The College of Arts & Sciences “Digital Badging Program”
turn your journey into a badge of honor
About
Digital Badging Pathway is a dynamic, skill-building experience designed to help you translate academic learning into real-world readiness. Whether you're just getting started or already taking bold steps toward your future, this pathway acknowledges your growth and leadership at every step.
Through a structured series of four progressive badge levels, you’ll explore your career interests, build essential NACE-aligned skills, gain real-world experience, and lead meaningful change in your community.
Benefits
Taking charge of your own growth
A Digital Badge you share on LinkedIn, resumes and portfolios
Priority registration to career and leadership events
Tell Your Story: Build a record of what makes your Howard experience uniquely yours
Recognition from the College of Arts & Sciences
Stand Out: Strengthen your resume, portfolio and professional profile
Lets be real
The Problem: A GPA doesn't say what you can do. You're already doing the work, leadership, research, service, late nights making something happen — but nobody sees it. It's invisible until you're in an interview trying to explain four years in 30 seconds
What This Does: Every badge is proof. Not a certificate in a drawer — a verified credential that says "I led this," "I built this," with a receipt attached. Something you can actually drop into a resume or LinkedIn post. It stacks across four years, so senior year you're not starting from zero
“Isn't This Just Busywork?”: No. It captures what you're already doing — leadership, service, research, internships — and makes it legible to people who've never sat in your classroom.
The Honest Part: This is new. We built it because we think it solves a real problem, not because it looks good in a brochure. A verified credential is faster to trust than a bullet point someone has to take your word for.
Do it because it protects work you're already putting in.
Why does it matter?
Because college is more than your classes and your GPA.
You’re building skills every day—through research, campus events, internships,
study abroad, leadership, service, and experiences outside the classroom.
COAS Badging helps you name those skills and show the world what you can
actually do.
📄Applying for an internship? Show more than your resume.
🎓Thinking about grad school? Show the experiences that prepared you.
💼Looking for a job? Show employers the skills behind your experiences.
🌟Not sure what makes you stand out? Your badges help tell your story.
You’re already doing the work
Digital Badging Program Process
Badge Progression:
Level 1 – Exploration & Foundation: Identity, interests, early exposure
Level 2 – Skill Building & Engagement: Practice, refine, get involved
Level 3 – Professional Application & Leadership: Apply, lead, prepare for next steps
Level 4 – Legacy & Launch: Celebrate impact, finalize professional brand, transition
Purpose: To elevate student success by bridging classroom learning with intentional experiential learning — internships, research, service, study abroad, and leadership — that builds confidence, real-world skills, and professional clarity. The program scaffolds personal and career development to prepare students for competitive opportunities and global impact after graduation.
How does it work?:
Pick your level — Start at Level 1 (Exploration). No application needed — just show up and start.
Complete the tasks — Each level has 6 tasks tied to real things.
Collect your proof — For each task, save the proof (screenshot, confirmation, reflection, etc.) as you go.
Submit your evidence — Upload everything to a Google Drive folder, set sharing to "anyone with the link can view," and submit the folder link through the official form.
Earn your badge — Once approved, you get your digital badge to share on LinkedIn, your resume, and your portfolio.
Level up — Move to the next level whenever you're ready. Complete all 4 by senior year (or faster) for full recognition at graduation, plus a graduation pin
How long is the program?
The COAS Badging Program is self-paced and designed to span your entire undergraduate journey – from your first year to senior year.
Some students may progress faster, while others take a level per year. Want to complete Levels 1 through 4 within one year? You can!
Who’s Eligible?
All undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences (COAS) at Howard University
Open to all class years – first-year through senior
Open to all majors within COAS
No application needed to start Level 1 – just initiative and follow-through!
How do I submit my work and track my progress?
You’ll upload your materials through an easy submission system (we’ll provide the link). You’ll also receive feedback and updates from the COAS E-Fellows team as you go.
Is this required? Does it affect my grades?
Nope – it's optional and non-credit-bearing. But its a powerful way to invest in yourself, build your resume and get noticed by employers, graduate schools and even scholarship committees.
What do I get if I complete all the levels?
You’ll receive official digital badges, recognition at graduation, exclusive access to professional development opportunities and a graduation pin to wear with pride. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with a strong sense of direction and a standout portfolio.
What do I actually have to do to earn a badge?
Each level includes a few key tasks – like attending events, updating your resume, applying to internships or doing a reflection. You’ll submit proof of completion and a short write-up.
LEarn More!
FAQS
COAS Office of Academic Student Affairs:
Locke Hall 110