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Capital CoLAB Digital Technology Credential

The Capital CoLAB was created by the Greater Washington Partnership. The program is for undergraduate students* in the liberal arts who want to gain digital technology skills for their future careers. Digital technology skills will be embedded into every job across industries and sectors as a way of life. This program is an opportunity to signal these digital tech competencies to employers.

Throughout the program, gain access to top executives and changemakers for career building opportunities, internships, and more. When you’ve completed the pathway (i.e. the AU certificate) gain your Credly credentials to include on your transcript, LinkedIn, resume and other candidate materials. 

*There are currently certificates available for students who began at AU in Fall 2019 or later through Kogod and SPA. There are AU certificates available for students who began at AU in Fall 2020 or later through Kogod, SPA, and CAS. The SIS certificate is available beginning Fall 2021.

Program Highlights

  • Earn credit by successfully completing university-approved courses

  • Connect with leading Capital Regional employers
  • No additional fees

For questions regarding the program, please contact Julie Jones, Director of Employer Relations.

Take the Next Steps

Interested in taking the next steps to earn the Digital Technology Credential?  

1. Meet with your AU academic advisor. Not sure who your advisor is? Fill out out this form to get started. 

2. Work with your career center to update your resume and update your career plan.

3. Sign up for the credential program through Capital CoLAB. 

School Certificate Requirements

The required classes for the Digital Technology Credential in each school, as well as a point of contact, are listed below. 

Kogod School of Business

Digital Technology Generalist Credential catalog details
Point of Contact: Rayon Fulton

School of Public Affairs

Digital Technology Generalist Credential catalog details
Point of Contact: Justin Williams

School of International Service

Digital Technology Generalist Credential catalog details [SIS]
Point of Contact: Justina Grubor

College of Arts and Sciences

Digital Technology Generalist Credential catalog details [CAS]
Point of Contact: Kathryn Walters-Conte

Capital CoLAB Digital Tech Credential Scholarship

The Office of Merit Awards invites applicants to the Capital CoLAB Digital Tech Credential Scholarship. The scholarship is worth up to $2,500** and will be given to up to 10 AU undergraduates who are pursuing, or intend to pursue, a Capital CoLAB Digital Tech Credential through American University. 

The scholarship’s sponsor is the Greater Washington Partnership CoLAB (Collaborative of Leaders in Academia and Business), a regional initiative that seeks to establish the country’s most diverse digital tech workforce.  Recipients will be encouraged to join the CoLAB community and participate in special leadership programming.

**The scholarship covers tuition and related expenses.  Your award may be reduced if the university determines that your financial aid package requires this.

You are eligible if: 

  • You are a U.S. citizen or national, or a non-citizen who is eligible for federal student aid
  • You are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at American University
  • You are currently pursuing, or intend to pursue, a Digital Tech Credential and already have completed at least one course toward this credential
  • You have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2021-22
  • You will be enrolled at AU at least half-time in Spring 2022
  • You are in good academic standing at AU (defined as not on probation, and currently enrolled at AU, or eligible to enroll in Spring 2022)

What to Submit

By Monday, May 9, email Office of Merit Awards the following:

  • Completed application form, including one 250-word essay. 
  • Electronic copy of your unofficial college transcript/s (If you are a transfer student, please also provide a transcript from your previous institution.)
  • Resume (optional) -  If you do not submit a resume, please complete the questions in the Experience section of the online application form linked above. 

All eligible students are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to members of groups that are underrepresented in the digital tech profession. 

Applicants should be able to connect their career goals to the Capital CoLAB's mission.

This award is renewable, subject to available funds, for recipients who remain in Good Academic Standing at AU and demonstrate progress toward earning a Digital Tech Credential. 

Recipients are required to provide a thank you letter to the scholarship’s donor. 

AU's Jill Klein on the Digital Technology Credential

02:20

Jill Klein, AU faculty, explains the digital technology credential on the Helix Education podcast

Participating Organizations

  • Amazon
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Capital One
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • General Dynamics (GDIT)
  • Inova
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • McKinsey & Company
  • MedStar Health
  • Microsoft
  • Monumental Sports & Entertainment
  • Northrop Grumman
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Stanley Black & Decker
  • T. Rowe Price
  • Under Armor
  • Washington Gas

For the most up-to-date information, visit Capital CoLAB.