UMGC advances skills‑based pathways at national summit
Why digital credentials matter
A team of University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) leaders joined educators, employers, and innovators from across the country at the 1EdTech Digital Credentials Summit in Philadelphia last week. The three‑day event brought together hundreds of organizations to examine how skills‑based learning and digital credentials can better prepare today’s workforce.
As the pace of change intensifies in the modern workforce, learners are approaching education differently. Digital credentials and stackable micro‑credentials offer flexible ways for them to build résumé‑ready skills and show employers exactly what they can do. They also help workforce partners identify individuals with the specific, job‑relevant competencies they are seeking, and do so with greater confidence.
Insights from UMGC leaders and partners
During the summit, UMGC Registrar and Associate Vice President Insiya Bream and Director of Learning Solutions Sonja Strahl, EdD, each led panel discussions. Emily Ferguson, JD, Assistant Vice President of Client Relationship Management, served as a panelist in a session on building collaborative workforce pathways, where she was joined by representatives from UMGC partner organizations including the Community College of Philadelphia, Armstrong World Industries, and Guild.
“We discussed key aspects of building workforce relevant programs including employer input, learner and industry aligned credentials, and stackable pathways,” Ferguson said. “We’re all working toward the same goal of providing the best experience for our learners to meet evolving workforce needs.”
UMGC Chief Partnerships Officer Chris Motz, JD, added, “Engaging employers and partners in the work of building credentials is essential to building the workforce of the future. UMGC was proud to bring several of our partners into a conversation about how we are incorporating skills into building meaningful pathways.”