Our Approach

GenUS equips schools, districts, and communities to braid competency-based learning into traditional academics in ways that strengthen, not replace, core instruction. As a Resource Support Organization (RSO), GenUS provides professional development, implementation guides, strategy support, and philanthropic investment to ensure sustainable, system-wide improvement.

Our Competency to Credential Model creates a clear continuum for students: beginning with middle school Skill Builders, advancing to high school micro-credentials, and culminating in larger credentials backed by portable, verifiable digital badges. This approach allows every student to demonstrate, articulate, and be recognized for the competencies that matter most for their future.

Proven in Maine, piloting in Kansas, and grounded in 30 field-tested competencies refined through more than 100,000 student experiences, GenUS is shaping practice and policy so students everywhere can show what they know in ways that count. Rooted in collaboration and the belief that it takes all of us, GenUS helps create flexible, scalable systems that prepare young people to thrive in a rapidly changing, skills-based, AI-driven economy.

The GenUS Continuum

  • Competency to Credential Model

    Our Competency to Credential Model creates a structured continuum of learning that begins with middle school Skill Builders, aligns with the same competencies that drive micro-credentials, and stacks into larger credentials awarded as digital badges. At every stage, students submit evidence of learning that is reviewed against clear rubrics, helping them demonstrate mastery and develop the language to articulate their skills. These badges include embedded metadata, making student learning visible and trusted.

  • Skill Builders

    GenUS Skill Builders are short, focused learning experiences designed for middle school students to practice foundational skills such as accountability, communication, and digital safety. Each Skill Builder is aligned with the same competencies that drive high school micro-credentials, giving younger learners an accessible on-ramp into the continuum. Evidence of learning emphasizes reflection and application, helping students connect new skills to their own experiences. Skill Builders build confidence, motivation, and readiness for the next stage of the Competency to Credential Model.

  • Micro-credentials

    Micro-credentials are verified, competency-based achievements that students earn by demonstrating mastery of specific skills. To earn a micro-credential, students submit evidence of learning that is reviewed against clear rubrics, ensuring both rigor and recognition. Each micro-credential is awarded as a digital badge with embedded metadata that identifies the competencies demonstrated, defines the skills, and links to supporting evidence. Multiple micro-credentials can be stacked into a credential, such as Job & Career Ready, Financial Literacy, or Leadership Development.

  • Credentials

    Credentials represent the highest level of recognition in the GenUS continuum. By stacking multiple micro-credentials, students earn a credential such as Job & Career Ready, Financial Literacy, or Leadership Development. Each credential is awarded as a digital badge with embedded metadata that verifies the competencies demonstrated, includes supporting evidence, and makes student learning visible to colleges, employers, and communities. Credentials ensure students are recognized for the competencies that matter most for their future.

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