Expanding the Boundaries of Education: Two Cities' Efforts to Credential Real-World Skills Through Digital Badges

In Boston and Providence, youth serving organizations recognized a need to credential students' real-world skills including teamwork, perseverance and critical thinking. By issuing digital badges, a microcredential gaining traction in both workforce development and education, programs are equipping students with portable evidence of their skills, which students can include on their LinkedIn profiles, job applications, or college applications. This report explores the first year of a digital badging pilot in both cities, while reflecting on the long-term potential of the strategy.