The deadline for this funding opportunity has passed. Please contact ums.mc@maine.edu with questions.

Up to $5,000 awarded for development and $5,000 for implementation of a revenue-generating, employer-engaged micro-credential pathway

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The University of Maine System (UMS) Micro-Credential Steering Committee is pleased to announce the availability of a mini-grant opportunity to develop a revenue-generating, employer-engaged UMS micro-credential addressing workforce development needs in Maine. 

Support is available for other types of micro-credentials: low-cost/no-cost micro-credentials for various audiences (e.g. UMS students, youth, underserved populations) or micro-badge development. Please inquire.

Description:

Collaborative teams will use funds (up to $5000) to create a UMS micro-credential pathway by Fall 2025. Teams that develop micro-credentials will be considered for further funding (up to $5000) for Year 1 implementation. 

Micro-credential pathways include the skills and competencies desired by employers to upskill/reskill adults, youth, and/or UMS students/employees. All UMS micro-credentials follow the same three-level framework that takes a learner from foundational knowledge through application in a real-world setting. Visit the UMS Micro-Credential website for more information about the UMS Micro-Credential Framework. We ask that online courses be developed in UMS Brightspace. Applicant teams are not expected to have a fully formed micro-credential plan before completing the proposal.

Q&A Information Session: Wednesday, September 18 at 12:00 PM via Zoom

View the Mini-Grant Q&A Information Session recording via Kaltura (44:14)

Please contact ums.mc@maine.edu if you would like to discuss an idea before you submit a proposal. Staff are available to answer your questions prior to and after submitting a proposal.

Priority topic areas:

Developed from the UMS Strategic Plan and Maine Economic Development reports. See Appendix A.

  • Business/E-Commerce/Creative Economy. 
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business.
  • Cultural Awareness. 
  • Digital Literacy/Data Analytics. 
  • Innovation, Leadership/Management in key industry sectors (e.g., Healthcare, Agriculture, Forestry, Manufacturing, Marine Sciences, Biological and Life Sciences, Engineering/STEM).
  • Add to our catalog of Teacher Education, Early Childhood, and other Professional Development micro-credentials. 
  • Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace.
  • Add to our catalog of Renewable/Clean Energy/Climate Change/Environmental Sustainability micro-credentials.
  • Add to our catalog of Hospitality/Tourism micro-credentials.
  • Other topic areas may be considered with a strong workforce development justification and appropriate Maine labor market data.

Requirements and Expectations: 

  • The micro-credential must aid workforce/economic development in Maine or beyond and have strong potential for revenue generation.
  • Collaboration across the UMS is a key component of the UMS Micro-Credential Initiative: 
    • Please develop a team from more than one UMS university. If collaborators cannot be located across the UMS and/or the topic is unique to one campus, contact us to discuss your idea before submitting a proposal.
    • UMS students and people outside the UMS may also be part of a development team (e.g., employers, industry professionals, government agencies, non-profit staff, etc.).
  • If funded, all team members must agree to complete the required training in a timely manner (see below).
  • The UMS Framework and guidelines must be followed. A complete micro-credential pathway (three levels and macro-badge) must be developed.
  • All teams must provide at least one letter of support from an employer or industry partner.
  • If selected, the team will consult with a UMS Instructional Designer. The designer will make sure your course meets micro-credential best practices.
  • All mini-grant recipients are expected to use the funds as proposed. Any alterations will require formal approval. 
  • Development Funds (up to $5000) must be used by June 1, 2025. No-cost Extensions/Carryovers require a formal process and are handled on a case-by-case basis, with no guarantees of an extension. Any unused funds will be returned to UMS. See Appendix B for the proposed timeline.
  • Year 1 implementation Funds (up to $5000) will be distributed once a micro-credential is fully developed and the funding criteria is met. 
  • Selected teams will indicate a Primary Contact. The Primary Contact is the point person for communication with UMS Micro-Credential Staff. See Appendix C.
  • Selected teams will identify a Financial Contact.
  • Funded teams will be called upon to provide updates, outcomes data, and feedback.

Required Training:

The Micro-Credential Development training will take you through the process, step-by-step, earning your own badges along the way. 

Level 1 will help teams to understand the UMS Micro-Credential Framework and approach.

  • Level 1 is required for the Primary Contact before submitting a proposal; funded teams are required to complete it before funding is released. We recommend that all team members complete Level 1 before submitting an application and/or attend the Q&A session). The Level 1 training takes about one hour to complete. Enroll in the Level 1 training here: UMS Micro-Credential Development Training (External Site).

Level 2 prepares the team to develop a micro-credential (e.g. completes the meta-data template). 

  • Level 2 is required for all funded teams during the development stage.

Level 3 prepares the team for Year 1 Implementation of their micro-credential.

  • Level 3 is required during the Year 1 implementation phase, when funding criteria is met.

