Event Summary

On June 5, AEI’s Mark Schneider, in partnership with the Burning Glass Institute (BGI), hosted an event to discuss the value of nondegree credentials. The first discussion was a conversation between BGI President Matt Sigelman and Dr. Schneider, in which they gave context to the discussion by introducing an upcoming report and website, complete with a web demo.

The second part of the event was a panel with Blackstone’s Marcus Felder, Jason Tyszko of the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Virginia’s Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera, which was moderated by Debbie Wasden of BGI. Ms. Wasden began the panel by asking each panelist to give short remarks, then she steered the conversation around their unique perspectives in how nondegree credentials can benefit employers and employees. The Q&A touched on how artificial intelligence could influence these credentials.

—Anna Coulter

Event Description

As policy leaders rethink “college for all,” nondegree credentials have emerged as attractive alternatives, requiring far less time and money to help launch new careers and enabling workers to switch fields or earn promotions. However, there has been little research into these credentials’ return on investment.

Recent analysis by the Burning Glass Institute shows different credentials deliver varying earnings and job mobility—with most leaving those who invest in them no better off—underscoring the need for greater data and transparency in this fast-growing but opaque landscape.

Join AEI’s Mark Schneider, the Burning Glass Institute’s Matt Sigelman, and a panel of experts as they discuss what we know about the value of nondegree credentials and whether they constitute viable alternatives to degrees or certificates.

Agenda

4:45 p.m.
Registration Opens

5:00 p.m.
Opening Remarks:
Mark Schneider, Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

5:05 p.m.
Conversation:
Mark Schneider, Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Matt Sigelman, President, The Burning Glass Institute

5:20 p.m.
Panel Discussion

Panelists:
Marcus Felder, Managing Director, Blackstone
Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia
Jason Tyszko, Senior Vice President, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Moderator:
Debbie Wasden, Senior Vice President for Solutions, The Burning Glass Institute

6:00 p.m.
Q&A

6:15 p.m.
Adjournment, Reception to Follow

Related Content

Is There a Mismatch Between American Workers’ Skills and Jobs?
Mark Schneider | AEIdeas | January 14, 2025

Degrees of Opportunity: Lessons Learned from State-Level Data on Postsecondary Earnings Outcomes
Mark Schneider and Rooney Columbus | American Enterprise Institute | October 20, 2017