UNMC now is offering faculty resources and grant funding to create noncredit and microcredential courses that can be taken by anyone in the world.
The newly created Office of Noncredit Learning, under the leadership of UNMC Academic Affairs, will oversee the process, in collaboration with NU Advance. The initiative is part of the University of Nebraska’s five-year strategy to strengthen university-wide efforts to develop the talents of Nebraska’s workforce through the delivery of microcredentials and noncredit courses.
“With this new initiative, UNMC expands access to education beyond our traditional health science students and connects our Nebraska community with pivotal resources,” said Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Noncredit courses provide Nebraskans and global learners opportunities to develop new skills, while also acting as a bridge to degree programs. In turn, noncredit courses serve as a valuable avenue for faculty members to share their expertise and passion with a wide audience, making a meaningful impact beyond our institution.”
Noncredit courses are short, focused training that allow individuals to learn and develop in-demand skills they can immediately use, said Peggy Moore, director of noncredit learning and e-learning.
“Our noncredit and microcredential programs meet lifelong learners where they are now and build skills for future success. We are excited to give UNMC faculty the platform to create courses that not only advance the workforce of Nebraska but the nation,” she said.
The competitive grant funding ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 per project, with a total of $75,000 being available in the first round of funding. Awards will be determined upon evaluation of the proposal and based on number of learners, market impact and income generation.
Grant applications are due June 19. Awardees will be announced the beginning of August. A second round of funding will open in late fall 2023.
To learn more and apply for a grant, visit the Noncredit Learning website.