Coppin State University’s P2P Stackable Credentials Program Breaks Records, Redefining the Future of Education

BALTIMORE - Coppin State University's Pathways to Professions (P2P) Stackable Credentials program is reshaping the educational landscape, achieving record-breaking growth since its launch in Fall 2023. In just one year, the program has more than doubled its enrollment, marking a remarkable 115% increase, with a stellar 98% course completion rate and 97% competency mastery.

Designed by Dr. Yi Huang, who oversees the program's curriculum, recruitment, retention, and full grant funding, this initiative is redefining success in higher education, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As the first HBCU to pioneer the new model of Career Ladders for Teachers, Coppin's Stackable Credentials program is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. It offers teachers the opportunity to earn post-baccalaureate certificates while providing a pathway to an advanced degree, complete with salary incentives and national recognition.

"We are proud to be leading the way in creating opportunities for teachers that align with the needs of our communities while setting new standards for educational excellence," said Dr. Huang, founding Executive Director and Research Professor of the Center for Inclusive Excellence.

The program's growth is not just in numbers but in impact. With 43 students enrolled for Fall 2024, retention rates have soared, boasting an impressive 86% retention rate in Spring 2024 and a perfect 100% in Fall 2024. In addition to the Stackable Credentials, the P2P successes are further amplified by its innovative approaches to supporting both graduate and undergraduate students, offering aspiring and practicing teachers hands-on experience in urban and rural classrooms through MicroResidencies, MicroCredentials, and Leadership Academy at no cost to participants.

Coppin State University's P2P program is setting a new standard in education, influencing not just its own campus but also educational practices among P2P partners across the state. The P2P Stackable Credentials, MicroCredentials and MicroResidencies are being simultaneously implemented at Coppin State University, Salisbury University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and public schools in Baltimore City, Dorchester County, Somerset County, and Wicomico County. The P2P's collaborative nature is creating a unique connected ecosystem that breakthrough educational and employment barriers, allowing aspiring and practicing teachers of diverse backgrounds to gain valuable experience in a networked improvement community.

"We take great pride in the significant progress our P2P Stackable Credentials program has achieved. This program represents more than just impressive growth; it embodies the opportunities we are creating for our students and the meaningful contributions they are across the state of Maryland," said Anthony Jenkins, President of Coppin State University. "At Coppin State, we are redefining success in higher education, particularly for our HBCU community. The accomplishments of this program highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking approach to education."

The Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE) at Coppin State University, which houses the P2P program, is committed to building capacities for inclusive excellence in education and the workplace. By breaking away from traditional approaches, the CIE is addressing community-wide challenges in academic achievements and career outcomes through multi-sector partnerships and innovative pathways.

To learn more about how Coppin State University is leading the future of education through its innovative P2P Stackable Credentials and other academic innovation initiatives, contact the Center for Inclusive Excellence at [email protected].