Time Commitment: 

The time needed for completing the required training, content development, and course design will vary per team. Typically, there is a 15-20 hour commitment for at least two semesters. Some teams choose to meet weekly. You may budget for team members’ time.

Letter of Support and Employer Partners:

You are required to submit at least one letter of support from an employer or industry partner. The letter will attest to the need for the micro-credential within the workforce and/or specify their commitment to the project. Types of commitment could include:

  • Serve in an advisory role. Advisors will help identify the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be verified and and determine the workforce/industry need and appropriate pricing. They meet with the team to offer input and guidance on content, standards, and identification of target audiences. Advisors are not required to complete the Micro-Credential Development Training, but it is recommended that Advisors complete the one-hour Level 1 training to become familiar with the UMS approach and framework. 
  • Offer internships or other applied learning opportunities to and assessment of learners at Level 3. 
  • Offer employee funding/reimbursement to complete the created micro-credential.

Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on how well the following areas are addressed: 

  • Clear description of the priority area and workforce need, explaining the tie to workforce/economic development goals, and a clear rationale for the potential benefits to targeted learners. Cited facts and statistics included.
  • Strong letter of support from an employer or industry partner specifying their level of commitment/involvement in the project 
  • Understanding of the target audience and your recruitment/marketing strategy. 
  • Clear articulation of a competency-based approach (e.g., skills and competencies to be assessed).
  • Potential for revenue generation. 
  • Budget rationale that adequately supports the project. Budget items typically include Faculty/Staff time for micro-credential and course content development (e.g., typically $500-1000 per contributor). Course-release time cannot be included. Other items may be included with a strong rationale. Food and travel are typically not supported. See the Sample Budget, Appendix D. 
  • Team Statement: Appropriateness of the development team’s experience and commitment to the development and implementation of the micro-credential. 
  • A completed application with clear and thorough responses. 
  • Meets all application requirements. 
  • The overall need for the micro-credential without duplication.

To Apply:

The deadline for this funding opportunity has passed. Please contact ums.mc@maine.edu with questions.

To view the questions in advance of completing the proposal form, see Appendix E.

Appendix A: Priority Topic Areas

UMS Micro-Credential priority topic areas align with Maine workforce development plans including:

Appendix B: Proposed Timeline for Funded Teams

Some teams can complete both Development and Implementation by the summer of 2025. Other teams may take longer, especially teams building new content. Below is a projected timeline for all teams. 

TaskFall 2024Winter/Spring, Summer 2025Fall 2025
Notification of award.End of Oct/Early Nov. ––

Development: Proposed Timeline

TaskFall 2024Winter/Spring, Summer 2025Fall 2025
Level 1 training completed by the Development team (before funds are released).No later than end of November––
Team enrolls in Level 2 training.No later than the end of November––
Team works on completing the Level 2 training/meta-data template; check-in with UMS M-C staff, as needed (end of Fall through Spring).Nov.- Dec.Jan.- April (May if needed)–
Level 2 training completed (by all Development Team Members); Meta-data draft submitted. –By the end April into May 2025–
Meta-data approved; badges published in the badging platform.–No later than the end of May –
Development Funds must be expended by the end of June 2025.–No later than June 30, 2025; any unused funds will be returned to UMS–

Implementation: Proposed Timeline

TaskFall 2024Winter/Spring, Summer 2025Fall 2025
When do you plan to launch?
Begin Level 3 training (Receive Implementation Funds)If you plan to launch Fall 2025 Level 3 training should be completed no later than the end of July 2025.
If you plan to launch Winter or Spring 2026, Level 3 training must be completed by the end of November 2025.
If you plan to launch Summer/Fall 2026, Level 3 training must be completed by the end of July 2026.		–It is best if your team can work through May-August 2025
–
Level 3 training completed; content developed; meet with UMS Instructional Designer; Brightspace course completed; if using, Course Merchant information provided to UMS staff; marketing plan in place.–Will depend on your launch date–
Implementation Funds should be expended by the end of June, 2026. (If you need to extend through August 30, 2026, you must email a formal extension letter with a rationale to be considered on a case-by-case basis.) –By June 30, 2026; any unused funds will be returned to UMS (or extension email received and approved) –
Micro-Credential marketing and launch.––Earliest – Beginning of Fall 2025. Latest – Fall 2026

Appendix C: Responsibilities for the Primary Contact

If funded, responsibilities include acting as the main point of contact for communication with UMS Micro-Credential Initiative staff: 

  • Deliver progress reports on the overall status of the development process to the UMS team.
  • Schedule working sessions with the team and advisors as needed.
  • Keep the team on track, meeting goals.
  • Submit team assignments/templates during training and revise as needed.
  • Indicate a Financial Contact and work with this person and the UMS to receive the funds and work with the team to access the funds. Financial Contacts or their designee will create the project numbers in MaineStreet and set up the accounting chartfields.
  • Work with the Financial Contact to assure proper use of funds and adherence to deadlines. 
  • If extension or changes in the budget are desired, the primary contact will make a formal request.

