BRIDGE TO SUCCESS
LEARN SKILLS, EARN
CREDENTIALS, + GROW.
Education and certification programs designed to help you build practical skills and advance your career.
TRACK PROGRESS •
PRACTICAL SKILLS •
EARN CREDENTIALS •
TRACK PROGRESS • PRACTICAL SKILLS • EARN CREDENTIALS •
HOW IT
WORKS
A micro-certification pilot from Black Tech Saturdays and the University of Michigan Center for Innovation — three weeks, in-person, designed to give you real skills and a verified digital badge.
BEFORE YOU APPLY — THE COMMITMENT MATTERS
This pilot runs for 3 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. Showing up every session isn't just expected — it's what makes this work. The cohort is built around continuity. If your schedule makes full attendance uncertain right now, we'd love to see you in a future cohort when the timing is right.
CREDENTIALS THAT MARK PROGRESS
Frequently Asked Questions
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All classes are held in person only. There are no virtual or remote options available.
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Yes. Full attendance is required for all sessions.
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Participants must attend every session to stay eligible for completion.
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Yes, a certificate of completion is awarded only to participants who attend all sessions.
OPEN OPPORTUNITYUMCI and Black Tech Saturday are launching a five-badge pilot series to build professional innovation skills in our community. We're looking for experienced educators and workshop leaders to guide adult learners through hands-on, skill-building experiences every Saturday morning.
BECOME A UMCI/BADGE FACILITATOR
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Badges Available
Problem Solving · Design Thinking · Leadership
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Schedule
Saturdays, 9 AM–12 PM · Aug – Oct 2026
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Commitment
~9 hours of learning over 3 weeks per badge
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Compensation
$1,400 stipend per badge upon completion
Who we're looking for
• Experienced educator, trainer, or workshop facilitator
• Background in adult learning
• Expertise in innovation, leadership, tech, or related fields
• Able to commit to Saturday in-person sessions
What you'll do
• Co-develop and refine badge content with UMCI/BTS staff
• Lead engaging, learner-centered in-person sessions
• Support adult learners in building real innovation skills
• Submit a cover letter and résumé with your application
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis · AI-assisted initial review