Connecticut Selected for Initiative to Assist in Granting Nondegree Workforce Credentials

Connecticut is one of 12 states chosen for a new program to help people obtain nondegree credentials.

Lumina Foundation’s FutureReady States program helps adults consider alternatives to traditional degree programs like professional certifications, licenses, and apprenticeships which can be stacked or become degrees. Reports show Connecticut spent $70 million on such of programs in 2024.

Kristen Fox, CEO of the Business Higher Education Forum, said the program has several focuses to boost workforce readiness through short-term credentials.

"How we define and design credentials of value that are accessible and affordable, are ensuring we are serving all learners and workers in the state of Connecticut, and we are not leaving any of our talent behind," Fox outlined.

The new program is being launched as the federal budget mega-bill expands Pell Grants to cover short-term credential programs. Most Pell grants max out around $7,400 but the workforce grants would be less since they are based on the number of credits, weeks, or hours a program offers.

Feedback on the program has been positive from state partners as the program is in its earliest stages. It is uncertain if the effort can stem the tide of workforce shortages across multiple sectors of Connecticut’s economy.

Carrie Samson, director of the Solutions Lab for the Business Higher Education Forum, is ready to meet any challenges arising from the program.

"I think one of the things that we’ll be thinking about is ways to harness existing efforts," Samson emphasized. "How to find common definitions, common ground, and ensure that we are navigating those changing landscapes."

The FutureReady States program is phase one of a larger Lumina Foundation investment to ensure 75% of adults in the nation’s labor force have college degrees or other credentials of value. The investment plan is trying to achieve economic prosperity by 2040.

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This story written and reported by Edwin J. Viera of the Connecticut News Service, a statewide news service for Connecticut. Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation. The President and CEO of Lumina Foundation is Jamie Merisotis, a native of Manchester, CT.