Five Principles Introduced to Aid Black Non-Degree Learners
TL/DR –
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has published an issue brief outlining five principles to support Black workers and learners in non-degree credential programs, aiming to expand economic mobility in emerging high-growth industries. The brief highlights that while these programs can provide opportunities for Black workers and learners, there are racial disparities in program access, credential quality, employer recognition, and data transparency that can potentially replicate existing inequities. The document suggests five principles for strengthening these programs: advancing employer investments in training and credentialing, addressing learner needs and financial realities, fostering successful workforce development collaborations, navigating data challenges and accountability, and implementing race-conscious strategies in a challenging climate.
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A Joint Center Brief Explores Ways to Propel Black Workers and Learners Through Non-Degree Credential Pathways
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has recently released an issue brief titled, “Five Principles to Support Black Workers and Learners in Pathways to Non-Degree Credentials”. This brief suggests methods by which non-degree credential programs such as certificates, professional licenses, apprenticeships, and industry certifications can assist in creating equitable ways for Black workers and learners to achieve economic mobility. This approach is relevant especially as federal investments are redefining high-growth industries like technology, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
With the accelerated growth of these industries due to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, employers and training providers have started to rely more on non-degree credentials to build a competent workforce. However, there are enduring racial disparities in aspects like program access, data transparency, employer recognition, and credential quality that could end up furthering inequities instead of expanding opportunities.
Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie, the Senior Policy Analyst at the Joint Center and co-author of the report, asserts, “Non-degree credentials can serve as strong engines of economic mobility for Black workers and learners, but only when they are intentionally designed to support them. Without clear quality standards, transparent data, and consistent employer engagement, too many learners risk investing time and money into programs that do not lead to good jobs. These principles offer a foundation for developing pathways that truly connect Black workers to growing industries.”
The Joint Center formed a Non-Degree Credentials Advisory Board comprising workforce leaders, researchers, practitioners, and students to understand how non-degree credentials can provide significant economic benefits for Black workers and learners. Feedback from the board shed light on the hurdles which disproportionately impact Black workers and learners and emphasized the importance of quality standards, employer partnerships, data transparency, and holistic support. With insights from the board and relevant research, the brief outlines five principles to enhance credential programs and to meet the needs of Black workers and learners:
- Advancing employer investments in training and credentialing;
- Addressing learner needs and financial realities;
- Fostering successful workforce development collaborations;
- Navigating data challenges and accountability; and
- Implementing race-conscious strategies in a challenging climate.
Joint Center Workforce Policy Director Dr. Kayla Elliott, another co-author of the brief, emphasized, “Black workers continue to encounter systemic barriers in accessing high-quality training programs that lead to well-paying jobs. Even as industries shift toward skills-based hiring, Black learners are often tracked into lower-wage pathways or given limited information about program value. These disparities hinder economic mobility and widen the racial wealth divide. Centering equity in the design of credential pathways is essential to ensuring Black workers and learners can fully benefit from emerging opportunities.”
This brief is a part of the Joint Center’s series on Centering Black Workers in Emerging Industries, which focuses on how Black communities can gain access and succeed in high-growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology. The brief was co-authored by Dr. Elliott, Dr. Smith Finnie, and former Joint Center Senior Policy Analyst Justin Nalley.
If you wish to learn more or read the brief, click here.
About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, known as America’s Black think tank, is focused on creating persuasive and actionable policy solutions that strive to wipe out the persistent and evolving obstacles that hinder the full freedom of Black people in America. The Joint Center is a trusted platform for leading scholars and experts to participate in major public policy debates and advance ideas that benefit Black communities. The Joint Center utilizes evidence-based research, strategic communications, analysis, and convenings to support Black communities and a network of allies.
Source: Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
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