Marshall Skills Exchange is dedicated to providing flexible, targeted microcredentials that equip learners with in-demand skills for immediate application in the evolving job market. We aim to make skill acquisition accessible and practical, allowing individuals to enhance their professional capabilities efficiently.
- Community Health Worker
- Digital Evidence Collection Learning Path (coming soon)
- 3D Printing and Laser Engraving Workshops at MAMC
Marshall Online expanded its collaboration with Coalfield Development through the successful launch of Durable Skills microcredentials at the organization’s “Council Day” event. This initiative introduced the first learner cohort to a suite of soft skills courses designed to enhance workforce readiness. The event also served as a platform to promote the Marshall Skills Exchange and its accessible learning opportunities. Building on this momentum, Marshall Online and Coalfield are now co-developing a reflective learning component to integrate into Coalfield’s internal personal development curriculum, further aligning educational offerings with community-based workforce development goals.
The Durables Skills Suite is an innovative educational initiative designed to equip a diverse audience with crucial interpersonal skills for today’s dynamic work environment. It comprises 10 distinct course themes, each focusing on universally valued skills across various industries and professions. We launched the Durable Skills Suite, which includes interactive scenarios, role-playing exercises, real-world case studies, and regular knowledge checks. The suite has received positive feedback from initial participants, including faculty members, student interns, community partners, and students. This collaboration prompted us to create relatable yet challenging scenarios, enhancing the learning experience for all involved.
Marshall Online, in partnership with the AEP Foundation and Brandon Dennison, launched a workforce development initiative aimed at expanding job-seeking skillsets for West Virginians. With funding support from the AEP Foundation, the team developed a job readiness microcredential course featuring AEP personnel and highlighting essential soft skills such as empathy, communication, and attentiveness. This course serves as an entry point into the Durable Skills microcredential series and supports both immediate interview preparation and long-term career development. Additionally, Marshall will provide in-person training and offer at least 10 microcredentials through the Marshall Skills Exchange, complemented by coaching in communication, time management, and goal setting.
As West Virginia’s first Adobe Creative Campus, Marshall University actively cultivates digital literacy and creativity among its students, faculty, and staff through a comprehensive collaboration with Adobe. This partnership has driven significant initiatives like the Adobe Student Ambassador program and AI Days. Marshall Online, partnering with MUIT, also connects the Marshall community to the Adobe Digital Academy on our MSE page, a valuable suite of courses that develops transferable digital skills. Overall, this collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing digital literacy, fostering creativity, and improving learning outcomes across the university.
Marshall Online partnered with Coursera to provide free access to Coursera’s Career Academy for students, faculty, and staff through the Marshall Skills Exchange. This initiative enables users to explore over 6,000 courses, including offerings in generative AI, Adobe certifications, and other professional development areas. Participants can request renewable two-week licenses, allowing flexible access to high-demand skills training. This partnership supports Marshall’s broader mission to expand access to microcredentials and equip learners with industry-relevant competencies in a rapidly evolving job market.
We are excited to participate in the inaugural National LER (Learning and Employment) Accelerator Cohort to Advance Digital Credentialing. In alignment with our Marshall for All, Marshall Forever campaign, Marshall Online is dedicated to offering flexible learning experiences and ensuring that students have access to the credentials they need to pursue their career goals. Participation in this cohort will increase our pace to create alternative learning-to-career paths for learners at Marshall. Specifically, we will focus on integrating credit and non-credit learning experiences to develop flexible credentialing models and quality assurance frameworks, enhancing learner employability and creating a more transparent education-to-workforce ecosystem.
Marshall Online has established a robust network of internal and external partnerships, collaborators, and funders that have significantly contributed to the enhancement of our educational initiatives. Internally, we have collaborated with various departments to develop innovative microcredential courses and enhance trainings. Externally, our partnerships with organizations such as JFHQ-DODIN, the National Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure, Mountwest Community and Technical College, Coalfield, and the AEP Foundation have enabled us to create impactful educational programs and job readiness courses. The collective efforts of these partnerships have driven our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and support the professional development of our community.
