Bolstered by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the College of Education is strengthening the STEM workforce. Rob Moore, assistant professor of educational technology, has been awarded a $1.5 million NSF CAREER grant to enhance STEM microcredential engagement among learners, educators and employers.
Microcredentials are gaining popularity in today’s workforce as a more focused, flexible and affordable alternative to traditional degree programs. Moore’s project, “The Aligning Learners’ Intentions with Goals and Needs (ALIGN) Model: Connecting Learners to STEM Careers Through STEM Microcredentials,” focuses on improving the credibility, usability and transparency of microcredentials to help learners make more informed decisions about their skill development and career paths.
“STEM microcredentials have immense potential to close skill gaps in the workforce, but we must understand and prioritize the learners they serve,” said Moore. “This project will offer transformative solutions to design microcredentials that align with learner needs, career ambitions and industry demands.”
Rob Moore, Ph.D
Over five years, Moore’s project will examine key factors that influence learner engagement and explore ways to better connect microcredentials to STEM career needs. By streamlining how learners explore and understand credential options, the project aims to support a more adaptable and skilled STEM workforce.
Key components of the project include:
- The ALIGN Scale: a research instrument that will capture learner motivations, challenges and goals to inform future microcredential program design.
- The STEM Microcredential Hub: an open-access platform connecting learners, educators, and industry leaders. The Hub will simplify how users explore microcredential pathways, clarify how credentials align with jobs and share research and best practices.
“The STEM Microcredential Hub will not only be a repository of knowledge but a springboard for partnerships and innovation,” said Moore. “It will empower stakeholders to design programs that better align with learner goals and workforce needs, ensuring microcredentials are both practical and impactful.”
Moore’s CAREER award is one of NSF’s most prestigious honors, recognizing his leadership in educational technology research. His broader work explores how technology integration and digital learning environments shape student experiences and outcomes. As Moore explains, “we’re not just studying learners—we’re generating solutions that respond to the real-world challenges they face.”