Examining Short-Term Credentials and Student Outcomes in Indiana. Research Report. RR-A3407-1
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| Title: | Examining Short-Term Credentials and Student Outcomes in Indiana. Research Report. RR-A3407-1 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Melanie A. Zaber, Brian Phillips, Lindsay Daugherty, RAND Education and Labor, RAND Lowy Family Middle-Class Pathways Center |
| Source: | RAND Corporation. 2025. |
| Availability: | RAND Corporation. P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138. Tel: 877-584-8642; Tel: 310-451-7002; Fax: 412-802-4981; e-mail: order@rand.org; Web site: http://www.rand.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 36 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Credentials, Outcomes of Education, Certification, High School Students, Student Certification, Income, Wages, Alignment (Education), Industry, College Credits, Program Length |
| Geographic Terms: | Indiana |
| DOI: | 10.7249/RRA3407-1 |
| Abstract: | Indiana has been a leader in pursuing short-term credentialing initiatives to expand the education and training opportunities available to individuals through high schools, colleges, and other workforce training providers. To provide evidence on the short-term credentialing landscape in Indiana and potentially inform future decisions around policy and practice, the authors conducted a two-year research study that included analysis of statewide administrative data and interviews with key stakeholders. This evidence provides a first look at whether patterns of short-term credentialing align with the expectations and aims of state leaders investing in the initiatives. The authors start by providing some background on short-term credentials and the Indiana context. They then describe the approach to the study analysis. The quantitative findings focus on credit certificates and are divided into three subsections: (1) findings on which certificates are earned and by whom; (2) findings on stacking of certificates and degrees; and (3) earnings outcomes for individuals earning certificates. The authors then discuss the levers Indiana has used and can use to shape short-term credentials. They conclude with a summary of key takeaways for Indiana decisionmakers and some suggestions for how these findings might inform decision-making. [Funding for this report was provided by Ascend Indiana.] |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | ED672938 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Indiana has been a leader in pursuing short-term credentialing initiatives to expand the education and training opportunities available to individuals through high schools, colleges, and other workforce training providers. To provide evidence on the short-term credentialing landscape in Indiana and potentially inform future decisions around policy and practice, the authors conducted a two-year research study that included analysis of statewide administrative data and interviews with key stakeholders. This evidence provides a first look at whether patterns of short-term credentialing align with the expectations and aims of state leaders investing in the initiatives. The authors start by providing some background on short-term credentials and the Indiana context. They then describe the approach to the study analysis. The quantitative findings focus on credit certificates and are divided into three subsections: (1) findings on which certificates are earned and by whom; (2) findings on stacking of certificates and degrees; and (3) earnings outcomes for individuals earning certificates. The authors then discuss the levers Indiana has used and can use to shape short-term credentials. They conclude with a summary of key takeaways for Indiana decisionmakers and some suggestions for how these findings might inform decision-making. [Funding for this report was provided by Ascend Indiana.] |
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| DOI: | 10.7249/RRA3407-1 |
