/07/30-cnu-interns/

Monarchs in the Field: New Series Showcases Students Embracing Internships, Work-Based Learning Opportunities - Joy Vann, Old Dominion University

 Welcome to “Monarchs in the Field,” the first profile in a new series about outstanding Old Dominion University student-interns. In this feature, we’ll highlight students who are taking their education to the next level through work-based learning (WBL) that is shaping their future careers. They will tell us about how the internships are beneficial, the real-world challenges they face and tips on how to make the most of what the Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office has to offer. To kick off the series, ODU spoke with Eugenia Asigbee, a senior political science major with minors in philosophy and criminal justice, about her experiences at the University — and what she’s learned through her internships.  

https://www.odu.edu/article/monarchs-the-field-new-series-showcases-students-embracing-internships-work-based-learning

Interning with intention: Inside CWRU students’ summer internships - the Daily Case

This summer, Case Western Reserve University students are stepping far beyond the classroom—into hospitals and research labs, startups and advocacy organizations, engineering firms and art studios. What unites their experiences is not ambition, but intention. From designing solutions for healthcare access and sustainability to supporting children with developmental needs or shaping more inclusive public policy, these students are pursuing internships that reflect both their passions and their purpose. They are asking meaningful questions, embracing complexity, and learning to lead with both rigor and heart. 

https://thedaily.case.edu/interning-with-intention-inside-the-summers-of-cwru-student-internships/

More than a degree: How micro-stacked credentials give graduates the competitive edge - BizCommunity

These days, a qualification alone isn’t always enough. Employers are looking for graduates who are ready to contribute from day one with skills that match their workplace demands. This is especially true in South Africa, where youth unemployment remains critically high. As businesses race to digitise, they need talent that can hit the ground running. Micro-credentials have emerged as a solution that gives students the ability to build, stack, and showcase in-demand skills that stand out. Richfield has made this shift a core part of how the institution prepares its students for the future. “Richfield partners with some of the world’s most prestigious technology leaders. Our curriculum combines formal qualifications with embedded micro-credentials, coding bootcamps and hackathons. This approach equips students with both academic depth and practical, industry-relevant skills,” says Dr S, Executive Dean: Faculty of IT & Research at Richfield.

https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/more-than-a-degree-how-micro-stacked-credentials-give-graduates-the-competitive-edge-701252a

Pints of Business: A refreshing take on academic–industry exchange - Massey University News

Bringing together academic expertise and real-world insights over a pint or two, the inaugural Pints of Business event was held in Palmerston North last week. It was the first in a new series developed by Massey Business School in partnership with the Manawatū Business Chamber. Held at Brew Union on Wednesday 9 July, the evening event featured small-group discussions led by Massey academics in a round-table format. With participants drawn from a range of local industries, the goal was to spark candid, cross-sector conversations on some of the region’s most pressing economic challenges. Senior Lecturer Dr Wayne Macpherson, one of the academic contributors, said the informal setting helped break down barriers. “There was a real openness in the room — people felt comfortable sharing what was happening in their businesses and they were genuinely curious about what the research could offer.”

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/pints-of-business-a-refreshing-take-on-academicindustry-exchange/

States, nonprofits look to capture quality of non-degree credentials - Alcino Donadel, University Business

As states cash in on the potential of non-degree credentials to become a more significant engine for economic mobility, new frameworks are emerging to ensure these innovative programs pass muster. There are over one million credentials offered in the U.S., 60% of which come in the form of badges, licenses, certifications and apprenticeships, according to a 2024 report from Credential Engine. However, at least a third of today’s short-term credentials fail to offer earners any significant wage increase, per Lumina Foundation. “We now know that states are spending about five and a half billion dollars on short-term credentials and looking to spend more,” said Kermit Kaleba, strategy director for credentials of value at Lumina. “How do they know if the investments they’re making are leading to the kinds of labor market outcomes, job outcomes that they want? How do they know employers are finding the talent that they want?”

https://universitybusiness.com/states-nonprofits-look-to-capture-quality-of-non-degree-credentials/

