During the past decade, Wichita State University has been a recognized leader in the development and implementation of microcredentials. Now, the university’s work has taken a significant step forward with its launch of the first 1EdTech TrustEd Microcredential. 

“We are at the forefront of innovation as it relates to microcredentials,” said Kim Moore, executive director of Workforce, Professional and Community Education at Wichita State. “I’m always looking for opportunities where we can lead.”

This partnership establishes a framework of rigor and accountability for institutions granting microcredentials. A microcredential is a series of courses that culminate in a digital badge from an accredited university. A microcredential provides proof of proficiency in a subject area. 

Alternative credentialing is an emerging and growing form of skill-based education focused on as a goal by the Kansas Board of Regents. Wichita State’s microcredentials are employer driven, meaning WSU works with business and industry to develop skill-based microcredentials that meet employer needs.   

In 2024, the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State launched Spero, the first such microcredential in the world. 

Spero helps people build better lives through meaningful work while supporting citizens and organizations working to strengthen Wichita’s economy. Twenty-two companies participate in the program, providing  input on employer needs. Spero offers an Entrepreneurship Track and a Career Readiness Track. It is taught in person.  

“Spero is aimed at preparing unskilled or inexperienced job seekers for meaningful employment,” Moore said. “We are so proud that this credential, which has the ability to positively impact the lives of Wichitans, has been recognized as the first “TrustEd” microcredential in the world.” 

Moore is a board member of 1EdTech, a united community of K-12 districts, state and local education agencies, colleges, universities and edtech and curriculum providers, working together to shape the future of education worldwide. 1EdTech is committed to achieving an open, trusted and innovative education technology ecosystem that serves the lifelong needs of every learner.  

Wichita State is a founding member of the TrustEd Microcredential Coalition through 1EdTech that is working to increase the levels of quality and trust in digital credentials. The coalition has developed a metadata framework that defines a set of minimum and recommended data requirements that issuers must comply with to earn the designation.

The metadata verifies the holder's knowledge or application of knowledge in a specific area. It is designed to be easily verifiable and portable, allowing individuals to showcase their accomplishments to potential employers or educational institutions. These microcredentials must pass a rigorous review and provide stringent evidence of learning.  

“Traditionally, microcredentials have been developed in silos. There have been few commonalities in how they are defined, validated and valued, limiting their acceptance and transferability in the workplace,” Moore said. “To really make an economic impact on our community — statewide and nationally — we need to develop curriculum in partnership with employers.” 

Wichita State’s microcredentials represent a change in philosophy from the conventional faculty-driven curriculum. Moore works with business and industry to identify skill gaps and develop skill-based microcredentials that meet employer needs for a work-ready talent pool to support economic growth in our communities.  

Learn more about microcredentials on the Forward Together podcast