WASHINGTON - Howard University is pleased to announce the development of a digital technology credential for Howard University students, which will ensure that all undergraduate students, regardless of their major, will have the digital skills needed to compete and thrive in today’s workforce.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our students to major in any field of their choice, and complete courses that will be necessary to compete and be successful in the modern world and digital economy,” said Provost Anthony Wutoh, Ph.D., R.Ph. “The companies represented in the Capital CoLAB are world leaders in their fields and are looking for the exceptional talent that Howard University students represent.”

A group of Howard University faculty thought-leaders, convened by Vice President for Research Bruce Jones, Ph.D., developed a six-course curriculum for non-STEM majors, which would lead to a Digital Tech Generalist Credential to integrate digital technology skills into a higher education curriculum with real world application. The Capital CoLAB’s Digital Tech Credential helps emerging young professionals in all majors gain sought-after tech capabilities that support their fields of study.​ Students who complete the six-course curriculum, regardless of their major, would receive a digital badge, which is a marker of academic and professional achievement, that students can publicize across a broad range of mediums (both print and online).

“For the past 18 months, our interdisciplinary group of faculty worked tirelessly to create the Generalist Credential,” said VP Jones. “These faculty are Professors Carlos Buskey, Curtis Cain, Rajni Goel, Daniel Owunwanne, Adrian Mayse, Denise Streeter from the School of Business and Professors Henok Mawi, Toni Bourama, from the College of Arts & Sciences and Professor Danda Rawat, College of Engineering & Architecture.”

Howard University is one of 13 academic institutions, and 14 corporations in the Capital Region that compose the Capital CoLAB, formed by the Greater Washington Partnership. The Capital CoLAB is an action-oriented partnership that brings together the leaders of the region’s top academic institutions and businesses to make the Capital Region, spanning Baltimore to Richmond, a leading global hub for innovation. The CoLAB promotes multi-university and multi-business initiatives to address key issues and leverage the assets of our region at an unmatched scale to support economic growth, opportunity and prosperity.

 “I’m delighted to welcome Howard University to the Capital CoLAB’s Digital Tech Credential Program,” saidCapital CoLAB Advisory Committee Chair Wes Bush. “As we engage universities and employers to strengthen the digital tech talent pipeline, having strong partners like Howard University at the table will help us transform the talent landscape to meet the Capital Region’s workforce needs.  I look forward to doing great work together.”

The CoLAB’s Digital Tech Generalist Credential is accepted and recognized by all CoLAB companies as a marker that students are well prepared to step into positions that require foundational digital skills, such as data analysis, data visualization, and data security. Students with the digital credential will receive priority for hiring opportunities, as well as mentoring/coaching, job shadowing opportunities, and engagement with senior executives. Companies participating in the Capital CoLAB credential program include: Amazon, ASGN Incorporated, Capital One, Ernst and Young, Exelon, General Dynamics, JP Morgan Chase, McKinsey and Company, MedImmune, MedStar Health, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Northrop Grumman, Under Armour, and Washington Gas.  

“Growing the region's digital tech talent pipeline is an economic imperative that requires a sustained and collaborative approach leveraging the strengths of our greatest partners,” said Capital CoLAB Vice President and Managing Director Jeanne Contardo. “I am delighted that Howard University is part of our collaboration to ensure more students have the digital skills they need, and we look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with our academic and student support colleagues.” 

Information regarding the six-course curriculum, and enrollment at the University can be found at https://ous.howard.edu/colab. Additional information about the Capital CoLAB is available at https://capitalcolab.com/.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 70 Fulbright Scholars. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.