Mason Career Academy Offers Courses and Certifications to Displaced Federal Workers

George Mason University (GMU) is offering a new platform designed to help users, including displaced federal workers and contractors, develop and sharpen the skills they need to compete in the labor market.

The Fairfax, Va.-based institution recently launched Mason Career Academy, an online learning resource the school says can help transitioning federal talent, among others, in complementing their college degrees with “additional credentials sought by employers in order to stay ahead of the curve,” according to a statement.

Students, faculty and staff can access the Academy’s on-demand, self-paced courses for free, while courses are available to displaced federal workers and contractors in the school’s region for a fee. The Academy offers more than 90 online micro-credential courses and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, project management and information technology (IT) support, according to the university.

In addition to technical training, the Academy includes professional development tools “that help sharpen skills in resume writing, interviewing and job readiness,” according to GMU, noting that completed credentials can be added directly to resumes or LinkedIn profiles. The university also says its supporting more than 12,000 recently displaced workers, including federal employees and contractors, with a range of resources featured in GMU’s Displaced Workers Support page.

“Lifelong learning is a goal we all share at George Mason, not just for our students, but for ourselves and our teams,” said Gregory Washington, president of George Mason University, in a statement.

“As students enter a dynamic and evolving workforce that values adaptability, digital fluency, and industry-specific expertise, Mason Career Academy is one of many resources we offer to help them remain competitive—not just for their first job after graduation, but throughout their careers. We hope this resource also supports our alumni and those in the region who may need extra support right now.”