#USA #Frederick #Hood College #Skill Accelerator #Melissa DiMercurio

Melissa DiMercurio to Lead Skill Accelerator Badge Program

Hood College has made a significant leadership change in its Skill Accelerator badge program, announcing that Melissa DiMercurio, an experienced public relations and communications expert, will take on the role of program coordinator. This program, designed for those looking to advance their skills without the commitment of a full degree, rewards individuals with verified digital badges upon completing select graduate-level coursework.

A New Era at Hood College

DiMercurio’s background is rich and varied. She brings over ten years of experience in corporate communications and has a deep understanding of both local and national workforce needs. As the founder of Avanti Communications, she combines agency expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit. Her educational journey began in Long Island, New York, and she continued to sharpen her skills at Hofstra University, ultimately earning a B.A. in public relations and communications.

Before this appointment, the program was successfully launched by Marcy Taylor, a Hood alumna who built a robust foundation for its continued success. Taylor will remain involved in an advisory capacity until the conclusion of the year, aiding DiMercurio as the program continues to evolve.

Enhancing Professional Growth

Expressing her excitement for her new role, DiMercurio stated, "I’m honored to build on the incredible foundation Marcy established and infuse new energy into this innovative program. I recognize firsthand the significance of professional growth for employees, employers, and entrepreneurs alike, and the Skill Accelerator is tailored to support professionals at every stage."

Designed for working professionals seeking to boost their credentials or pivot careers, the program offers badges at three levels: foundational, intermediate, and advanced. Most badges can also serve as a stepping stone toward a master’s degree or a certificate.

Courses are flexible, presented entirely online, and cover an array of focus areas including biotechnology, business, computing, counseling, trauma, equity and inclusion, and education among others. These badges are not just digital markers; they are competency-based credentials verified by Milestone™, allowing recipients to display their achievements on social media platforms like LinkedIn, resumes, or professional portfolios.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. April Boulton, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, expressed gratitude for Taylor’s leadership and voiced her anticipation for DiMercurio’s contribution. She emphasized the growing importance businesses place on specific skills and competencies rather than solely traditional qualifications. With the workforce landscape evolving rapidly, DiMercurio's extensive background is expected to accelerate the program's outreach and its connections with both professionals and employers.

As the Skill Accelerator badge program enters this exciting new phase, individuals eager for advancement and credentials in their fields of interest can explore more by visiting Hood College's Skill Accelerator webpage.

About Hood College

Hood College stands as a notable institution in the landscape of liberal arts education. Offering an array of programs that span 30 bachelor’s degrees, various pre-professional tracks, and numerous master’s options, Hood is located in Frederick, Maryland, just a stone’s throw from Washington, D.C., and the bustling I-270 technology corridor. This prime location affords students numerous internship and research opportunities, positioning them favorably for future career success.