Empowering Women Through Technology: YWCA Greater Atlanta's Digital Skills Academy (DSA)
YWCA Greater Atlanta is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The association has four core programs, curated to ensure positive change for women and their families in the Atlanta community. One of YWCA Greater Atlanta’s programs is the Digital Skills Academy (DSA), aimed at enhancing the tech identity of women aged 18 to 75+ through comprehensive skills training, equipping them to navigate our increasingly digital world and thrive in the workforce.
What is DSA?
Digital Skills Academy (DSA) is more than just a program; it is a beacon of empowerment for women; particularly black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) women facing barriers in securing meaningful careers. In under-resourced communities, accessing training for higher-paying jobs can be a challenge. In response, YWCA Greater Atlanta developed DSA as a no-fee training initiative, equipping women with essential skills to thrive in the workforce. Acknowledging unequal access to technology and digital resources experienced by women of color, participants receiving complimentary laptops and hotspots that are theirs to keep. By removing financial barriers, we empower women to wholeheartedly embrace the digital world and seize its opportunities.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
DSA offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of our participants. Grounded in three core pillars—digital skills, professional development, and financial empowerment—our program provides the tools and resources for women to take control of their futures.
Digital Skills: DSA’s curriculum covers a wide spectrum of digital proficiency, from basic computer literacy to mastery of software suites like Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Participants learn how to effectively utilize online resources and leverage social media for professional networking. Additionally, the program introduces ethical practices in using language models such as ChatGPT and Gemini as virtual assistants. DSA prioritizes ensuring that the communities we serve are not the last to find out about these emerging technologies. By mastering these skills, women participating in this program gain confidence and competence in navigating the digital landscape.
Professional Development: Beyond technical skills, DSA fosters professional growth and advancement. Participants receive personalized support, including professionally written resumes, tailored job search assistance, and career development guidance. Additionally, DSA equips women with essential tools and confidence to excel in the workforce, whether they are refining interview skills, obtaining professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles, or enhancing networking strategies.
Financial Empowerment: In addition to digital and professional skills, DSA prioritizes financial empowerment. Participants learn essential financial management skills, including budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. By gaining control over their financial futures, our students can make informed decisions and achieve greater economic stability and independence.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
There is an African proverb that says “When you teach a woman, you educate a nation". At YWCA Greater Atlanta's Digital Skills Academy, we truly believe in the transformative power of education and the ripple effect it creates within communities. By equipping women with digital skills, professional development opportunities, and financial empowerment, we are investing in their individual futures also and building stronger, more resilient societies.
Every woman who participates in DSA represents the potential for positive change, both in her own life and in the lives of those around her. As a participant gains knowledge, confidence, and agency, she becomes a beacon of inspiration and possibility for others. Since our inaugural class in 2021, we are proud to announce that we are nearing the milestone of serving 300 women. In our last session, 11 women transitioned from unemployed to employed, collectively contributing $240,000 to their households.
Join us in embracing the spirit of this proverb, as we work together to educate, empower, and uplift women in our community and beyond. Together, we can create a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, and where the seeds of empowerment planted today blossom into a brighter tomorrow for all.
For inquiries or to get involved, contact the Digital Learning Program Director, Sooraya Williams at sooraya.williams@ywcaatlanta.org.
If you believe in our mission and would like to contribute to empowering women through technology, consider making a donation today. Your support enables us to continue providing cost-free digital skills training, resources, and opportunities to women in need.
