NYS PTA members now have access to a unique grant-supported opportunity to build the skills needed for success in college, careers, and an ever-changing workforce. Participants can utilize more than 7,000 online courses, industry certification training programs, and career exploration resources and earn employer-verifiable blockchain digital badges that showcase achievement and skills mastery.
From essential workplace and communication skills to technology, business, cybersecurity, and industry-specific learning pathways, this program empowers learners of all ages to explore new interests, earn recognized credentials, and prepare for future opportunities. By connecting New York families with flexible, high-quality workforce education, this initiative is helping open doors to academic achievement, career advancement, and lifelong success.
This opportunity is made possible through a partnership between the New York State PTA (NYS PTA) and the National Education Foundation (NEF), a nonprofit leader in Career & Technical Education (CTE) and workforce development. Supported by SUNY Potsdam and powered by Skillsoft’s award-winning learning platform, the initiative expands access to high-quality, flexible learning opportunities for New York families and communities.
Together, NYS PTA and NEF are helping learners gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to succeed in college, careers, and an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Participants can explore learning pathways in a wide range of career and professional development areas, including:
Upon successful completion of courses, participants can earn blockchain-secured digital badges that can be added to LinkedIn profiles, digital portfolios, resumes, and college applications, providing verifiable evidence of newly acquired skills and accomplishments.
The NYS PTA–NEF partnership recognizes that career readiness begins long before graduation. By providing access to industry-aligned learning experiences, the program helps students explore future career possibilities while enabling parents, caregivers, educators, and adult learners to strengthen their own skills and credentials.
Whether participants are preparing for college, entering the workforce, changing careers, or seeking professional advancement, the program offers flexible opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.
The National Education Foundation and SUNY Potsdam, one of America’s first 50 colleges and the oldest institution in the SUNY system, have partnered for nearly 15 years to expand access to technology education. One result of this collaboration is a free, open-source Digital Literacy Course, developed with SUNY Potsdam’s educational technology expertise and now in its fourth edition. Created for a broad audience—from middle school students to adults—the course provides a practical foundation for becoming more confident and capable with technology. It covers computer and technology basics, living online, and key applications, with content aligned to the internationally recognized IC3 Digital Literacy standard. It’s a unique opportunity to build digital skills that can benefit students, parents, educators, and families alike.
Founded in 1989 by educator and systems engineer Dr. Appu Kuttan, the National Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce development opportunities. For more than three decades, NEF has helped students and working adults develop practical skills, strengthen college and career readiness, and access new opportunities through innovative education and training programs.
Through partnerships with educational institutions, employers, workforce organizations, and community groups, NEF delivers flexible, industry-aligned learning experiences that prepare individuals for success in today’s most in-demand careers. NEF’s programs serve learners across New York, throughout the United States, and internationally, helping individuals gain the skills, credentials, and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.