Dear Colleagues —

Recently, we’ve seen an increasing level of interest among community colleges to broaden their efforts to embed stackable, industry-recognized credentials within technical associate degree programs. The Mapping Upward initiative, a new project supported by the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE), is designed to provide technical assistance (TA) to sector-focused networks of community and technical colleges seeking to advance their work in stackable credential design. Over the course of a year, selected networks will receive customized virtual and face-to-face TA from subject matter experts and a dedicated TA coach who will guide the network and its colleges through needs assessment, goal setting, and action planning. The TA will address issues such as employer engagement, industry certification alignment, faculty collaboration, awarding of credit, and credit transfer agreements.

OCTAE has extended its call for applications and will consider adding one or two additional networks to the group of colleges who will receive TA support. To apply for participation, please visit the Mapping Upward project web page where you can access the application form, an overview of technical assistance services, and materials from the informational webinar hosted on May 3rd. Applications are due Thursday, June 2, 2016, by 5:00 pm CST.

We encourage your institution and partner colleges to consider applying for participation in this unique technical assistance and peer learning opportunity.

Best —
Sharon Lee Miller
Director, Division of Academic and Technical Education