DeKalb Workforce Development wins $17K to promote digital careers

DeKalb Workforce Development won $17,000 during a recent contest by the AT&T Aspire initiative to promote careers in digital media.

DeKalb Workforce Development was one of the eight finalists which were awarded $12,000 from the initiative. With the assistance of various DeKalb County departments, partnering agencies and the DeKalb community at large, DeKalb Workforce Development won an additional $5,000 in the #MakeDeKalbSocial #20Kfor2020 Community Outreach Event.

The $17,000 received from the initiative enabled DeKalb Workforce Development to launch the Go Digitize DeKalb introductory career pathway program within the field of digital media. In partnership with various DeKalb County School District high schools, program participants will earn while they learn through paid internships, allowing them the opportunity to use their skills in a professional setting.

During the #MakeDeKalbSocial event, which attracted more than 100 youth, Jerry T. Myers, a longstanding community advocate, shared helpful tips for career preparation and transitioning. Additionally, youths had the opportunity to work with The Scholarship Academy to learn how to research and competitively obtain funding for post-secondary education via scholarships.

Youths also were able to meet directly with various employers and community agencies to gain employment and learn about the resources available in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May engaged youths by sharing his personal experiences with continuing his education, scholarship resourcing and career planning.

“It is imperative to have events such as this to continually expose our youth to opportunities that will enhance their future,” May said.