Marshall University is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $400,000 grant from the Koch Foundation to advance the university’s mission through the development of a cutting-edge micro-credentials program and comprehensive workforce training. This substantial grant will enable the university to collaborate closely with community and technical colleges, as well as local employers, to design and implement innovative career pathways for learners of all kinds.
The funding will significantly bolster the expansion of the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s training programs, solidifying its status as a national center of excellence in workforce development within the manufacturing sector. The primary focus of the initiative will be on refining two critical career pathways: health care and welding. These pathways will enable learners to “upskill” from entry-level positions to higher-paying roles while acquiring new skills and credentials along the way.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous support,” said Brandon Dennison, vice president for economic and workforce development at Marshall. “This grant will not only help us enhance our educational offerings but also strengthen our ties with the community and local industries. By working together, we can create meaningful career opportunities and contribute to the economic development of our region.”
Dr. Julia Spears, associate provost for online education and certification, said the micro pathways project is an opportunity for Marshall to use designing thinking and insights from the nationally recognized Education Design Lab to innovate in the local educational ecosystem.
“Through this project, we hope to pilot alternative pathways for learners to engage in new educational offerings,” Spears said. “This combination of courses and micro-credentials directly align with specific employment opportunities.”
To initiate the groundbreaking program, Marshall University successfully raised $100,000 in matching funds from local employers. This financial commitment from the business community underscores the high demand for the university’s workforce development services and aligns with President Brad D. Smith’s strategic vision of Marshall for All, Marshall Forever by offering in-demand, on-demand learning.
The Koch Foundation’s support, combined with the local employers’ contributions, will pave the way for a robust and sustainable program that meets the evolving needs of the workforce. The initiative will provide learners with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
For more information about the micro-credentials program and workforce training initiatives at Marshall University, please visit Discover Marshall Online.