Entrepreneurial Excellence - Defy Ventures Bootcamp
Those who have earned the Entrepreneurial Excellence - Defy Ventures Bootcamp badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurs. Badge earners are exposed to content and activities emphasizing developing their business idea into a formal business concept and pitch.
Goal setting refers to the process of establishing specific, attainable aims, devising action plans, and tracking advancement towards desired results for individual or group growth.
Action planning entails outlining strategies, arranging tasks, assigning resources, and establishing deadlines to accomplish targeted objectives within a set timeframe.
Time management is the capacity to organize and plan tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and allocate time efficiently to increase productivity and accomplish objectives.
Growth Mindedness is a persistent pursuit of learning and betterment, involving the acceptance of challenges, perseverance through obstacles, and seeing effort as a means to mastery and competence.
Individual resilience refers to the capability of adjusting to challenges, bouncing back quickly from difficulties while maintaining a positive outlook and overall well-being.
Dealing with ambiguity refers to the capability to function efficiently in uncertain circumstances and make choices without having complete information or explicit guidance.
Business case development is the process of creating compelling arguments and financial projections to support a proposed investment or project within a company.
Business development entails the strategic pursuit of new opportunities to increase a company's revenue and growth through identification, cultivation, and acquisition.
Ideation represents the inventive procedure of conceiving, nurturing, and expressing novel concepts, covering the entire spectrum from inception to implementation.
Strategic analysis entails examining a company's external environment and internal capabilities to guide future planning and resource distribution.
Strategic planning entails determining an organization's course by establishing objectives, devising tangible measures, and designating resources for lasting targets.
Environmental Analysis refers to the systematic assessment of external and internal ecological factors affecting an organization's operations, including compliance with regulations, sustainability trends, and ecological impacts.
Leadership development focuses on enhancing individuals' skills, behaviors, and abilities to take on leadership roles, driving organizational performance and achieving strategic objectives.
Management skills refer to the abilities required for successful leadership, including guiding teams, optimizing resources, strategic planning, and decision-making to accomplish organizational objectives.
Community engagement refers to the development and maintenance of beneficial connections between organizations and the communities they serve, promoting communication, cooperation, and shared advantages.
Completing the requirements and assessments for this badge verifies those who have earned it have the knowledge and skills necessary to become entrepreneurs. They have engaged in the Defy Ventures Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a 3-4 month-long program during which Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) engage in personal development and entrepreneurship skill development in the following domains: foundations of Entrepreneurship, Ideation, Business Strategy, Business Practices, and Pitching. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a qualified UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Demonstrate tactical and introspective aspects of entrepreneurship including SMART goals and action plans, time budgeting and task prioritization, growth mindset, positive community of support, resilience, and tolerance for ambiguity. - Ideate a new business idea. - Use strategic analysis tools to evaluate the competitive environment for a new business and develop strategic options to bolster the potential for success. - Develop a business pitch containing an ask for support. - Develop managerial and leadership skills critical to business success.
Entrepreneurial Excellence - Defy Ventures CEO of Your New Life
Those who have earned the Entrepreneurial Excellence - Defy Ventures CEO of Your New Life badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurs. Through their engagement with content and activities badge earners are ready to launch their new career as an entrepreneur.
Communication plans are tactical outlines designed to convey information efficiently to various audiences, coordinating message content, delivery methods, and schedules to align with organizational objectives and foster stakeholder involvement.
Business planning entails establishing objectives, outlining measures, and distributing resources to direct a company's development and financial soundness.
Investor relations encompasses the management of a company's communication with its financial community, ensuring compliance with securities laws and effective exchange of information.
Resume writing entails skillfully organizing and presenting one's work history, skills, and accomplishments in a well-structured document to demonstrate their suitability for job openings.
Recognizing Strengths refers to the capacity to pinpoint and value an individual's distinctive skills and talents, utilizing them for growth and improvement on personal, team, and organizational levels.
Self-awareness is the conscious understanding of one's character, emotions, motivations, and desires, allowing for personal insight and recognition of one's influence on others.
The Defy Ventures CEO of Your New Life program is a 6-8 month-long program focused on career readiness, entrepreneurship skill development, and personal development. Participants engage in learning, reflection, and discussion about the following units: Foundations of Entrepreneurship, Ideation, Business Strategy, Business Practices, Pitching, and Career and Post Release Readiness. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Demonstrate both tactical and introspective aspects of entrepreneurship including SMART goals and action plans, time budgeting and task prioritization, growth mindset, positive community of support, resilience, and tolerance for ambiguity - Ideate a new business idea - Use strategic analysis tools to evaluate the competitive environment for a new business and develop strategic options to bolster the potential for success - Develop managerial and leadership skills critical to business success - Develop a business pitch containing an ask for support - Identify strengths to offer to potential employers and create materials to use in obtaining a job
Fund Development and Donor Relations for Nonprofit Leaders
This badge is part of a series of badges related to skills for nonprofit leaders. Effective nonprofit leaders are able to build relationships and develop strategies that support the organization’s mission and fund development goals. Content for this badge will provide nonprofit leaders with practical tools for evaluating current fund development activities, developing strategies for deepening donor relations, and creating action plans that move the organization towards its fund development and donor relations goals.
