With growing skepticism and doubt about the value of a traditional college degree, many Americans are opting for short-term credentials that offer a quicker route to economic opportunity. But with more than a million certificate programs out there, how can students (or employers, for that matter) know which ones actually lead to better jobs and bigger paychecks?
The answer: they can’t. At least, not easily. That’s why Lumina Foundation is launching FutureReady States, an ambitious initiative to help states identify which credentials deliver real value, and which fall short.
Twelve states—Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia—have signed on to rethink how they invest in workforce credentials. Over the next 18 months, these “FutureReady States” will develop shared strategies and measurable goals to ensure their short-term credential investments deliver what learners and employers need most: results.
This initiative comes at a pivotal time. While millions of Americans pursue short-term credentials in hopes of securing a better future, only about 60 percent are earning more than they would with a high school diploma alone. With billions of public dollars invested in these programs, states rightfully need to know which credentials actually lead to better outcomes.
FutureReady States is about transforming systems by helping states evaluate current programs, share what’s working, and build new strategies that put learners on a path to prosperity.
The effort will launch with support from national intermediaries bringing deep workforce credentials expertise. During this initial phase, participating states will assess current investments, evaluate whether those investments are delivering the intended outcomes, and develop strategic plans to guide future funding decisions. We’re committed to continuing support beyond this early phase. States participating in the challenge may also be eligible for implementation grants beginning in 2027.
FutureReady States is a key element of our bold new goal for the nation: by 2040, 75 percent of U.S. adults in the labor market will have a degree or other credential of value leading to economic prosperity. That means degrees, yes, but also certificates and industry-recognized credentials that lead to good jobs, financial stability, and dignity in work.
FutureReady States is more than a grant initiative. It’s a movement and a shared commitment to making education work harder and smarter for today’s workforce.
