PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Oct. 2, 2026) – When Prairie View A&M University students walk across the stage at commencement, they will leave with more than a degree. They will have verified proof of career-ready skills.
Through its new Micro-Credentialing Initiative, PVAMU is helping students build portfolios of industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate workforce-aligned competencies in areas such as data analytics, project management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, leadership and more.
With support from a $300,000 Strada Education Foundation grant and in partnership with Coursera, the initiative is based on a fundamental principle: students should graduate prepared not only to land a job but also to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce and be positioned to pursue higher earning potential.
The initiative emerges from the University’s recognition of the need to enhance students’ employability rate and starting salaries.
John P. Gardner
“A micro-credential is a digital badge that shows you’ve learned and demonstrated a specific job-related skill,” said John P. Gardner, associate vice president for Student Success and principal investigator on the grant. “Students can strategically stack micro-credentials toward industry-recognized professional certificates that validate competencies aligned with workforce needs. These credentials provide employers with tangible evidence that students possess the practical, career-ready skills required to contribute and succeed in today’s evolving workplace.”
Students can showcase completed credentials through verified digital badges on résumés, job applications and professional platforms, such as LinkedIn, providing an additional way to stand out in a competitive job market.
“The job market is changing quickly, and employers are increasingly looking for graduates who can demonstrate specific, job-ready skills in addition to earning a degree,” Gardner said. “This initiative gives our students an opportunity to build those skills while they are still in college.”
The program offers two pathways for students. Some credentials will be embedded directly into academic courses, allowing students to earn them as part of their degree programs. Others will be available through the Department of Career Services, where career coaches can help students pursue credentials aligned with their professional interests and goals.
The effort is already gaining momentum across campus. What began as a faculty pilot in the Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences in 2025 has grown into a university-wide initiative.
This past summer, 55 faculty members from 27 academic departments gathered for the first Micro-Credentials Faculty Summer Institute, working together to connect classroom learning with industry-relevant skills and experiences. Additionally, during this academic year, PVAMU faculty, alumni, and staff will have access to Coursera-powered credentials to support career growth and lifelong learning in high-demand fields.
For Gardner, the initiative is more than earning another badge or certificate.
“This initiative provides PVAMU graduates with a strong technical foundation while cultivating the confidence, leadership capabilities and real-world experience necessary to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions in the workplace,” he said. “My goal is for students to feel ready to tackle complex challenges, adjust to evolving industries and make a significant impact in their communities.”
Looking ahead, Gardner envisions a future in which students across every discipline can earn industry-relevant credentials as part of their academic journeys.
“Ultimately, success would be reflected in more students participating in experiential learning opportunities, an increased number of students starting their career upon graduation and an increase in initial salaries,” Gardner said.
Visit pvamu.edu/student-success/microcredentials to learn more.
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