Kennedy Fortner, kennedy.fortner@jointcenter.org
The brief introduces policy and program strategies to expand economic mobility in emerging high-growth industries
(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON — Recently, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies published an issue brief titled “Five Principles to Support Black Workers and Learners in Pathways to Non-Degree Credentials.” The brief offers guidance on how non-degree credential programs — such as certificates, industry certifications, professional licenses, and apprenticeships — can serve as equitable pathways to economic mobility for Black workers and learners as federal investments are reshaping high-growth industries including advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology.
As funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law accelerates the growth of these industries, employers and training providers are increasingly turning to non-degree credentials to build a skilled workforce. Yet persistent racial disparities in program access, credential quality, employer recognition, and data transparency threaten to replicate inequities rather than expand opportunity.
“Non-degree credentials can serve as strong engines of economic mobility for Black workers and learners, but only when they are intentionally designed to support them,” said co-author Joint Center Senior Policy Analyst Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie. “Without clear quality standards, transparent data, and consistent employer engagement, too many learners risk investing time and money into programs that do not lead to good jobs. These principles offer a foundation for developing pathways that truly connect Black workers to growing industries.”
The Joint Center convened a Non-Degree Credentials Advisory Board composed of workforce leaders, students, researchers, and practitioners to identify how non-degree credentials can offer meaningful economic returns for Black workers and learners. Their feedback helped identify barriers that disproportionately impact Black workers and learners and reinforced the importance of employer partnerships, quality standards, data transparency, and holistic support. Drawing from their insights and a review of relevant research, the brief presents the following five principles to strengthen credential programs and ensure they meet the needs of Black workers and learners:
- Advancing employer investments in training and credentialing;
- Addressing learner needs and financial realities;
- Fostering successful workforce development collaborations;
- Navigating data challenges and accountability; and
- Implementing race-conscious strategies in a challenging climate.
Co-author Joint Center Workforce Policy Director Dr. Kayla Elliott added, “Black workers continue to encounter systemic barriers in accessing high-quality training programs that lead to well-paying jobs. Even as industries shift toward skills-based hiring, Black learners are often tracked into lower-wage pathways or given limited information about program value. These disparities hinder economic mobility and widen the racial wealth divide. Centering equity in the design of credential pathways is essential to ensuring Black workers and learners can fully benefit from emerging opportunities.”
This brief is part of the Joint Center’s series on Centering Black Workers in Emerging Industries, which examines how Black communities can access and thrive in high-growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology. It was co-authored by Dr. Elliott, Dr. Smith Finnie, and former Joint Center Senior Policy Analyst Justin Nalley.
To read the brief and learn more, click here.
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About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.
Source: Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies