USC Viterbi School of Engineering Issues First On Chain Digital Credential

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 06/02/23

In a first for the University of Southern California (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering, graduating 2023 Grand Challenge Scholars have received an on-chain, verifiable digital credential. The custom credential was designed in partnership with identity platform company Heirloom, using blockchain technology. This authenticated credential is instantly verifiable and will save graduates time and effort throughout their careers, according to a news announcement.

The school said that with easy access to the Heirloom platform, graduates can instantly supply information and verification to prospective employers. Although traditional records will still be available, graduates will not have to request paper transcripts to verify their status as Grand Challenge Scholars.

"Our goal," said Chris James, USC Viterbi's chief financial officer, "is to help facilitate a rapid exchange of information for our graduates who are emerging professionals, allowing them to be productive contributors to organizations and society. It will allow students to showcase their global mindset to potential employers and contacts."

"We're so thrilled to be working with the USC Viterbi School of Engineering to provide students with an easy-to-access, platform through which they can access their earned, interoperable on-chain credential that will serve them throughout their careers," said Heirloom CEO, Nick Dazé.

The Grand Challenge Program Scholars is a global initiative established at USC in 2009 in partnership with the National Academy of Engineering. The Academy outlined a set of "grand challenges" to engineering students, focusing on sustainability, security, and health. The program is a blend of curricular and extra-curricular activities, and upon completion, students are designated a Grand Challenge Scholar.

"We're so thrilled to be working with the USC Viterbi School of Engineering to provide students with an easy-to-access, platform through which they can access their earned, interoperable on-chain credential that will serve them throughout their careers," said Nick Dazé, Heirloom founder and CEO.

Visit the USC Viterbi School of Engineering academics page to learn more about its eight departments and programs.

Read more here about how the Heirloom platform works.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

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