The state of short-term credentials
All Podcasts

The state of short-term credentials

Aug. 4, 2026

The demand for short-term credential programs is growing, and state leaders are responding. In 2025, a total of $8.1 billion was spent across 34 states to help students and institutions deliver high-quality, short-term education and training programs. This growing state investment, combined with Workforce Pell, has states contending with new issues: How will states approve programs? How do students know which programs lead to better wages? How will institutions help keep people on a pathway to degree programs? This month, Kermit Kaleba from Lumina Foundation discusses the FutureReady States initiative—a program helping state leaders work through these issues and more. Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and Nathan Rankin of Alabama’s Department of Workforce discuss their strategies to improve short-term credential programs and outcomes.

0:00 0:00

Episode 58

The state of short-term credentials

Aug. 4, 2026

The demand for short-term credential programs is growing, and state leaders are responding. In 2025, a total of $8.1 billion was spent across 34 states to help students and institutions deliver high-quality, short-term education and training programs. This growing state investment, combined with Workforce Pell, has states contending with new issues: How will states approve programs? How do students know which programs lead to better wages? How will institutions help keep people on a pathway to degree programs? This month, Kermit Kaleba from Lumina Foundation discusses the FutureReady States initiative—a program helping state leaders work through these issues and more. Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and Nathan Rankin of Alabama’s Department of Workforce discuss their strategies to improve short-term credential programs and outcomes.

What are you looking for?