Completion of the badge content is evaluated by a qualified instructor. The individual who earned this badge has engaged in discussions and practice that demonstrate competency in the following areas: - Evaluate their organization’s fund development strategies and funding sources. - Identify individuals and organizations that share a passion for their organization's cause. - Identify strategies for building relationships that support fundraising efforts. - Develop an action plan to achieve the organization’s fund development and donor relations goals.
Organizational Planning for Nonprofit Leaders
This badge is part of a series of badges related to skills for nonprofit leaders. Effective nonprofit leaders are able to facilitate the development of organizational plans that are adaptive and strategic. Content for this badge will provide nonprofit leaders with simple planning tools that help them address organizational challenges, identify goals, and take action.
Completion of the badge content is evaluated by a qualified instructor. The individual who earned this badge has engaged in discussions and practice that demonstrate competency in the following areas: - Identify an organizational challenge or goal that is relevant to the organization’s mission. - Identify who should be involved in planning discussions. - Determine an appropriate planning tool (e.g. action planning, scenario planning) to address the identified organizational challenge or goal. - Develop a pre-planning document that prepares them to facilitate a planning session that allows their organization to be adaptive and strategic in its actions.
Foundations of Entrepreneurship - Defy Ventures Bootcamp
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this first unit of the program, EITs learn both tactical and introspective aspects of entrepreneurship including SMART goals and action plans, time budgeting and task prioritization, growth mindset, positive community of support, resilience, and tolerance for ambiguity.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp curriculum is structured around the evidence-informed Reentry Wellbeing Model. EIT learning is assessed via assignments on Smart Goals, Personal Statements, Self-Limiting & Self-Freeing beliefs, and Time Budgets. To earn this badge, EITs must 1) turn in the assignments by the deadline at the level of “good” on the rubric, 2) have regular attendance during this portion of Bootcamp, and 3) participate actively in class. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Understand the importance of developing a growth mindset. - Understand the importance of building a positive community of support. - Establish SMART goals with action plans. - Develop a time budget and prioritize to do lists. - Identify the difference between working on and working in your business.
Pitching Your Business - Defy Ventures Bootcamp
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this fourth unit of the program, EITs develop a business pitch containing an ask for support.
Strategic thinking is the capacity to evaluate intricate scenarios, foresee future possibilities, and create long-term strategies for attaining objectives, all while adjusting to shifting conditions and incorporating varied inputs.
Concept development entails the generation, elaboration, and refinement of ideas to establish a feasible foundation for a product, service, or project before implementation.
Fundraising refers to the process of obtaining financial support for an organization's activities through various methods such as campaigns, events, and grant applications.
Brand storytelling is the art of developing and communicating a company's narrative, incorporating its values and personality to foster an emotional bond and engagement with the audience.
A marketing strategy is a detailed approach designed to accomplish business objectives by effectively conveying the worth of offerings to a specific consumer group, utilizing market analysis and branding methods.
Brand marketing refers to the deliberate process of establishing and promoting a brand to foster awareness, loyalty, and perceived value, setting it apart from competitors and shaping consumer actions.
Market positioning is the strategic process of creating and preserving a brand or product's distinct identity and value proposition in the target audience's minds within a market.
Strategic communication refers to the intentional distribution and planning of information to attain desired goals, impact stakeholders, and facilitate efficient decision-making in and between organizations.
Information Synthesis: The process of gathering, evaluating, and merging diverse data to construct a unified, coherent picture, facilitating well-informed decision-making and conclusion-drawing.
Business model refers to a company's strategic plan for creating, providing, and generating value, including its offerings, market strategy, and methods of revenue generation.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp curriculum is structured around the evidence-informed Reentry Wellbeing Model. EIT learning is assessed via assignments on a Business Concept Summary and written pitch. To earn the badge, EITs must 1) turn in the assignments by the deadline at the level of “good” on the rubric, 2) have regular attendance during this portion of the class, and 3) participate actively in class. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Develop a compelling leadership statement. - Develop a Business Concept Summary. - Develop a realistic ask for a Business Pitch. - Understand the importance of a strategic story. - Develop a business pitch.
Professional Business Practices - Defy Ventures Bootcamp
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this fifth and final unit of the program, EITs develop managerial and leadership skills critical to business success.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable standards employed to assess the effectiveness of a company, worker, or procedure in accomplishing goals and targets.
