Georgia Tech College of Lifetime Learning is proud to announce its selection to join the inaugural cohort of the LER Accelerator, a national initiative focused on advancing accessible, interoperable Learning and Employment Record (LER) systems. As one of just 25 projects nationwide chosen for participation, the project will help pioneer innovative approaches to digital credentialing that enhance opportunities, learner agency, and skills-based recognition.

About Our Participation

The “Holistic implementation planning of LER-driven digital credentials at Georgia Tech” project, led by Center for 21st Century (C21U) Director of Digital Learning Technologies Eric Sembrat, will focus on advancing the intentional and strategic implementation of digital credentials at the Institute toward Learning and Employment Records. It will encompass various learning formats, including for-credit, non-credit, and workplace learning. This aligns with the goals of the LER Accelerator and its Principles of LER Adoption articulated earlier this year.

"We are honored to join the LER Accelerator cohort as the Institute looks toward a future where every learner, whether undergraduate, graduate, or professional, can own and showcase their lifetime learning journey. At Georgia Tech, we believe that learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Through this initiative, we aim to build a learner-centered ecosystem that validates skills, experiences, and achievements, empowering individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving world," said Sembrat.

Team members include C21U Director of Research in Education Innovation Jeonghyun (Jonna) Lee and IT Project Management Manager Melissa Lockhart, along with our senior sponsors: College of Lifetime Learning Associate Dean of Learning Systems Ronnie Godshalk and C21U Executive Director Steve Harmon.

Why This Matters

Learning and Employment Records represent a transformative approach to documenting and communicating learning achievements and skills. By creating digital, verifiable, and portable credentials, LERs can:

• Improve educational and career pathways for students and workers.
• Increase transparency regarding the skills and competencies that learners acquire.
• Enhance opportunities by recognizing learning from diverse contexts.
• Better connect education providers with workforce needs.
• Empower individuals with greater control over their learning and career journeys.

"While much work has happened to advance digital credentialing at the College of Lifetime Learning, this LER Accelerator opportunity evidences the extent of past efforts and the future impact of this initiative. I look forward to seeing the thought leadership we offer in championing innovations for all of our learners. It is an honor to be recognized and to be a collaborator in moving digital credentials forward at Georgia Tech," noted Godshalk

As part of the LER Accelerator cohort, our project aims to empower learners at all stages to showcase and develop a robust skills portfolio that demonstrates real-world problem-solving and adaptability while incrementally integrating durable skills into a learner’s collegiate achievements. We take pride in being part of this national movement to create a more accessible and transparent system for recognizing learning and supporting lifelong pathways for all learners and workers.

About the LER Accelerator

The LER Accelerator is a coalition dedicated to advancing the development and adoption of LERs in postsecondary education. The Accelerator’s efforts aim to modernize the way learning achievements and job skills are documented and recognized, helping to create more transparent, efficient, and learner-centered credentialing systems. Members of the LER Accelerator coalition are collaborating to address barriers to LER adoption and advance successful models and examples that accelerate the creation and issuance of quality credentials in postsecondary education. Coalition members include:  1EdTech, AACRAO, AACC, AAC&U, ACE, AIR, C-BEN, Digital Credentials Consortium, EDUCAUSE, NACADA, NACE, NASPA, and  UPCEA.

To learn more about the LER Accelerator, visit the initiative website and follow on LinkedIn for the latest updates. Explore the LER Accelerator Inventory resource hub at the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library and stay tuned for new tools, case studies, and insights.