Appendix D: Sample Budget

As part of the application, you will create a budget for the development of your micro-credential. Below are some examples of expenses. You are not limited to those listed.

  • Micro-Credential Development Team: Time for training and development. (Course-release cannot be included.)
  • Content Creation: Time and expertise
  • Administrative Support and/or Student Employee
  • Survey of needed competencies: Time and expertise 

NOTE: Please add in the cost of compensation/benefits to UMS employees. Check with your Financial Contact for the Fall 2024 rates. Use the term “Additional pay” and not “stipend.”

ItemCostNarrative: Description of the need/rationale for each item. Why are the funds for each item needed? 
DEVELOPMENT
1. Development Team’s time; Content Specialist/Advisor time: 3 members		$1000 X 4 = $4000 plus any added benefitsRequested to support the Development Team members/Advisors for their time: micro-credential training, subject matter planning, supervisory tasks, drafting documentation.
Development TOTAL$4000 plus any added benefits –
IMPLEMENTATION
Brightspace, content, and course design team. 3 people $1000 each 		$1000 X 3 = $3000 plus any added benefitsRequested for team members to develop content and work with an Instructional Designer to put that content in a Brightspace course, create videos and branded slides, seek permissions to use externally created content. 
Implementation support Administrative Staff/Student Employee/Faculty time 1 person$1000 plus any added benefitsRequested for one implementation support person’s time to track evidence; communicate with UMS, and provide administrative support (year 1) 
Marketing$1000 plus any added benefitsRequested for one marketing support person to aid in creating a campus webpage for marketing; writing a press release/newsletter article and other promoting the micro-credential. 
Implementation TOTAL $5000–

Total: $9000 plus added benefits

Appendix E: Mini-Grant Proposal Form

The following proposal questions are for your review. * =  response required 

Primary Contact Information*

First and Last Name
Email Address
Title
Campus & Department/Unit

Micro-Credential Information

  1. Name of the Micro-Credential*
  2. Description and goals: Provide a brief description of your proposed micro-credential. Include the priority topic area and purpose/goals.* 
  3. Audience(s): Who are your targeted learners? What are the potential benefits for these learners? How do you plan to recruit them? Will an employer recruit their employees? If not, how do you plan to recruit learners?* 
  4. Workforece/Economic Development: Provide a brief rationale explaining how this micro-credential will meet workforce and economic development goals and needs. Please include available data on the Maine labor market value and employer demand/need. Also, describe your interactions with employers/industry partners about the need for this micro-credential.*
  5. Employer Letter of Support: Please email a letter of support from an employer or industry partner to ums.mc@maine.edu. For what to include, see the Letter of Support and Employer Partner section. 
  6. Competencies: Describe your competency-based approach. What skills and competencies will be strengthened or developed as a learner moves through the micro-credential? Also, include any knowledge learners would gain.*

Other Questions

  1. How much of the content has already been developed (e.g., repurpose academic courses, workshops, non-credit training, etc.)? Please describe.* 
  2. What Level 3 applied learning experiences (e.g., internships, jobs, lab work) are available to your targeted learners?* 

UMS Micro-Credential Development Team

Please complete the following information for each Development Team member. Only include people who have agreed to complete the micro-credential training. You will have the opportunity to add to your development team once selected. Please seek development team members from more than one UMS university. Members may also be outside the UMS. 

  • Team Member 1*
    1. First and Last Name
    2. Email Address
    3. Title
    4. Campus and Department/Unit
  • Team Member 2
    1. First and Last Name
    2. Email Address
    3. Title
    4. Campus and Department/Unit
  • Team Member 3
    1. First and Last Name
    2. Email Address
    3. Title
    4. Campus and Department/Unit
  • Team Member 4
    1. First and Last Name
    2. Email Address
    3. Title
    4. Campus and Department/Unit

Advisors

Optional, but highly recommended to strengthen the workforce relevancy of your proposal. Advisors are not required to complete the Micro-Credential Development Training, but it is recommended that Advisors complete the Level 1 training.

  • Advisor 1
    1. First and Last Name
    2. Email Address
    3. Title
    4. Organization/Industry
  • Advisor 2
    1. First and Last Name
    2. Email Address
    3. Title
    4. Organization/Industry
  • Advisor 3
    1. First and Last Name
    2. Email Address
    3. Title
    4. Organization/Industry

Budget

See UMS Micro-Credential Mini-Grants – Fall 2024 Request for Proposals for information and Appendix D for a Sample Budget. Funding is used to compensate for the Development team’s time. Other uses will need a strong rationale. 

Item #1 Description, Cost and Narrative/Rationale*
Item #2 Description, Cost and Narrative/Rationale
Item #3 Description, Cost and Narrative/Rationale
Item #4 Description, Cost and Narrative/Rationale
Item #5 Description, Cost and Narrative/Rationale
Total Budget Amount*