Business metrics are numerical indicators employed to monitor, evaluate, and track a company's performance and achievement of its strategic objectives.
Data analysis involves examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to reveal valuable insights, inform decisions, and support conclusions.
Contribution margins refer to the revenue surplus left after subtracting variable costs, demonstrating the additional funds generated per unit sold and its effect on profitability.
Break-Even Analysis represents the quantification of the point where a business or project's revenues equal its expenses, marking the transition from loss to profit.
Financial analysis involves assessing the performance and suitability of businesses, projects, and budgets for investment or financial decision-making.
Delegation is the capability to assign duties, authority, and accountability to others, distributing workloads and enabling team members to contribute to organizational objectives efficiently.
Team Leadership refers to the capability to direct, motivate, and organize a group towards shared objectives, promoting a cooperative and considerate atmosphere.
Decision making is the logical, systematic process of assessing information, considering options, and selecting a course of action to attain intended results.
Cost estimation is a methodical approach to forecasting expenditures for a project or product, taking into account various elements to achieve financial effectiveness and precision.
Resource Allocation: The tactical assignment of resources, such as assets, time, and human skills, to different divisions of a company to maximize efficiency and attain set objectives.
Revenue recognition is the process of identifying and recording income when it is earned and collectible, irrespective of the actual receipt of payment.
Cost accounting entails tracking, analyzing, and disclosing a company's expenses incurred through operations, production, and projects, supporting financial decision-making and strategic planning.
Budget management entails organizing, monitoring, assigning, and regulating funds in a project or entity, upholding effectiveness and compliance with financial limits and objectives.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp curriculum is structured around the evidence-informed Reentry Wellbeing Model. EIT learning is assessed via assignments on Key Performance Indicators. To earn the badge, EITs must 1) turn in the assignments by the deadline at the level of “good” on the rubric, 2) have regular attendance during this portion of the class, and 3) participate actively in class. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Identify key performance indicators that are important to the success of your business. - Calculate a product’s contribution margin and contribution margin ratio in order to calculate your break even point. - Understand why delegating is important, the key barriers to delegating, and how to delegate effectively. - Identify startup costs for your business. - Identify business revenues and classify business expenses as direct or indirect expenses.
Business Strategy - Defy Ventures Bootcamp
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this third unit of the program, EITs use strategic analysis tools to evaluate the competitive environment for their new business and develop strategic options to bolster their potential for success.
Market research is the organized process of collecting, examining, and interpreting data about consumers, competitors, and the market to guide a company's strategic planning and decision-making.
Secondary research entails collecting and analyzing information from pre-existing sources, like publications and databases, to gain insights on a specific subject.
Primary research involves gathering firsthand data through methods like interviews, surveys, experiments, or observations to address particular study goals.
Customer Value Propositions are marketing statements designed to emphasize the advantages and worth of a product or service, customized to address unique customer requirements and challenges.
Customer Profiling is the process of classifying clients into specific groups based on their traits, behaviors, and preferences to customize marketing approaches and services.
Customer insights entail using both qualitative and quantitative customer data to inform and enhance business strategies, operations, and product offerings.
Brand strategy refers to the long-term planning and creation of a brand's distinct identity, positioning, and value proposition to foster customer loyalty and gain a competitive edge.
Communication is the process of exchanging thoughts, data, and emotions via speech, writing, and non-verbal cues, promoting comprehension and productive cooperation.
SWOT analysis is a method for evaluating an organization's internal Strengths and Weaknesses, as well as external Opportunities and Threats, in the context of competition or project development.
Trends analysis is the process of examining data to recognize patterns, changes, and emerging tendencies in particular industries or markets, guiding strategic choices.
Pricing strategy is a methodical approach to setting product or service prices, considering factors like customer value, market demand, and competition, in order to achieve business objectives.
Cost analysis is the process of examining expenses to assess their importance, usefulness, and compatibility with a company's financial goals and strategies for resource allocation.
Revenue Modeling is the process of forecasting a company's future revenue through analyzing historical data, market trends, and business strategies to guide financial planning and decision-making.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp curriculum is structured around the evidence-informed Reentry Wellbeing Model. EIT learning is assessed via assignments on PEST Analysis, Customer Profile, and Mission, Vision, Values Statements. To earn the badge, EITs must 1) turn in the assignments by the deadline at the level of “good” on the rubric, 2) have regular attendance during this portion of the class, and 3) participate actively in class. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Conduct primary and secondary research in order to Perform a PEST analysis of your business environment. - Identify the value proposition your product or service represents for your target customer based upon the customer profile you developed. - Develop mission, vision, and values statements for your business. - Perform a SWOT and a Five Forces analysis. - Identify a pricing strategy for your new business.
