Northern Michigan University has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the LER Accelerator, a national initiative focused on advancing accessible, interoperable Learning and Employment Record (LER) systems. As one of only 25 nationwide chosen for participation, NMU's project will help pioneer innovative approaches to digital credentialing that enhance learner employability, integrate academic and workforce competencies, and align with state and national workforce needs.
“We are proud to be leaders in the development of LERs, empowering learners to showcase skills gained not only at NMU, but throughout their educational and professional journeys,” said Brad Hamel, executive director. “Our LER platform bridges the gap between traditional education and workforce training by aligning verified competencies with real-world job needs. This initiative ensures learners are equipped with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving labor market.”
The goals of the NMU initiative are:
• Enhancing Learner Mobility: Ensuring students and adult learners can seamlessly translate their academic achievements and workforce competencies into recognized digital credentials.
• Fostering Employer Engagement: Establishing a Talent Community platform that connects learners with regional employers, improving workforce integration and job placement.
• Scaling Digital Credentialing: Leveraging SmartResume to issue comprehensive digital learning records, incorporating micro-credentials and alternative credentials.
• Advancing the 60-Year Curriculum Model: Aligning LERs with NMU's long-term vision of continuous, lifelong learning opportunities for all students.
“We are proud to be part of this national movement to build a more accessible and transparent system for recognizing learning and supporting lifelong pathways for all learners and workers,” Hamel added.
The LER Accelerator is a coalition aimed at advancing the development and adoption of LERs in postsecondary education. The Accelerator's efforts aim to modernize how learning achievements and job skills are documented and recognized, helping to create more transparent, efficient, and learner-centered credentialing systems.
Members of the LER Accelerator coalition are working collaboratively to address barriers to LER adoption and advance successful models and examples that accelerate the creation and issuance of quality credentials in postsecondary education.