Mapping the AI economy: Which regions are ready for the next technology leap - Mark Muro and Shriya Methkupally, Brookings

Artificial intelligence is transforming the U.S. economy, yet regional disparities in talent development, research capacity, and enterprise adoption are stark, and not yet fully understood.  AI activity remains highly concentrated, with the Bay Area alone accounting for 13% of all AI-related job postings.  However, the recent boom in generative AI and agentic systems is beginning to widen the geography of AI activity to a broader set of emerging metro areas. To fully harness the power of AI, the U.S. should combine supportive national strategy with “bottom–up” economic development by regions.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mapping-the-ai-economy-which-regions-are-ready-for-the-next-technology-leap/

Micro-credentials grow more popular in the U.S. and beyond - Alcino Donadel, University Business

Appetite for industry-aligned micro-credentials—among learners entering the workforce and employers seeking skilled candidates—is nearly universal, according to a new report from Coursera. The online academic program provider surveyed over 1,000 employers and learners, capturing perspectives across six regions and 10 countries. Globally, more than 90% of employers say that their employees with micro-credentials demonstrate higher proficiency in industry-relevant skills than those without and that the credentials are immediately applicable to job roles. Nearly all (95%) employees across North America agreed that employees with micro-credentials demonstrate higher proficiency in essential, industry-relevant skills.

https://universitybusiness.com/micro-credentials-grow-more-popular-in-the-u-s-and-beyond/

Free Online IT Courses for Students - Academia Mag

In today’s fast-paced digital world, Information Technology (IT) skills are in high demand. From cybersecurity to web development and data science, employers are constantly looking for individuals with a strong IT background. Fortunately, students no longer need to spend a fortune to gain these valuable skills. There are numerous free online IT courses for students that can help them build a solid foundation and even prepare for certification exams or careers in tech. So, whether you are a high school student considering a tech career or a college student wanting to enhance your resume, the following list of 10 free online IT courses for students will help you gain the expertise you need.

https://academiamag.com/student-guide/free-online-it-courses-for-students/

40% more sign-ups to programmes for adult learners at institutes of higher learning in last 5 years - the Straits Times

More adult learners have been signing up for programmes at institutes of higher learning (IHLs), driven by the introduction of bite-size stackable micro-credentials, which have made educational opportunities more accessible. Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary on July 12 said there has been a 40 per cent increase in the last five years. Speaking at SkillsFuture Festival × NUS 2025 held at the National University of Singapore, he said that in 2024, about 188,000 individuals enrolled in continuing education and training programmes that were supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SkillsFuture Singapore at the IHLs.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/40-more-sign-ups-to-programmes-for-adult-learners-at-institutes-of-higher-learning-in-last-5-years

Marshall and Mountwest partner to launch micro-pathways in healthcare and welding - Weirton Daily Times

Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College have partnered to introduce innovative micro-pathways in healthcare and welding, offering students fast, flexible and affordable routes to in-demand careers. Micro-pathways include stackable programs designed to equip learners with industry-specific skills, certifications and degrees. These programs are tailored for working professionals, recent graduates and career changers looking to upskill quickly and efficiently.“This partnership between Marshall and Mountwest is about meeting the evolving needs of the workforce,” said Julia Spears,  assistant provost for online education and certification at Marshall. “By offering micro-pathways in high-demand fields like health care and welding, we are providing learners with the skills they need to secure meaningful employment and advance their careers.”

https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/2025/07/marshall-and-mountwest-partner-to-launch-micro-pathways-in-healthcare-and-welding/

Microsoft Pledges $4B for AI Education, Teacher Training - Alex Halverson, The Seattle Times

Microsoft Elevate, which the company describes as a successor and expansion of the longtime Microsoft Philanthropies team, will devote resources to helping more than 20 million people earn AI credentials. The generative AI boom transitioned into agentic AI, artificial “agents” running through rote work and making decisions across the digital landscape on behalf of the user. Microsoft sees a lucrative future with agentic AI.

https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/microsoft-pledges-4b-for-ai-education-teacher-training

The Micro-Evaluator - Nuffic.nl

A tool for recognising micro-credentials for admission officers, credential evaluators, and anyone interested in the recognition of micro-credentials. Learn how to evaluate micro-credentials with this application. 