Business Ideation-Defy Ventures Bootcamp
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this second unit of the program, EITs learn to ideate a new business idea by focusing on customer problems that relate to a personal interest or skill and are within the individual’s capacity to start.
Problem solving refers to the ability to identify, analyze, and creatively resolve issues through systematic and critical thinking, overcoming obstacles to achieve effective solutions.
Requirements gathering involves identifying, documenting, and prioritizing stakeholder needs and constraints to guide project scope and design efficient solutions.
Questioning refers to the skill of posing thought-provoking queries to obtain information, enhance comprehension, and facilitate problem-solving.
Risk assessment involves systematically identifying, examining, and assessing potential risks to effectively minimize their effects on a company's assets, activities, and stakeholders.
Customer feedback consists of customers' opinions and assessments about a product, service, or experience, which businesses utilize to enhance their strategies and customer relationships.
User experience testing is the evaluation of a product's usability and user satisfaction by observing and analyzing user interactions to improve overall user experience.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, control, and utilize one's emotions to effectively interact with others and overcome obstacles.
Self-Reflection is the introspective ability to analyze one's own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and enhancing decision-making.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp curriculum is structured around the evidence-informed Reentry Wellbeing Model. EIT learning is assessed via assignments on Purpose Statements, Customer Discovery Questions, Ideation Questionnaires, and testing a Minimum Viable Product. To earn the badge, EITs must 1) turn in the assignments by the deadline at the level of “good” on the rubric, 2) have regular attendance during this portion of the class, and 3) participate actively in class. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Identify potential customer problems you might be able to solve that are related to personal interests and skills. - Develop open-ended questions to validate your understanding of customer problems that could support a business. - Identify assumptions underlying your business solution and identify the riskiest assumption. - Conduct a Minimum Viable Product experiment. - Identify personal life purpose.
Communications Planning for Nonprofit Leaders
This badge is part of a series of badges related to skills for nonprofit leaders. Effective nonprofit leaders communicate what matters about their organization to the community. Content for this badge will provide nonprofit leaders with information on how to create a simple, annual, and focused plan for their organization’s communications.
Completion of the badge content is evaluated by a qualified instructor. The individual who earned this badge has engaged in discussions and practice that demonstrate competency in the following areas: - Identify communication priorities for their organization. - Develop key overarching messages that communicate their organization’s priorities. - Create a simple communication action plan.
Those who have earned the Career Mapping badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills to discover ideal jobs in alignment with individual skills, interests, and ideal work environment. Additionally badge earners learn to get the most out of educational opportunities and engage in the job search process while avoiding common mistakes in the application and interview process. Badge earners are exposed to content and activities emphasizing healthy thinking patterns, positive relationships, positive social engagement, effective coping strategies, and meaningful work trajectories.
Analytical thinking is the capability to break down intricate issues into smaller parts, recognize patterns, and utilize rational thinking to methodically find solutions.
Job Search Strategies refer to organized approaches for finding, applying to, and obtaining job positions that match a candidate's abilities, interests, and career aspirations.
Interviewing entails evaluating and interacting with job applicants via organized discussions to ascertain their fitness for a particular position or chance.
Defining Roles and Responsibilities entails allocating specific tasks and duties to team members for efficient collaboration and accountability in an organization.
Social network analysis is the systematic examination of social structures, utilizing networks and graph theory, to identify relationships and investigate interactions and social connections.
Intrapreneurship signifies the capability to innovate and foster entrepreneurial endeavors within a company, utilizing resources to generate novel products, services, or procedures for business expansion and competitive advantage.
Completing the requirements and assessments for this badge verifies those who have earned it are equipped with the skills to chart their career path and navigate the job application process. They have attended the majority of instructional sessions, engaged meaningfully in class discussions, completed weekly assessments with the score of "good" on the scoring rubric, can articulate their interview question preparation process and have set SMART goals and related action plans. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Identify aspects of career and work environments that suit individual interests and preferences - Create a SMART goal and action plan for making progress toward an identified career goals - Identify key aspects of the job search process that will lead to a successful search process, including key word identification and interview question practice - Explain individual skillsets and how they add value to a company - Identify and practice ways of developing intrapreneurial avenues within a company
Those who have earned the Gardening 101 badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills to grow and harvest cool and warm season crops in raised beds. Badge earners engage in hands-on activities, such as building healthy soils, fertilization and irrigation techniques, trellising vine crops, pest management, harvest and storage.
Sustainable Gardening refers to the eco-friendly cultivation and landscape management techniques that conserve resources and preserve ecological balance while maintaining garden health and productivity.
