Stackable credential pathways (SCP) are a promising solution to meet the demands of changing workforces and students increase credential completion. An SCP stacks multiple credentials into a larger degree so students can build skills as they go. This program, therefore, provides a quick return on investment, and multiple on- and off-ramps to continue their education. You can read more about stackable credential pathway programs in our earlier report, Creating Stackable Credential Programs.

This report documents the implementation of Colorado’s SCP in the banking and financial services industry and highlights components that are critical to the success of SCP in and out of Colorado. The design phase emphasized convening the right stakeholders and cultivating buy-in. By contrast, the implementation stage centered student experience.

SCP partners were dedicated to prioritizing support for working adults who come from low-income communities and communities of color. This emphasis was important given the disproportionate challenges these populations face. The emphasis on supporting these students and employees was central to each postsecondary institution’s mission and unified partners through the many stages of problem solving that took place.Due to the SCP’s diverse and engaged partnerships across systems, and cross-institutional nature, there are four key components a successful implementation of SCP must have:  

1. An identified lead organization to facilitate and sustain SCP
2. Ongoing co-development and engagement with industry and postsecondary institutional partners at all stages
3. Unique navigational supports for students to navigate within and across the multiple institutions
4. Access to affordable and transferable credentials

Read the latest report on implementation of stackable credential pathway programs below or download your own copy here.