An initiative to build a strong talent pipeline that fuels growth and opportunity in our companies and economy by ensuring every student is prepared for college, career, and citizenship.

Industry-recognized credentials are used by employers to certify that an applicant is qualified for a job. Students who earn industry certifications have an advantage finding high-demand jobs with good wages. Often, these certifications are "stackable," which means multiple credentials can be accumulated over time to build up an individual's qualifications to pursue a career pathway or another postsecondary credential.

Expanding opportunities for high school students to earn credentials linked to labor market demand in fields and jobs that pay higher living wages:

• puts students on pathways to success;
• fuels a diverse, highly-skilled workforce pipeline; and,
• strengthens the economy and businesses.

States can encourage school districts to offer industry certification courses to students by creating a financial incentive. Seven states currently provide funding for each student who earns an industry certification and several other states are moving in this direction. MBAE is proposing a similar model for Massachusetts. Join us in advocating for:

• An annual list, available to all school districts and the public, of high-need occupations that require an industry-recognized credential, offer good wages and provide a pathway for advancement
• A financial incentive awarded to schools for every student who earns an industry certification for an occupation that has high employment value or is recognized by a higher education institution
• Alignment of industry-recognized credentials with the state’s high-priority industry sectors