Skill Accelerator Badges
Program Coordinator: Marcy Taylor; SkillAccelerator@hood.edu; 301-964-4678
The Skill Accelerators program offers a series of professional development badges for both degree- and non-degree-seeking students and professionals. These digital badges, or microcredentials, are short, focused, competency-based credentials that provide in-demand skills, knowledge and experience. Skill Accelerators badges allow working professionals to upskill and advance their careers without committing to the demands of a full degree program, saving time and money.
Badges are earned with the successful completion of 1, 2 or 3 courses, earning a grade of B or better. Once earned, an encrypted badge will be issued through MilestoneTM, providing current and future employees the ability to verify the core competencies learned.
Badges are offered at foundational, intermediate and advanced levels:
Foundational Level: Introduces fundamental concepts, theories and principles relevant to the subject matter. The learner will develop a basic understanding of key terminology, theories and methodologies. The emphasis is on building a solid groundwork upon which further learning can be based. Foundational courses typically focus on providing essential knowledge and skills necessary for comprehension and application in more advanced contexts.
Intermediate Level: This level builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in earlier stages from a career and/or classroom experience. The learner will explore the subject matter on a deeper level and begin to sharpen critical-thinking skills by analyzing and synthesizing information, solving problems and making connections between different concepts. The intermediate level often involves more hands-on activities, case studies and practical exercises to reinforce learning and encourage students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Advanced Level: The learner engages with the subject matter at a highly sophisticated and nuanced level. This stage of the badge course involves advanced theories, methodologies and cutting-edge research or applications within the field. Learners are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, with the ability to critically evaluate existing theories and contribute original insights. Advanced badge courses often involve independent research projects, advanced seminars or practical applications that challenge professionals to push the boundaries of their knowledge and expertise. The focus is on developing advanced analytical, problem-solving and research skills necessary for professional excellence in the field.
Focus areas for badges include business, computing, counseling and trauma, equity & inclusion, biotechnology, education and more. Topics within the focus areas include, but are not limited to, AI and data analytics, finance, human resources and diversity in education.
Application Requirements:
The applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (although some badges may require a higher GPA). Professionals applying for Skill Accelerators courses should enroll using the non-degree enrollment process, if not enrolled in a degree program. Degree-seeking students should register for Skill Accelerators courses through Self Service. Based on the applicant's background, the program director may apply alternative criteria for approving enrollment into the badge course. With appropriate verification of successful completion, a badge may be retroactively awarded up to one year after completion of the course.