During this week’s lecture, I really homed in on the concept of micro-credentials because it’s in line with what I do in my 9-5.

Our education and job landscape is rapidly changing. I’ve been privy to the stresses many of my students had in attaining a stable and meaningful career in Silicon Valley. While I continue to stress the importance of higher education, I also must recognize my privilege in sharing that with my students. To put it simply, most of them cannot afford to dedicate 4-5 years in higher education because of various concerns such as time, finances, child care, and other reasons. Yet these students are driven to get the education they want for their lives; they’re seeking alternative pathways and looking at building their skillset through micro-credentials and certifications. Corporations are constantly looking for talent and it is in the communities they are directly located in. It’s a matter of truly tapping into that local talent that may not necessarily have the traditional degree,  but has the skillsets a corporate company needs.

Earning micro-credentials and certifications is becoming a more popular alternative than the traditional four year college degree. Workforce Development Programs like Year Up United provides students with the business and technical skills needed to not only get placed in an internship but to also thrive in the corporate sector. Students also have the opportunity to earn various certifications tailored to their specific learning track (Project Management, Information Technology, and Data Analytics). Certificates include mastery in agile methodologies such as Scrum or advanced technology certifications such as CompTIA.

Beyond training programs like Year Up United, the libraries have the opportunity to support alternative pathways to education and career advancement by providing access to learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning (as is the case in Silicon Valley), Udemy, Pluralsight, and Coursera. Additionally libraries can partner with education and career pathways programs, to continue to break barriers and close opportunity gaps.

As the education landscape is being reshaped as we speak, it’s crucial that we start to embrace diverse and alternative pathways to success. Skills based learning through micro-credentials and certifications offers provides more inclusive opportunity to the whole community. It offers folks the flexibility and affordability to gain the education they are seeking for career readiness.

It’s also a good reminder that the traditional college route isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay!  What’s important is that we continue to create environment where pathways to success are not only accepted but are also highly valued.