Joint Center Hosts Non-Degree Credentials Convening

In May, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies launched a Non-Degree Credentials Advisory Board to discuss how non-degree credentials can be effective pathways for Black workers. Collaborating with the board, we explored the characteristics of high-quality non-degree credentials, investigated the role of non-degree credentials in place-based industrial policies, identified new opportunities for research, and created principles to center equity in non-degree pathways.

To commemorate our work and share our insights, we hosted a hybrid convening on non-degree credentials. During the convening, we learned about the landscape of non-degree credentials and ways to center the experiences and needs of Black learners and workers. See our one-pager here.

This convening brings together advisory board members and other key stakeholders to discuss the importance of non-degree credentials and overview principles to center equity in non-degree pathways.

Remarks from: 

• Rep. Lucy McBath, Congresswoman for Georgia’s 6th congressional district, member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce
• Andrew Crowe, Founder, New American Manufacturing Renaissance at The Manufacturing Institute
• Mashonda Smith, Dean, Division of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning at University of the District of Columbia
• Ahjhir Jones, Student at Eastern Atlantic Carpentry Training
• Daniel Emdin, Student at Community College of Philadelphia
• Ira Thomas, Student at University of the District of Columbia
• Brittany Brady, Chief Executive Officer at National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity
• Lisa Cockeram, Senior Program Manager at Cook County Bureau of Economic Development
• Michelle Burris, Fellow at The Century Foundation
• Cortnie Squirewell, Innovation Team Director at Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins
• Nakeisha Ricks-Pettyjohn, Senior Fellow, Workforce Development at National Skills Coalition

Watch the convening below.