Plant Harvesting refers to the methodical gathering of crops or plants at their peak maturity, ensuring maximum productivity, quality, and preservation.
Plant Cultivation refers to the practice of nurturing, breeding, and managing plants for improved growth, health, and quality through methods such as soil preparation, watering, pruning, and pest control.
Recipients of the Gardening 101 badge have successfully planted, harvested, and recorded the yields of cool and warm season crops in five raised beds. Participants use a variety of planting and management strategies to plant and maintain seedlings, ensure their continued growth, and yield a successful harvest. Badge earners have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor for the successful demonstration of these outcomes: - Demonstrate hands-on skills in plant production of cool season and warm season crops - Develop skills in building healthy soils for vegetable crops - Demonstrate skills in growing and harvesting tuber crops - Demonstrate skills in trellising vining crops and tomatoes - Identify plant pests and demonstrate organic management methods
Those who have earned the Peer Mentorship Excellence badge have supported new learners through a structured peer learning experience, including class content comprehension, personal growth, and study skills. Badge earners have demonstrated inclusivity, acceptance, patience, self-care, and personal growth in their interactions.
Recipients of the Peer Mentorship Excellence badge have developed the knowledge and skills to apply trauma-informed educational practices, use group facilitation strategies, and establish clear boundaries through supporting peers in their learning. Badge earners have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor for the successful demonstration of these outcomes: - Learn and practice group facilitation techniques. - Observe and discuss group cohesion, progress of new learners, and adjustments that could be made to improve their learning outcomes. - Review components of healthy boundaries; practice setting and keeping boundaries in the context of the class. - Learn about and support the implementation of trauma-informed educational practices in the Extension program. - Role model and support new learners in strengths-based interactions, effective study skills, and a growth mindset.
Those who have earned the Greenhouse 101 Training Program badge have the knowledge and skills to design and maintain container plants. Badge earners have engaged in hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of environmental considerations in maintaining plants, general plant growth maintenance, flowering & foliage of annual bedding plants, and pest management.
Horticulture refers to the practice of cultivating plants for various purposes, including garden management, landscape design, and food production.
Creative Design: The skill of producing original ideas, aesthetically pleasing designs, and interactive experiences, utilizing artistic and technical expertise across diverse channels and platforms.
Recipients of the Greenhouse 101 Training Program have successfully produced bedding plant seedlings for containers and fully developed two standard container plants. Badge earners have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor for the successful demonstration of these outcomes: - Demonstrate hands-on training skills in plant production - Develop creative skills in designing with bedding annual plants - Exhibit their responsibility skills to analyze and maintain the plant growth and requirements - Identify plant nutrient disorders and ways to amend the disorder - Identify plant pests and provide sustainable ways to manage the greenhouse pests
Those who have earned the Collaborative Introspection badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage deeply in self-reflection, personal transformation, and community-building through intentional dialogue and guided exercises. Badge earners are exposed to content and activities emphasizing self-awareness, personal legacy development, and mutual support—framed through the book Sparrow in the Razor Wire by Quan Huynh which reinforces concepts shown to be crucial to wellbeing in the Wellbeing Development Model (Pettus et al., 2021).
Coping refers to the capability of handling stress, challenges, and adversity in a constructive manner, preserving emotional and mental stability.
Interpersonal skills refer to the capacities to communicate efficiently, establish relationships, cooperate, demonstrate empathy, negotiate, and manage conflicts in both personal and professional settings.
Accountability refers to the readiness to accept responsibility for one's actions and decisions, showing dependability and honesty in both personal and work-related contexts.
Completing the requirements and assessments for this badge verifies those who have earned it are committed to self-exploration and empowering others in their learning community. They have gained insight into their personal values, the impact of their past experiences, and their potential contributions to their current and future communities. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW–Madison Extension facilitator through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Create a personal “Jewel” of self-affirming phrases to reflect values and strengths - Draft and practice a personal mantra to promote inner alignment and resilience - Describe personal skills and explain how they add value to their community - Support and uplift peers as they navigate their own past, strengths, and aspirations - Identify the legacy they wish to build and steps to begin contributing it within their current environment
Turfgrass Apprenticeship Program (TAP) Educational Bootcamp
Earners of the Turfgrass Apprenticeship Program (TAP) Educational Bootcamp badge engage in hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of turfgrass management and use. They utilize various strategies and techniques to evaluate the requirements of the turfgrass and successfully maintain it with an integrated approach, including managing soil properties, irrigation, and pests.
Turfgrass Management encompasses the cultivation and upkeep of specific grasses for aesthetic, sports, and golf course purposes, involving expertise in soil science, pest control, and irrigation techniques.
Irrigation is the practice of managing water supply for crops and land, ensuring optimal growth, conserving resources, and promoting sustainability.
