The guidebook introduces the U2B Design Framework — a practical model integrating UPCEA’s Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation with Human-Centered Design principles. The report also highlights lessons learned from a national pilot initiative, peer learning leader model, mentorship program, benchmarking assessment, and five-week practitioner course focused on employer-centered credential strategy.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will gain practical insights and strategies for:
- Building stronger employer partnerships and anchor tenant relationships
- Applying human-centered design to credential innovation
- Assessing institutional readiness for U2B engagement
- Developing workforce-aligned microcredentials and stackable pathways
- Structuring employer conversations and feedback loops
- Scaling credential innovation through peer learning and iterative design
- Aligning institutional strategy, workforce needs, and learner outcomes
Download the guidebook to explore practical frameworks, implementation tools, and employer engagement strategies designed to help institutions strengthen workforce partnerships and advance credential innovation.
Featured Resources & Frameworks:
The guidebook introduces several practical resources designed to help institutions strengthen employer engagement and workforce-aligned credential innovation, including the U2B Design Framework, a Human-Centered Design Toolbox, and a U2B Readiness & Benchmarking Assessment adapted from UPCEA’s Credential Maturity Index (CMI). Drawing on lessons from Peer Learning Leaders, mentorship activities, and a national pilot course, the report provides actionable strategies, implementation tools, and practitioner-informed insights for continuing education leaders, workforce development teams, credential strategists, and higher education professionals working to build sustainable University-to-Business (U2B) partnerships.