To address the challenges faced by youth in the labor market, alternative approaches have emerged to engage young people in learning (both in school and out of school), identify their potential career interests, and document their acquisition of skills and competencies. One approach—digital badging—tracks skills and competencies using an online platform, where “badges” can be stored, developed, and shared with peers, teachers, employers, and colleges. During this event, presenters and panelists explored the potential benefits and challenges related to using credentialing approaches like digital badging for youth workforce development and postsecondary success.

Read the related research report.

Speakers include

• Julian Alssid, chief workforce strategist, College for America
• Don Baylor, senior associate, Urban Institute
• Leslie Beller, founder, MHA Labs
• Jamai Blivin, founder and CEO, Innovate+Educate
• Deborah Carroll, director, DC Department of Employment Services
• Jennifer Humke, senior program officer, MacArthur Foundation 
• David Leaser, senior program manager, innovation and growth initiatives, IBM
• Erika Poethig, Institute fellow and director of urban policy initiatives, Urban Institute
• Shayne Spaulding, senior research associate, Urban Institute
• Leila Toplic, chief marketing and business development officer, LRNG​

Event materials

• Agenda
• Speaker Biographies
• Speaker Presentation -- Leila Toplic
• Speaker Presentation -- Leslie Beller

For inquiries regarding this event, please contact [email protected]. Photo by Hill Street Studios/Getty Images