Irrigation Design involves planning and creating systems to effectively supply water for agriculture or landscaping, taking into account water sources, distribution techniques, and the requirements of plants or crops.
Soil science is the research and analysis of soil as a valuable resource, including its formation, classification, properties, fertility, and management for agricultural and conservation purposes.
Nutrient Management is a systematic approach to applying fertilizers to crops, aiming to enhance plant health and reduce environmental impacts by balancing soil nutrient levels and plant needs.
Pest Control Methods are approaches employed to mitigate the impact of harmful pests on human health, property, and the environment, ensuring safety and minimizing risks.
Recipients of the Turfgrass Apprenticeship Program (TAP) Educational Bootcamp badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills for effective turfgrass management. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW–Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Describe management strategies that can be implemented to increase the performance and sustainability of turfgrass management. - Understand the properties of the plant, soil, water, and microbes that are most important for turf management. - Develop a detailed, site-specific water conservation plan for a turfgrass area based on principles of turfgrass management and soil science. - Identify a suitable root zone construction method for a specific turfgrass area, including drainage options to achieve agronomic goals while minimizing water use. - Integrate knowledge of horticulture, soil science, plant pathology, and entomology to develop a pest and nutrient management plan for a turfgrass site that is protective of the environment.
Turfgrass Apprenticeship Program (TAP) Field Apprenticeship
Earners of the Turfgrass Apprenticeship Program (TAP) Field Apprenticeship badge complete turfgrass maintenance tasks in a variety of categories, including administration, agronomics, systems/infrastructure maintenance, and operations. Under the direct supervision of a turfgrass mentor, they gain real-world experience in turfgrass facility maintenance and engage in hands-on activities, such as staff supervision, training, & communication, water & landscape management, and equipment operation.
Staff management entails skillfully guiding and overseeing employees to maximize productivity, promote career development, and maintain a positive work atmosphere.
Record keeping refers to the organized method of generating, preserving, and handling accurate records for easy access and retrieval of crucial data throughout time.
Equipment Maintenance entails regular inspection, cleaning, repair, and replacement of components to keep machines and devices operating efficiently and safely.
Recipients of this badge have successfully completed a field-based apprenticeship at a turfgrass facility and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain a turfgrass facility. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW–Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Gain experience in managing staff and planning work schedules for an entire crew. - Understand the financial management of a golf course maintenance budget. - Determine effective ways to keep and organize records in an efficient and findable manner. - Develop a comprehensive understanding of the irrigation system on the property and be able to conduct repairs with minimal assistance. - Conduct repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment in collaboration with a mechanic.
Certified Farm Succession Coordinator (CFSC) Program
Earners of the Certified Farm Succession Coordinator (CFSC) Program badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills to facilitate and coordinate farm succession planning conversations for farm and ranch businesses and families. Through content and activities, such as case studies and small group discussions, badge earners engage with strategies and facilitation tools to effectively guide farm succession planning.
Planning processes refer to the structured approaches used to set objectives, determine strategies, and specify tasks and timelines for efficiently accomplishing project or organizational aims.
Business succession planning entails the strategic identification and development of potential leaders to replace current ones in the event of their departure, retirement, or death.
Discussion facilitation involves guiding group conversations to promote productive, inclusive exchanges, encouraging consensus-building and collaborative problem-solving.
Recipients of this badge have successfully completed the CFSC Program and have developed the communication and strategic planning skills required to support the succession planning process. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW–Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Develop a personalized structure for facilitating productive conversations to support the planning process. - Develop first strategies of working with a farm succession process. - Develop systems that effectively treat an operation as a business. - Use effective practitioner worksheets and tools. - Analyze real-life scenarios to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and tools of succession planning.
Earners of the Extension Professional Advancement, Networking, and Development (EXPAND): Facilitation Processes badge engage in training and development to deepen their understanding of facilitation topics and strategies. Through content and activities, such as an active learning project, participatory leadership, and small group activities, they build their skills to effectively facilitate conversations and meetings.
Meeting facilitation refers to the skill of leading group discussions to achieve productive conversation, defined goals, and active engagement among participants, including setting agendas and addressing conflicts.
Audience engagement refers to the process of establishing significant connections with people to foster committed communities centered around content, products, or services.
Recipients of this badge have successfully completed EXPAND: Facilitation Processes and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead groups using advanced facilitation techniques. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW–Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Create a plan for expanding professional networks. - Explain core competencies related to facilitation, specifically in the field of Extension. - Actively apply their learning to an issue or situation in real-time, leading to active problem solving, programmatic growth, and audience engagement. - Conduct scholarly presentations. - Author clear, achievable goals for ongoing skill building and leadership development in the field of Extension.
