A program developed by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Georgia State University was named as a finalist for a Technology Association of Georgia Diversity Leadership Award.
The program, Digital Learners to Leaders (DLL), was developed by CETL to address underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM careers and the technology industry. DLL works to advance student understanding of digital literacy by encouraging program participants to create digital solutions to urban challenges.
Tiffany Green-Abdullah, Manager of Learning Community Development for CETL, describes DLL as a student development program.
“Digital Learners to Leaders seeks to challenge and inspire our students through interdisciplinary and experiential projects that engage students in teamwork, develop leadership skills, expose students to current technology and allow them to work with a diverse team of professionals,” Green-Abdullah said.
With the help of professionals in Atlanta, DLL is designed not only to teach students STEM topics, but also to mentor and provide students with necessary skills for successfully entering the workforce.
The program was nominated for the leadership award just one year after its implementation by CETL. The leadership award, which strives to recognize individuals and companies for their efforts towards diversity and inclusion, selected DLL for displaying outstanding leadership in the areas of diversity and inclusion, an area that, according to Green-Abdullah, is not limited only to students.
“The Digital Learners to Leaders program is diverse in our leadership and we work with a diverse set of experts to teach, challenge and inspire our students,” Green-Abdullah said. “We welcome interest in the program from all areas of industry and the Atlanta community.”
Although DLL did not win the award, Green-Abdullah said she and the program are still honored to have been selected as a finalist.
– Kiana Colquitt, Graduate Administrative Assistant, Office of the Provost
