Among the areas in which Appalachian State University has signed an agreement with the UNC System to prioritize in support of the UNC System strategic plan is critical workforce credentials. 

This item addresses the UNC System’s goal of economic impact and community engagement — deepening partnerships that strengthen local communities and the state’s economy.

Appalachian’s agreement:

By 2021–22, produce 2,257 critical workforce credentials, an increase of 29.6% (516 additional critical workforce credentials over a base of 1,741).

What constitutes “critical workforce credentials”?

The UNC System strategic plan counts as critical workforce credentials the number of credentials earned at a UNC System institution in the following fields:

• Health sciences.
• STEM.
• K-12 teacher education.
• Other emerging regional workforce needs in a given academic year.