Flexible Approach

Recognizing micro-credentials often requires some flexibility of procedures. This app will guide you through the most significant recognition criteria for micro-credentials. You will be asked to answer the questions. Sometimes you might have to look up information online. If you can't find the right information, just answer with "no". You may not be able to answer "yes" to all the questions. With each step, keep in mind the purpose of recognition and consider which criteria are most important for that context. At the end, you will receive our advise on how to deal with the recognition of micro-credentials.

https://www.nuffic.nl/en/the-micro-evaluator

The surging demand for skills training in a rapidly changing global economy - ICEF Monitor

That scale of operations provides Coursera with an interesting perspective on global skills development trends, many of which are reflected in the recently released 2025 Global Skills Report. Among its key findings, the report highlights the importance of micro-credentials for building and maintaining an agile workforce. "By 2030, an estimated 92 million jobs will be displaced, while 170 million new ones will be created—a net gain of 78 million roles," says the report. "Eighty-five percent of employers say they need to upskill their workforce just to keep pace, and 70% plan to hire talent with new capabilities in areas like data science, cloud computing, and GenAI. This transformation means micro-credentials are more vital than ever for establishing skills and career readiness."

https://monitor.icef.com/2025/07/the-surging-demand-for-skills-training-in-a-rapidly-changing-global-economy/

Two new ABAC certificate programs set to launch this fall - Tifton Gazette

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has announced the launch of two fully online certificate programs beginning this fall.  The Certificate in Workplace Interpersonal Relationships and the Certificate in Fundamentals of Data Analytics will be offered through the University System of Georgia’s eMajor/eCampus, expanding access to essential, job-ready skills for students and working professionals, ABAC said in a press release.  “These new certificates reflect ABAC’s commitment to equipping students with the practical, in-demand skills needed to thrive in today’s job market,” said Dr. Matthew Anderson, dean of ABAC’s School of Social Sciences, Education, and Arts.

https://tiftongazette.com/2025/07/10/two-new-abac-certificate-programs-set-to-launch-this-fall/

Coursera’s 2025 report highlights AI-driven learning surge and vision 2030 alignment - Djoua, Qatar Tribune

Qatar is fast becoming a regional powerhouse in workforce development, securing the third spot in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in overall skills proficiency, according to the 2025 Global Skills Report by Coursera. The country’s rise underscores its strategic commitment to human capital development, a key pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030. This annual report, based on data from more than 170 million learners globally, measures how countries are equipping their citizens with the skills needed to succeed in the digital economy. Qatar’s ranking represents not just progress—but deliberate, data-driven transformation.

https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/184708/business/qatar-emerges-as-regional-leader-in-workforce-development

How one big step for American well-being lies in small credentials - Alcino Donadel, University Business

The U.S. higher education system could substantially increase the quality of life of the average American worker over the next decade by rewarding more credentials that align with middle-skills occupations, according to new research from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. The economic research and policy institute analyzed 107 occupations offering at least $55,000 in yearly earnings across five occupational groups: blue-collar work, healthcare, management and professional office, protective services and STEM. Middle-skills credentials, such as a non-degree certificate or associate’s degree, offer the most viable pathway for early-career workers without a bachelor’s degree to reach these yearly earnings or more, the report contends. 

https://universitybusiness.com/how-one-big-step-for-american-well-being-lies-in-small-credentials/

Revolutionize Your Skills with Modern Online Learning Solutions - Mary Miller, the Inscriber

In today’s fast-paced digital world, learning new skills is no longer tied to a classroom or a fixed schedule. Modern online learning solutions are transforming the way people grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re looking to change careers, upskill for a promotion, or simply expand your knowledge, digital platforms make it easier than ever to access high-quality education from anywhere. By leveraging the power of a well-structured elearning platform, individuals can enjoy flexible, affordable, and tailored learning experiences that meet their specific needs and goals.

https://theinscribermag.com/revolutionize-your-skills-with-modern-online-learning-solutions/