{"id":24014,"date":"2025-07-23T18:06:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T18:06:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/?p=24014"},"modified":"2025-10-16T13:25:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T13:25:31","slug":"uf-faculty-receives-nsf-career-grant-to-address-stem-workforce-skill-gaps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/23\/uf-faculty-receives-nsf-career-grant-to-address-stem-workforce-skill-gaps\/","title":{"rendered":"UF faculty receives NSF CAREER grant to address STEM workforce skill gaps"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Bolstered by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the College of Education is strengthening the STEM workforce. <\/span>Rob Moore<\/span><\/a>, assistant professor of <\/span>educational technology<\/span><\/a>, has been awarded a $1.5 million NSF CAREER grant<\/a> to enhance STEM microcredential engagement among learners, educators and employers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Microcredentials are gaining popularity in today\u2019s workforce as a more focused, flexible and affordable alternative to traditional degree programs. Moore\u2019s project, \u201cThe Aligning Learners\u2019 Intentions with Goals and Needs (ALIGN) Model: Connecting Learners to STEM Careers Through STEM Microcredentials,\u201d focuses on improving the credibility, usability and transparency of microcredentials to help learners make more informed decisions about their skill development and career paths.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSTEM microcredentials have immense potential to close skill gaps in the workforce, but we must understand and prioritize the learners they serve,\u201d said Moore. \u201cThis project will offer transformative solutions to design microcredentials that align with learner needs, career ambitions and industry demands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Rob Moore, Ph.D<\/p>\n

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Over five years, Moore\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key components of the project include:<\/span><\/p>\n