Each project requires:

• A principal investigator who is able to manage project funds
• A project team which ideally includes industry and/or community partners
• a clear focus on training and skills for populations beyond current McMaster students
• potential to advance one or more impact area(s) of the Partnered in Teaching and Learning Strategy

• spend funding according to budget and within the time frame provided by the MCU
• complete reporting on spending and project progress as required by the MCU
• notify the Grants Coordinator of any deviations in project budget and/or timeline
• Provide end-of-project reporting metrics for internal use

McMaster University was awarded $650,000 in 2021 to support four micro-credential projects:

• Sarrah Lal, “Health Ventures MICRO: Capacity Building for a Thriving Health Innovation Ecosystem,” Faculty of Health Sciences
• Teresa Chan, “Social Media for Healthcare Practitioners,” Faculty of Health Sciences
• Maryam Aramesh and Stephen Veldhuis, “MMRI Industrial Training Program – Expansion,” Faculty of Engineering
• Julia Ableson, “Engaging and Partnering for Patient Centred Care Micro-Credential,” Faculty of Health Sciences

While McMaster University defines a microcredential as:

“a designation of achievement of a coherent set of skills, competencies, or knowledge, specified by a statement of purpose, learning outcomes, and potential need by employers and/or in the community,”

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities takes a more narrow definition of microcredentials as:

“rapid training programs offered by postsecondary education institutions across the province that can help you get the skills that employers need. Micro-credentials help people retrain and upgrade their skills to find new employment.”