Micro-credentials for Social Mobility in Rural Postsecondary Communities: A Landscape Report

This landscape report explores the impact of earning micro-credentials on the social mobility of rural learners. Through four in-depth case studies, we show how earning micro-credentials may lead to credential attainment, workforce entry, promotions, and/or economic improvements (e.g., salary increase, prioritizing learners impacted by poverty), particularly for Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations, as well as women. All of the initiatives emphasize the need for strong regional partnerships across educational sectors and deeper efforts to engage communities of color to lead to greater impact. Preliminary research indicates that micro-credentials can—and in some cases, do—lead to job promotions, higher wages, and an increase in self-confidence for rural learners.