What are micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials are short, flexible, asynchronous learning modules designed to help participants develop the specialized, job-ready skills.
Our micro-credentials deliver 21st century innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurship skills through in-person and online modules. Participants who successfully complete micro-credentials earn digital badges via Credly to document and share their achievements. These micro-credentials are short, competency-based recognitions and are not counted as an academic program or degree.
There are two ways to our micro-credential programs:
1. Our live workshops
Note: The workshop is interactive and will utilize features within the Zoom platform. Program participants are encouraged to have their cameras on to increase participation and engagement. To access the session, participants will receive one link to register and join. Registration protects the privacy of the session and allows da Vinci to monitor attendance. Attendees are encouraged to test their technology prior to the session to ensure access.
See all upcoming Workshops and Events >>
2. At your own pace
Take this asynchronous workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by the Executive Director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.
Design thinking is all about collaboration and problem-solving!
Unleash your creative potential by mastering the principles of design thinking. There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and empathy to current as well as future job roles. Through this immersive workshop, participants will be introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping, and feedback.
There are two ways to our Design Thinking programs:
1. Our live workshops
Note: The workshop is interactive and will utilize features within the Zoom platform. Program participants are encouraged to have their cameras on to increase participation and engagement. To access the session, participants will receive one link to register and join. Registration protects the privacy of the session and allows da Vinci to monitor attendance. Attendees are encouraged to test their technology prior to the session to ensure access.
See all upcoming Design Thinking Workshops and Events >>
2. At your own pace
Take this asynchronous workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by the Executive Director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.
Enroll in our asynchronous workshop >>
Ever feel like your business idea is a jumbled mess of possibilities? Turn that "aha!" moment into a masterpiece with the VCU da Vinci Center's Intro to Business Model Canvas micro-credential course!
This bite-sized, online learning experience is your key to unlocking the secrets of the Business Model Canvas, a framework used by innovative minds worldwide. This course will equip you with the tools and know-how to:
- Decipher the DNA of successful businesses: Learn the core components that make ventures thrive.
- Map your own masterpiece: Transform your business idea from a sketch on a napkin into a structured plan.
- Become a business whiz: Gain the confidence to pitch your idea with clarity and win over investors or collaborators.
This course is perfect for:
- Budding entrepreneurs with ideas waiting to take flight.
- Established businesses seeking to refine their strategy.
- Anyone who wants to unlock their inner innovator.
Don't let your business dreams stay confined to your imagination! Enroll today and watch your idea take shape with the VCU da Vinci Center's Intro to Business Model Canvas micro-credential course.
Follow these 3 steps to earn your micro-credential:
Step 1: Watch the Business Model Canvas Video. Ace discusses the philosophy and mechanics of the Business Canvas Model.
Step 2: Download the Business Model Canvas Template
Step 3: Take the Business Model Canvas Assessment
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned executive looking to sharpen your presentation skills, our Introduction to Pitching and Storytelling micro-credential will equip you with the tools and techniques to succeed in any setting. Join us and unlock your potential to inspire, influence, and persuade with impact.
Follow these 2 steps to earn your micro-credential:
Step 1: Watch the Art of The Pitch Video. Ace Callwood discusses the philosophy and mechanics of "The Pitch".
Step 2: Take the Art of The Pitch Assessment
Digital Literacy can help you become an active content creator, prepared for success in the modern workplace.
This micro-credential course will introduce how Adobe Creative Cloud tools can help advance your ideas. Andrew Indelicato walks you through Adobe and gives tutorials that will help you create. Participants will have proficiency in the creation of digital deliverables using select Adobe Creative Cloud software. Participants will have demonstrated an ability to use digital tools along with experiences in creativity, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and collaboration. Collectively, these 21st Century skills provide a foundation for digital literacy and communication.
Follow these 2 steps to earn your micro-credential:
Step 1: Watch the Digital Literacy Video. Preview Adobe tools with Andrew Indelicato.
Step 2: Take the Digital Literacy Assessment
Meet the Instructors
Cael Parker
Cael is a multidisciplinary artist, recent graduate from VCUArts, and an aspiring product developer currently pursuing a masters degree in Product Development from the da Vinci Center.
Past workshops: SHELFIE bootcamp at the Shift Retail Lab, Henrico Student Innovation Challenge
![](/media/da-vinci-center/images/headshots/Cael_Parker.jpg)
![](/media/da-vinci-center/images/headshots/Cael_Parker.jpg)
Manjari Kumarappan
Manjari is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Innovation and Human-Centered Design at the da Vinci Center, with a Master’s in Public Health.
Past workshops: Lego Serious Play workshop at Worlds in Play 2024, Design thinking workshop for VCUHealth Radiology
![](/media/da-vinci-center/images/headshots/Manjari_Square.jpg)
![Portrait of Manjari Kumarappan in front of the Shift mural.](/media/da-vinci-center/images/headshots/Manjari_Square.jpg)