A 2024 Update of State Investments in Short-term Credential Pathways
This report provides an update to HCM Strategists’ 2023 typology and policy landscape analysis of recent state investments in short-term credential initiatives across the United States. States continue to embrace skills-based education as a key component of workforce development, with growing bipartisan support.
Our most recent analysis reveals the rapid growth of state investments in short-term credential pathways. Total investments now exceed $5.6 billion across 70 initiatives in 32 states. This represents a significant increase from 2023, when there were 59 state-led programs with nearly $4 billion in funding. The geographic diversity of these investments — ranging from traditionally conservative states to more liberal ones — underscores the broad appeal of skills-based education as a critical element of workforce development.
Since 2023, eight additional states — Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia — have launched new initiatives aimed at supporting short-term credential programs. These initiatives reflect varied approaches to ensuring that learners and workers have access to affordable, targeted education and training opportunities.
Note: On November 1, 2024 we updated the report to include new information that we received since its original release. We encourage you to check out the latest version for the most current findings and insights. We would also like thank our readers for contacting us to provide feedback and updated information. Please contact Stephanie Murphy at stephanie_murphy@hcmstrategists.com to report any additional initiatives that may not have been captured in this study.
