There is growing recognition of the importance of learning beyond high school – whether this be through traditional 2-year or 4-year degree programs or short-term credentials. An individual has earned a short-term credential upon completion of either a certificate program or industry-recognized certification. Certificate programs are earned through postsecondary institutions and can vary in length. Short-term certificates can be earned within a single academic year, whereas long-term certificates are considered awards of at least one but less than two academic years. Short-term credentials offer learners the ability to gain education and training in a specific career pathway without as significant a commitment of time or money. Certificates can often lead directly into the workforce or can be pursued by working adults as a way to advance in their career or transition into a new career. Certificates are generally occupationally-oriented and are common in the trades, business and healthcare. There is no consistent data available on the total percent of the Elkhart County adult population that have earned a certificate. This indicator provides data on the number of certificates conferred each year to Elkhart County adults through a public institution in Indiana.

Demographic data is not currently available for this indicator.

As this indicator provides a count and not a percentage of the population, it is not possible to provide comparison data with the state.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s Enrollment and Degree Dashboard provides data for the public institutions in the state on types of degrees completed, and includes data related to certificates awarded by institution.