#United States #Washington #Walmart #Education Design Lab #Credential Engine

Unlocking Economic Opportunities for All

The Education Design Lab has taken a significant step toward enhancing economic mobility with the announcement of a $3.5 million Request for Proposals (RFP). This initiative aims to assist working adults—particularly those without bachelor's degrees—by improving credential transparency and skills validation.

A Collaborative Effort

Launched with the support of Walmart and in partnership with Credential Engine, the Advancing Workforce Mobility initiative seeks to address critical gaps in the current learn-and-work ecosystem. During an 18-month span, selected projects will focus on making workers' skills and credentials more visible, reliable, and transferable. The emphasis is particularly on Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs)—a group exceeding 70 million U.S. workers who have gained skills through non-traditional pathways such as community colleges, military service, and self-directed experiences.

The Need for Change

In today’s competitive labor market, many skilled workers find their abilities overlooked due to a lack of transparent credentials. Tara Laughlin, Senior Director of Skills Development and Validation at Education Design Lab, noted, "The current ecosystem doesn’t provide a reliable method for working adults to demonstrate their capabilities. Skills often remain hidden, making it difficult for hiring teams to trust qualifications. This initiative aims to create solutions for these issues."

Goals of the Initiative

The Advancing Workforce Mobility initiative is not just about identifying problems; it also focuses on delivering tangible solutions. Monique Carswell, Director of Opportunity Strategic Initiatives at Walmart.org, expressed the importance of scalable impact stating, "We are backing projects that refine how credentials and skills are described, verified, and shared among educational, workforce, and employment systems. This will ultimately create more pathways to opportunities for STARs."

The RFP is inviting applications from U.S.-based nonprofits and governmental organizations. Up to twelve awards will be distributed, with grant amounts ranging from $250,000 to $600,000. Projects should tackle specific challenges that STARs face while advancing credential transparency and skill validation.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying must submit their applications by February 20, 2026. Selected grantees will benefit not only from funding but also from technical assistance and collaborative practices aimed at enhancing their projects' scalability.

The Broader Vision

The initiative supports a wider ecosystem that prioritizes interconnected skills and credential data, essential for reducing barriers to employment. Lisa Larson, CEO of Education Design Lab, emphasized, "This initiative is about building real solutions that empower skills visibility and validation."

About the Partners

• - Walmart.org focuses on addressing various social and environmental challenges, supporting upward job mobility, and fostering strong community development.
• - Credential Engine works toward mapping the credentialing landscape, helping individuals identify and pursue the most suitable career pathways. Their services include an open Credential Registry that maintains updated information about credentials, aiding in comparability.
• - Education Design Lab is dedicated to co-designing skills-based educational systems to foster economic mobility and close opportunity gaps for emerging learners.

Conclusion

This $3.5 million initiative marks a crucial investment in the future of millions of workers looking to validate their skills and advance in their careers. As projects unfold, the Education Design Lab aspires to create lasting change in how workers navigate the employment landscape—ensuring everyone has the opportunity to showcase their skills and achieve success.