What are micro-credentials?

Micro-credentials are short, flexible, asynchronous learning modules designed to help participants develop the specialized, job-ready skills.

Our micro-credentials deliver 21st century innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurship skills through in-person and online modules. Participants who successfully complete micro-credentials earn digital badges via Credly to document and share their achievements. These micro-credentials are short, competency-based recognitions and are not counted as an academic program or degree.

There are two ways to our micro-credential programs:

1. Our live workshops

Note: The workshop is interactive and will utilize features within the Zoom platform. Program participants are encouraged to have their cameras on to increase participation and engagement. To access the session, participants will receive one link to register and join. Registration protects the privacy of the session and allows da Vinci to monitor attendance. Attendees are encouraged to test their technology prior to the session to ensure access.

See all upcoming Workshops and Events >>

2. At your own pace

Take this asynchronous workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by the Executive Director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.

Enroll in our asynchronous workshop >>


Meet the Instructors

Cael Parker

Cael is a multidisciplinary artist, recent graduate from VCUArts, and an aspiring product developer currently pursuing a masters degree in Product Development from the da Vinci Center. 

Past workshops: SHELFIE bootcamp at the Shift Retail Lab, Henrico Student Innovation Challenge

Connect with Cael on LinkedIn

Manjari Kumarappan

Manjari is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Innovation and Human-Centered Design at the da Vinci Center, with a Master’s in Public Health. 

Past workshops: Lego Serious Play workshop at Worlds in Play 2024, Design thinking workshop for VCUHealth Radiology

Connect with Manjari on LinkedIn

Portrait of Manjari Kumarappan in front of the Shift mural.

Join our Info Sessions to learn how to innovate!

Discover how you can collaborate across disciplines, tackle complex problems, and launch innovative ventures by joining our undergraduate or master programs. Learn how our programs empower students to apply advanced knowledge in product innovation, entrepreneurship, and intrapreneurship.

See all of our upcoming Info Sessions

A group of students around a couple tables with laptops open working in front of a yellow wall.

What is REAL? Relevant, Experiential, Applied Learning

VCU’s Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning represents a promise. It’s a promise to provide students with a meaningful, career-building experience during their time at VCU, and a promise to support our faculty and staff to enable them to deliver that.

Learn more