Spanish for Dairy Industry 1 badge image
Agriculture professionals, farm managers and students working in the dairy industry earning this badge have had an introduction to Spanish language vocabulary and grammar for use in their work. Badge earners have demonstrated familiarity with relevant terminology and syntax for basic communication and understanding, and have examined the characteristics of LatinX/Hispanic culture and its context in the dairy farm.
Those who have earned the Spanish for Dairy Industry badge have demonstrated mastery of utilization of Spanish vocabulary to form complete and grammatically correct sentences in Spanish through passing nine assessments with a 100% score and attending live practice sessions evaluated by a University of Wisconsin-Madison instructor. Earners of this badge have demonstrated proficiency in: - Demonstrate basic competency in Spanish Language Comprehension. - Construct simple sentences in Spanish using subject-noun-verb agreement. - Apply general dairy farm Spanish vocabulary in conversations in the workplace.
Those who have earned the Spanish for Dairy Industry 2 badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills for people working in the dairy industry to make knowledge and idea sharing easier and more efficient on dairy farms and in the dairy industry. Badge earners are exposed to content and activities emphasizing Spanish language vocabulary and grammar specific to the dairy industry. Skills gained include the ability to participate in conversations about dairy-related topics, using present and future tense in Spanish in conversation and communication, and applying Spanish vocabulary about technical dairy production in workplace conversations.
Completing the requirements and assessments for this badge verifies those who have earned it are able to have basic Spanish language conversations in a dairy industry environment. Badge earners have demonstrated the ability to engage in basic conversation using relevant technical terminology and syntax for application in the context of the dairy industry. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Participate in conversations about dairy-related topics. - Use present and future tense in Spanish in conversation and communication. - Apply Spanish vocabulary about technical dairy production in workplace conversations.
Business Ideation-Defy Ventures Bootcamp badge image
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this second component of the program, EITs learn to ideate a new business idea by focusing on customer problems that relate to a personal interest or skill and are within the individual’s capacity to start.
Business Strategy - Defy Ventures Bootcamp badge image
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this third component of the program, EITs use strategic analysis tools to evaluate the competitive environment for their new business and develop strategic options to bolster their potential for success.
Entrepreneurial Excellence - Defy Ventures Bootcamp badge image
Completing the requirements and assessments for this badge verifies those who have earned it have the knowledge and skills necessary to become entrepreneurs. They have engaged in the Defy Ventures Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a 3-4 month-long program during which Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) engage in personal development and entrepreneurship skill development in the following domains: foundations of Entrepreneurship, Ideation, Business Strategy, Business Practices, and Pitching. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Demonstrate tactical and introspective aspects of entrepreneurship including SMART goals and action plans, time budgeting and task prioritization, growth mindset, positive community of support, resilience, and tolerance for ambiguity. - Ideate a new business idea. - Use strategic analysis tools to evaluate the competitive environment for a new business and develop strategic options to bolster the potential for success. - Develop a business pitch containing an ask for support. - Develop managerial and leadership skills critical to business success.
Entrepreneurial Excellence - Defy Ventures CEO of Your New Life badge image
Those who have earned the Entrepreneurial Excellence - Defy Ventures CEO of Your New Life badge are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become entrepreneurs. Through their engagement with content and activities, badge earners are ready to launch their new career as an entrepreneur.
Communication planning is a strategic approach to crafting and delivering messages to specific audiences, choosing the best channels, and timing to ensure successful information exchange and goal accomplishment.
The Defy Ventures CEO of Your New Life program is a 6-8 month-long program focused on career readiness, entrepreneurship skill development, and personal development. Participants engage in learning, reflection, and discussion about the following units: Foundations of Entrepreneurship, Ideation, Business Strategy, Business Practices, Pitching, and Career and Post Release Readiness. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Demonstrate both tactical and introspective aspects of entrepreneurship including SMART goals and action plans, time budgeting and task prioritization, growth mindset, positive community of support, resilience, and tolerance for ambiguity. - Use strategic analysis tools to evaluate the competitive environment for a new business and develop strategic options to bolster the potential for success. - Develop managerial and leadership skills critical to business success. - Develop a new business idea and business pitch containing an ask for support. - Identify strengths to offer to potential employers and create materials to use in obtaining a job.
Professional Business Practices - Defy Ventures Bootcamp badge image
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this fifth and final component, EITs develop managerial and leadership skills critical to business success.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp curriculum is structured around the evidence-informed Reentry Wellbeing Model. EIT learning is assessed via assignments on Key Performance Indicators. To earn the badge, EITs must 1) turn in the assignments by the deadline at the level of “good” on the rubric, 2) have regular attendance during this portion of the class, and 3) participate actively in class. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW-Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Identify key performance indicators that are important to the success of your business. - Calculate a product’s contribution margin and contribution margin ratio in order to calculate your break-even point. - Understand why delegating is important, the key barriers to delegating, and how to delegate effectively. - Identify startup costs for your business. - Identify business revenues and classify business expenses as direct or indirect expenses.
