Dallas College’s digital badging program is giving students a new resource to add to their resume.
As the next generation is moving into the workforce, employers are starting to hire on a skills-first basis, according to Dr. Sharon Manna, dean of marketable skills & digital badging.
The digital badging program is providing students with a way to show off not just their academic achievements, but the skills they’ve learned from classes, co-curriculars and extracurriculars.
“The badges give students a language to articulate what they know and can do because of their time in our classes.
The purpose of a digital badge is that it’s an outward representation of what you know and can do,” Manna said.
In the program, there are three types of badges: skills badges, co-curricular badges, and extracurricular badges. There are 36 individual skills badges that are awarded by application.
Students will apply for the badges by answering an interview-like question, said Manna.
“You’re attesting to your ability by providing evidence from two classes that demonstrate that skill,” she said.
The co-curricular and extracurricular badges are sponsored by a program. Badges for programs like Phi Theta Kappa and The Dallas College Honors Program are not just for membership.
These badges are for active involvement: attending conferences, developing projects and contributing to the chapter.
Manna said thousands of these extracurricular badges have been awarded to students.
A standout badge, according to Manna, is the Career Explorer badge. This badge marks completion of certain career milestones and interactions with career and transfer services.
“With this badge, when a student leaves, whether they transfer or not, they can be employable on Day 1,” said Manna.
She added that the program is working on rolling out more badges, like a Digital Literacy Badge, for students taking English courses.
Like others, this badge will be in collaboration with multiple departments, specifically between the English faculty and Learning Commons librarians.
Manna said the main struggle with digital badges is awareness. In the first semester the program was available, Manna said they didn’t have a large number of applicants for the skills badges. She said it’s a new process and requires students to take that extra step for their own skill development.
“Since we launched in Spring 2025, we expect to see more participation grow over the next couple of years. But yes, the main challenge is showing students that this is valuable and worth their time,” said Manna.
The program provides a verified way to showcase the skills and experiences students have gained throughout their time at Dallas College. Whether applying for jobs, scholarships or transfer opportunities, the digital badges help students highlight their achievements in a clear and professional format.
“These badges are a way for students to tell their story, not just for jobs, but for scholarship and transfer applications, too.
It’s a way to develop your personal brand, to say, ‘Here I am, I’m a college student, and here’s what I know and can do.’
Even if you’re still in progress or planning to transfer, digital badges help fill that space between classes and degrees,” said Manna.
The digital badging program has resources for students on the Dallas College website and eCampus.
This fall, Manna said over 60,000 students were auto-enrolled in a Digital Badging at Dallas College organization on Brightspace, so students have a one-stop shop for applications and information.
