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The brief, "Five Principles to Support Black Workers and Learners in Pathways to Non-Degree Credentials," addresses growing concerns that Black workers could be excluded from emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology despite historic federal funding flowing into these sectors through the CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Joint Center convened a Non-Degree Credentials Advisory Board of workforce leaders, students, researchers, and practitioners to identify barriers facing Black workers in certificate programs, industry certifications, professional licenses, and apprenticeships. The board's work revealed persistent racial disparities in program access, credential quality, employer recognition, and data transparency.
"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 Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie, Joint Center senior policy analyst and co-author of the brief. "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."
The brief presents five principles for strengthening credential programs: 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.
The report notes that while employers increasingly adopt skills-based hiring and eliminate bachelor's degree requirements, hiring of candidates with non-degree credentials increased by just 3.5 percentage points in a recent study, despite degree requirements being eliminated from many job postings.
Additionally, Black adults who hold certificates comprise a third of postsecondary credentials earned by Black learners, compared with one in five for white learners. However, Black adults with very short-term certificates earn significantly less than white adults with similar credentials.
"Black workers continue to encounter systemic barriers in accessing high-quality training programs that lead to well-paying jobs," said Dr. Kayla Elliott, Joint Center workforce policy director and co-author. "Even as industries shift toward skills-based hiring, Black learners are often tracked into lower-wage pathways or given limited information about program value."
The brief highlights that data collection remains a significant challenge. Federal and state governments, higher education institutions, and training providers do not mandate comprehensive data collection, making it difficult to evaluate credential quality and track outcomes by race.
Beginning July 1, 2026, learners in eligible non-degree credential programs can apply for short-term Pell grants of up to $7,395, prorated based on program length. The brief emphasizes that funding models must address costs beyond tuition, including exam fees, housing, childcare, and transportation.
The brief is part of the Joint Center's series on Centering Black Workers in Emerging Industries. Co-authors include Elliott, Smith Finnie, and former Joint Center senior policy analyst Justin Nalley.
