The Ones Educating for a Digital World

Digital Proficiency Platform

Drake University is a premier institution of higher education in integrating the liberal arts with analytics and technology. Through the Digital Proficiency Platform, Drake is preparing 21st century leaders who are ready for the challenges and opportunities created by the rapid digitalization of society.

Points of Celebration:

  • 21 Inclusive Scholars of Digital Proficiency to date

  • 25% of Drake students major or minor in data analytics

  • Alumni are employed by organizations such as NASA, Nike, and the NFL

  • Coming soon: JW Roberts III Data Analytics Collaboratorium, a state-of-the-art learning space

Building Confidence

The Inclusive Scholars of Digital Proficiency program offers students like Ella Peterson powerful opportunities for learning and mentorship.

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Combine Liberal Arts With Digital Proficiency

Drake has a long tradition of graduating students who excel in the liberal arts core competencies of communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The Drake Digital Proficiency Platform gives graduates another attribute that potential employers increasingly expect—excellent technology and data skills.

The Digital Proficiency Platform also addresses the growing demand for leaders with diverse talents and perspectives in technology fields through the Inclusive Scholars of Digital Proficiency (ISDP) program. ISDP promotes a welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds through financial aid, mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to engage with peers and the community.

The scholarship program supports Drake’s goal to become a campus where women and students of color make up at least 50 percent of the students majoring in technology.

The Ones Building Leadership Skills

The data analytics capstone provides students with a powerful opportunity to put their data skills and liberal arts proficiencies into action. During the course, students work with a local nonprofit or business on a real challenge facing the organization. They present their findings to executives at the end of the semester.

Students have collaborated with DMARC, a local food pantry network, to evaluate a system that encourages individuals to choose healthy food from DMARC’s pantries. They’ve also worked with MidAmerican Energy on a project designed to predict wind turbine failure. Other corporate partners have included Wells Fargo, Hy-Vee, and Tractor Zoom.

“Students get to experience what it is like to turn business problems into analytics problems,” says Lendie Follett, assistant professor of business analytics and information systems. “At the end of the semester, students are able to provide actionable advice through data modeling and visualization.”

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Feel the Momentum of The Ones

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By elevating Drake together, we will secure a more vibrant future for those who follow our footsteps. Join the ones who will transform Drake’s vision into a reality by adding your support to the campaign for the brave & bold.

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