Dakota Digital Academy Helps Highlight Computer Science Education Week

Dakota Digital Academy Helps Highlight Computer Science Education Week

In light of the recent proclamation by Governor Doug Burgum naming Dec. 5-11 as “Computer Science Education Week,” North Dakota University System (NDUS) Chancellor Mark Hagerott noted his full endorsement of the effort which highlights the vital role that cyber sciences play for the state and the system.

“This proclamation helps highlight the extraordinary need to address challenges in emerging fields,” Hagerott said. “The high need for our workforce to increase their digital skillsets was just one of many reasons why NDUS has created initiatives like the Dakota Digital Academy (DDA).”

The DDA was created to coordinate, expand, and enhance educational opportunities in computing and cyber sciences in the state and the upper Midwest. It leverages resources across the 11 public colleges and universities to prepare the future workforce and create new economic growth sectors. The initiative has already funded more than 40 grants, some of which have been used to put two dozen K-12 educators through digital bootcamps, and to create new courses on information technology and cybersecurity.

Hagerott noted that the DDA has also brought together members of business and industry, who are focused on internships, apprenticeships, program offerings and desired skills.

“This initiative is meant to move the needle on digital skills within our workforce,” Hagerott said. “Accelerated certificate programs offered last summer did just that, with more than 15 courses at six institutions seeing a total student enrollment of more than 300 involving 1,123 student credit hours. Additionally, we’re working closely with TechND and supporting the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber on its $9 million Ignite Workforce Initiative.”