Micro-credentials give students a clear way to show what they know and can do, aligned with postsecondary and workforce expectations, and adaptable to the culture and strengths of their schools.

Micro-credentials are digital badges that provide verified, competency-based recognition of a student’s mastery of specific skills. Each one highlights a clear competency, such as teamwork, digital literacy, problem-solving, or financial literacy, and makes that learning visible beyond the classroom.

For high school students, Micro-credentials provide verified recognition of skills that are valued by colleges and employers. They create a portable portfolio of competencies, such as leadership, collaboration, or digital literacy, that gives clear evidence of what students know and can do in both educational and workforce settings.

For schools and districts, Micro-credentials align skill development with workforce and postsecondary expectations, helping students demonstrate career readiness while giving educators a flexible way to support learning within existing instruction. Employers, in turn, benefit from Micro-credentials as verifiable evidence of students’ competencies, providing clear insight into their capabilities and readiness for future roles.

“Earning Micro-credentials gives students tangible recognition of their skills while building the confidence that they can continue achieving at higher levels.”

Micro-credentials

  • Showcasing Student Skills

    Students gain a meaningful way to demonstrate verified skills and strengths through Micro-credentials. Each recognition is earned by submitting Evidence of Learning reviewed against clear rubrics, ensuring mastery is validated and portable. These credentials connect directly to postsecondary and workforce expectations, showing colleges, employers, and community partners what students know and can do.

    Whether in leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, or specialized competencies, Micro-credentials highlight student growth and make learning visible beyond the classroom. This recognition builds both confidence and language for students to describe their abilities in ways that matter for their future.

  • Strengthening Schools & Communities

    Schools gain a flexible way to integrate competency-based learning into existing instruction without overhauling curriculum. Educators can guide students to demonstrate defined competencies through Evidence of Learning reviewed against clear rubrics, ensuring mastery is validated and visible. This approach supports meaningful learning while allowing districts to fit Micro-credentials into local priorities.

    Graduates leave with verified skills aligned to postsecondary and workforce expectations, giving schools confidence that their students are prepared for what comes next.

  • Flexible Pathways to Success

    Micro-credentials reflect the unique culture and strengths of each school. Students earn verified recognition through digital badges with embedded metadata, making competencies portable and visible to colleges and employers. These recognitions build confidence and give students clarity about their readiness for education and careers.

    For districts, the Competency to Credential Model offers a scalable approach that aligns with learning standards, Maine’s Economic Strategic Development Plan, and national frameworks. Schools can adopt Micro-credentials at the pace that works for them while ensuring students gain the competencies most valued in postsecondary and workforce settings.

Explore Micro-credentials

We support schools, districts, and communities in creating meaningful pathways for students. If you’re exploring the Competency to Credential Model, interested in Micro-credentials, or simply looking to learn more, the GenUS team is here to connect.