DSEW
Empowering West Tennessee communities through workforce development and
technology training; providing in-demand skills and real economic opportunity.
South Memphis Renewal CDC
Digital Skills • Education • Workforce
DSEW Technology HUB
Empowering West Tennessee communities through workforce development and
technology training — providing in-demand skills and real economic opportunity.
6–9 month training • Monday–Friday • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
175+ Tennesseans trained in digital skills
About the Program
What We Do
The Digital Skills, Education, and Workforce Development Technology HUB (DSEW) equips
adults with the skills, credentials, and support needed to access quality jobs in today’s
digital economy.
The DSEW Technology HUB, funded by the
American Rescue Plan (ARPA), delivers digital skills, education, and workforce
development, including broadband infrastructure workforce training and pathways through
higher education and adult learning partners.
South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation (SMRCDC) works to
erase historical inequities in Hardeman, Haywood, and Shelby Counties in West Tennessee by
expanding access to training and good jobs.
Students divide their time between classroom learning in entry-level technology courses and
practical workforce skill building.
“SMRCDC is poised to train more than 175 participants with industry-relevant credentials that
are transferable and in demand to begin to change lives and communities with this initiative
from the State of Tennessee,” said
Jeffrey T. Higgs, Executive Director.
Our digital skills and education program invests in evidence-based initiatives that improve both
introductory and advanced digital competencies.
We support skilling programs and access to advanced digital tools so that individuals can:
- Navigate complex digital environments
- Participate fully in the digital economy
- Drive innovation in their communities and workplaces
Our goal is to train 175 participants, increase broadband access, and build a
diverse telecommunications workforce serving Tennessee and beyond across technology, music and
entertainment, finance, real estate, health care, education, and hospitality.
Programs
Our Training Pathways
DSEW combines technology training, wraparound supports, and personalized learning so participants
can enroll, graduate, certify, and get hired.
Workforce Development & Upskilling
A 6–9 month curriculum for entry-level technology and cybersecurity roles. Training aligns with
the NICE Framework to ensure skills are industry-relevant and in demand.
Wraparound Services
We help remove barriers to employment with access to healthcare, childcare, counseling, and
other supports that help participants stay enrolled and complete the program.
Customized Learning Paths
Adaptive instruction allows participants to progress at their own pace, with leadership
development and pathways to extended education and advanced credentials.
Impact
Our Goals & Commitment
Recruitment & Outcomes
We aim to enroll 30–45 participants per cohort, with an
89% graduation rate and a 75% job placement rate in
technology industry clusters in the Delta Region Authority Nine-State Region.
Participants
30–45
per cohort
Graduation Rate
89%
Job Placement
75%
Schedule & Locations
Training is a Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM commitment, blending classroom
instruction with hands-on practice.
Instruction is delivered at:
- Memphis, SoulsvilleUSA community classroom
- Hardeman County training site
The program also integrates hybrid learning through our online portal.
Leadership
Meet Our Executive Director
Jeffrey T. Higgs
Executive Director, SMRCDC
Championing equitable workforce opportunities and leading the expansion of digital skills
training across West Tennessee.
Digital Opportunity Grant
Demographic Intake Survey
This program is funded by the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development in
alignment with the Tennessee Digital Opportunity Plan. We collect demographic information to
better understand who benefits from these grant funds.
Evidence-Based
Evidence-Based Programming
Our initiatives are grounded in strong and moderate evidence, supported by well-designed studies that show positive outcomes. We emphasize ongoing evaluation to continuously improve program effectiveness and efficiency.
Support
Overcoming Barriers
We recognize the challenges faced by hard-to-employ individuals — healthcare, childcare, legal issues, housing instability, and mental health concerns. Our comprehensive support services are designed to remove these obstacles so participants can succeed.
Access
Technological Access & Training
To bridge the digital divide, we build foundational technology skills and a workplace culture
that supports tech careers. Training uses a hybrid model and an online Kajabi portal to track
progress and support self-managed learning.
Outreach
Innovative Outreach & Community Linkages
We leverage SMRCDC’s network of schools, religious institutions, agencies, and businesses to recruit and support participants. Our Mobile Wi-Fi Bus and outreach teams engage directly with remote communities, offering internet access and case management.
Hardeman County
Hardeman County Partnership
Our Hardeman County partnership offers participants a full spectrum of support and opportunity.
Employment Opportunities
Connecting graduates with employers ready to hire skilled, certified workers.
Case Management
Daycare, employment assistance, and performance stipends to sustain participation.
Workforce Training
Certifications in broadband installation and entry-level technology roles.
Student Laptops
Ensuring every participant has access to the technology they need to learn and work.
Now Accepting Applications
DSEW Technology HUB
Cutting-edge Technology Training for West Tennessee
Build the skills, confidence, and credentials you need to launch a career in technology and
digital industries.
Partners
Community & State Partners
DSEW is made possible through strong partnerships that connect training, funding, and opportunity.
