OCTAE's Mapping Upward Will Provide Technical Assistance to Community Colleges

The Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) and its partners, Social Policy Research Associates and Abt Associates, are pleased to announce an initiative designed to support community colleges in their efforts to embed stackable, industry-recognized credentials within technical associate degree programs. Mapping Upward is a new project supported by OCTAE’s Division of Academic and Technical Education that will provide no-cost technical assistance (TA) to up to five sector-focused networks of community and technical colleges.

Over the course of a year, selected networks, comprised of two to four institutions, will receive customized virtual and face-to-face TA from subject matter experts and a dedicated TA coach. These professionals will guide the network and its colleges through needs assessment, goal setting, and action planning. The TA will advance efforts in stackable-credential design, including employer engagement, industry certification alignment, faculty collaboration, awarding of credits, and credit transfer agreements. 

To participate in this TA activity, colleges and and their partner institutions are encouraged to apply. The application form is available on the Mapping Upward project website, along with an overview of technical assistance services, network composition, and selection criteria. 

Application forms are due May 18, 2016.

For questions or comments, email mappingupward@cord.org.