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.
“The difference between market takers and market makers isn’t product innovation, it’s business model innovation.” -Vala Afshar, Salesforce.
Join Ace Callwood in this micro-credential course to break down the Business Model Canvas and start working on your own!
Participants will turn ideas into action through the completion of a Business Model Canvas, an organizational tool used by global business leaders to develop insights and engage in strategic planning. Earners of this micro-credential will know how to break down the fundamentals of the Business Model Canvas and apply their newly acquired knowledge in the development of their own Canvas for feedback from a course facilitator.
Step 1: Watch the Business Model Canvas Video. Ace discusses the philosophy and mechanics of the Business Canvas Model.
Step 2: Download the Business Model Canvas Template
Step 3: Take the Business Model Canvas Assessment
“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
This micro-credential course will help you position and strengthen your pitch skills in order to show who you are, what you do, and what you want your audience to do. Join Ace Callwood to discuss the philosophy and mechanics of the art of the pitch.
Earners will learn the basics of crafting and delivering a pitch. They will have the ability to effectively communicate who they are, what they do, and what they are asking from their audience.
Step 1: Watch the Art of The Pitch Video. Ace Callwood discusses the philosophy and mechanics of "The Pitch".
Step 2: Take the Art of The Pitch Assessment
Digital Literacy helps students become active content creators who are prepared for success in the modern workplace.
This micro-credential course will introduce how Adobe Creative Cloud tools can help advance your ideas. Andrew Indelicato walks you through Adobe and gives tutorials that will help you create.
Earners of this badge will have proficiency in the creation of digital deliverables using select Adobe Creative Cloud software. Participants have demonstrated an ability to use digital tools along with experiences in creativity, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and collaboration. Collectively, these 21st Century skills provide a foundation for digital literacy and communication.
Step 1: Watch the Digital Literacy Video. Preview Adobe tools with Andrew Indelicato.
Step 2: Take the Digital Literacy Assessment
Change management is all about using human-centered design to build an effective strategy including; planning, implementing, and monitoring changes in an organization's operations, culture, or technology.
Earners have an understanding of the building blocks of change management including the fundamental skills necessary for change management within organizations. They know the frameworks necessary for anyone involved in managing change and have experienced hands-on practice using change management techniques within a low-risk environment.
Email davincicenter@vcu.edu to request a workshop for your organization.
Design thinking is all about collaboration and problem-solving!
There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as design thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and empathy to current as well as future job roles. An immersive 120-minute workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by an ExperiencePoint-trained facilitator, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.
Earners of this badge have been introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping, and feedback. Participants will engage in individual and collaborative exercises that allow them to practice each of the six steps and result in the creation of a low-fidelity prototype and digital asset that demonstrates mastery.
See all upcoming Design Thinking Workshops and Events >>
Live Online Learning
This program will utilize Zoom technology. The workshop is interactive and will utilize features within the Zoom platform and the ExperiencePoint simulation. 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.
Meet the Instructors
Ace Callwood


Andrew Indelicato
Andrew is an Artist, Designer, and Educator from Richmond, Virginia. Andrew has worked across many creative disciplines and worked with a variety of clients. One of his passions is helping others find creativity within themselves.
He is currently an instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University as well as a Freelance Designer.


Tyson Glover
Tyson previously worked at the Center for Design Thinking at Elon University and is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Product Innovation while working as a graduate assistant in the da Vinci Center for Innovation.


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.