Digital Badges - Training on the LRNG Platform

The other afternoon, I wrapped-up my second day of training on the LRNG platform. The design and functionality are just extraordinary! This summer's roll-out of Pittsburgh - City of Learning is certainly something that we want to plug out kids into immediately.


Though I am not currently a part of the City of Learning program in Pittsburgh, I am working alongside Holy Family Academy's Head of School / Chief Learning Officer and our Career Coaches to develop pathways and playlists to expand our networked learning ecosystem into the surrounding community.


Digital badging has been an interest of mine for the past two years, however I only (officially) entered the badging process just this year at Holy Family.  My intent is to utilize digital badges in our innovative field-based learning program.

Check out this video out of Chicago--it offers a comprehensive view on the power and potential of badging.

Rationale for the Importance of a Digital Badging Proposal that Unites PGH Careers + PGH Teens

Recently, I was involved with a team at HFA in submitting a grant proposal helping to link students from the region with plans for badging our existing Corporate Work Study Program. We have +50 partners throughout the region, and we are in the midst of creating playlists of experiences introducing teens to a cariety of careers that feature prominent roles into this region's future. Consisting of both local and digital experiences, these playlists expose teens to a variety of careers, help to connect teens with information to learn about the specific avenues for growth in each sector, and the experiences unlocs opportunities for young people to pursue these careers in greater depth.

This is a good time to be a young person in and around the City of Pittsburgh. With so much attention being placed upon corporations, nonprofits, and educational institutions comprising the Remake Learning Network, there are abundant opportunities to expand a networked learning ecosystem in and around the city. Local census data shows that a proposal has the ability to have a far reaching impact within the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

2014 Census: Youth Under Age 18


48,800 - City of Pittsburgh


246, 250 - Allegheny County


The topography of southwestern Pennsylvania is unique with respect to how urban hubs of innovation border rural, even remote communities. The time is right to make serious attempts to establish solid connections with Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Westmoreland, Fayette, and my own native Washington County. These counties surrounding the City of Pittsburgh vary greatly with respect to a diverse make-up of urban, suburban, and rural schools.

I am proud to work with the committed leaders at Holy Family Academy. Our vision is to connect the youth of the Pittsburgh metro area with expansive real world opportunities. The goal is to provide students with deeper learning experiences beyond the four walls of the classroom. In this manner, we will remake learning by expanding on real world partnerships and future ready opportunities for the young people of this region to become informed and inspired by the pathways and playlists on their journey to success in school, careers, and life.

Holy Family Academy - An Established Network Provides a Pathway for Discovery

This would enable HFA to broaden the reach of an existing networked learning ecosystem of +50 partners in industry, higher education, and corporate sectors. 

We have constructed multiple playlists consisting of local and digital experiences that will make learning authentic, relevant, and personal.

As we move forward, it is my goal to work closely with our leaders in the Career Hub and fully implement this digital badging program in a way that can benefit our students and the community at large.