Pitching Your Business - Defy Ventures Bootcamp badge image
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this fourth component, EITs develop a business pitch containing an ask for support.
Foundations of Entrepreneurship - Defy Ventures Bootcamp badge image
Participants who earn this badge are Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Defy Ventures’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. In this first component, EITs learn both tactical and introspective aspects of entrepreneurship including SMART goals and action plans, time budgeting and task prioritization, growth mindset, positive community of support, resilience, and tolerance for ambiguity.
Fund Development and Donor Relations for Nonprofit Leaders badge image
This badge is part of the Skills for Nonprofit Leaders series. Effective nonprofit leaders build relationships and develop strategies that support their organization’s mission and fund development goals. Earners of this badge engaged with practical tools for evaluating current fund development activities, strengthening donor relationships, and creating action plans that advance their organization’s fund development and donor relations efforts.
Fundraising strategies consist of planned approaches employed to secure financial assistance for a cause, typically encompassing events, appeals, grant applications, and donor engagement efforts.
Donor relations entails the systematic cultivation and management of relationships with contributors, ensuring long-term engagement and support for an organization.
The individual who earned this badge engaged in discussions, applied learning, and reflective activities that demonstrated achievement of the following learning outcomes: - Evaluate their organization’s current fund development strategies and funding sources. - Identify individuals and organizations that share an interest in the organization’s mission or cause. - Identify strategies for building and strengthening donor relationships that support fundraising efforts. - Develop an action plan to advance the organization’s fund development and donor relations goals.
Recipients of the Fundamentals of qPCR_1 badge engage in guided lab work at the UW Biotechnology Center BioGarage, including setting up and running independent reactions and analyzing data to calculate Cq values. Through content and hands-on activities, badge earners deepen their understanding of the fundamentals of quantitative PCR (qPCR) using TaqMan chemistry and the Quant Studio 7 instrument.
TaqMan is a real-time PCR method used to detect and quantify nucleic acid sequences, commonly applied in molecular biology and diagnostic purposes.
qPCR is a laboratory method that combines PCR principles and fluorescent probing to quantify DNA by measuring the fluorescence produced during the reaction.
Research methods refer to the organized strategies employed to examine phenomena, gain fresh insights, or validate and synthesize existing knowledge in diverse fields.
Completing the requirements and assessments for this badge verifies those who have earned it are equipped with the knowledge and skills to independently complete a qPCR assay using TaqMan chemistry and Quant Studio 7 instrument. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW–Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Understand the theoretical basis for qPCR protocols that are dependent upon TaqMan qPCR chemistry as made popular by Thermo-Fisher. - Identify all reagents necessary for a TaqMan qPCR assay. - Perform a qPCR assay using handheld pipettes. - Perform qPCR on a Quant Studio 7 instrument. - Analyze data generated by a Quant Studio 7, including calculation of Ct and Cq values.
EXPAND: Extension Evaluation & Evaluation Leadership
EXPAND: Extension Evaluation & Evaluation Leadership badge image
Earners of the Extension Professional Advancement, Networking, and Development (EXPAND): Extension Evaluation & Evaluation Leadership badge engage in training and development to deepen their knowledge and skills of evaluation topics and strategies. Through content and activities, such as participatory leadership and small group activities, they build their skills to be effective evaluators.
Evaluation Strategy refers to the structured method for analyzing a project or program's design, execution, and results to enhance performance and guide decision-making.
Presentation skills refer to the capability of conveying information clearly, concisely, and attractively to an audience while keeping them engaged.
Active learning refers to the ability to effectively acquire, utilize, and adapt new knowledge and skills through continuous exploration and experience.
Program evaluation is a structured approach to analyzing program design, execution, and results to assess performance and inform improvements.
Leadership is the capacity to direct, encourage, and influence a team towards attaining shared objectives, creating a cooperative, responsible, and creative atmosphere.
Recipients of this badge have successfully completed EXPAND: Extension Evaluation & Evaluation Leadership. They have actively applied the knowledge and skills acquired through this program to an action learning project (ALP), culminating in an ALP scholarly capstone presentation of their outcomes. Those who have earned this badge have been evaluated by a UW–Madison instructor through activities and performance for the successful demonstration of these abilities: - Create a plan for expanding professional networks. - Explain core competencies related to evaluation, specifically in the field of Extension. - Actively apply their learning to an issue or situation in real-time, leading to active problem solving, programmatic growth, and audience engagement. - Conduct scholarly presentations. - Author smart goals for ongoing skill building in the field of Extension.