DSEW Technology Hub
Welcome to the
38126 Technology HUB - DSEW Technology HUB
The DSEW Technology HUB is committed to empowering communities through comprehensive workforce development and cutting-edge technology training. Our mission is to eliminate historical inequities in marginalized communities and communities underserved by providing in-demand skills and fostering economic advancement.
What we do:
The Digital Skills, Education, and Workforce Development Technology HUB (DSEW) program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), will provide digital, skills, education, and workforce development, including broadband infrastructure workforce development and higher education/adult educational entities.
The Digital Skills, Education, and Workforce Development Technology HUB (DSEW) program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), will provide digital, skills, education, and workforce development, including broadband infrastructure workforce development and higher education/adult educational entities.
South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation works to ensure people can work to erase historical inequities in the three counties we serve Hardeman, Haywood and Shelby Counties in West Tennessee.
Students in our program divide their time between classroom learning in entry level technology classes and workforce development skill training and development.
“SMRCDC is poised to train more than 175 participants with industry relevant credential 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.
The digital skills and education program will invest in evidence-based initiatives that are focused on improving introductory-level and advanced digital skills. The goal of this program is to support skilling programs and access to advanced digital tools so that individuals can develop the technical proficiency required to navigate complex digital environments, participate in the digital economy, and drive innovation.
The goal of the program is to train 175 participants, increase broadband access and to develop a well-trained and diverse telecommunications workforce needed to deploy, manage, and grain employment throughout the Tennessee and America across a wide variety of industries, including—but not limited to—technology, music and entertainment, finance, real estate, health care, education, and hospitality.
Jeffrey T. Higgs
Executive Director
Our Training Programs
Workforce Development and Upskilling
We offer a 6–9-month training curriculum designed to prepare participants for certifications and career opportunities in technology and cybersecurity. Our programs align with the NICE Framework, ensuring participants receive relevant and market-driven training.
Wraparound Services
To support our trainees, we provide essential services such as healthcare access, childcare, and counseling to address common barriers to sustained employment. Our goal is to ensure participants are well-equipped to achieve success.
Customized Learning Paths
Our training incorporates adaptive learning strategies, allowing participants to tailor their education based on individual needs and progress. We offer leadership development opportunities and coordination for extended education.
Our Impact Goals
We aim to enroll 30-45 participants, with an 89% graduation rate and a 75% job placement rate in technology industry clusters within the Delta Region Authority Nine-State Region, one of the poorest in the nation.
The program is a Monday-Friday commitment, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with participants recruited from the three-county region we serve. Training sites include a classroom in Memphis (SoulsvilleUSA community) and another in Hardeman County.
Community Partnerships and Expansion:
The South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation (SMRCDC) is expanding its successful YouthBuild program into Hardeman County, building on our existing operations in Brownsville and Haywood County. As Tennessean natives, we are dedicated to increasing workforce opportunities for underserved populations.
Evidence-Based Programming
Our initiatives are grounded in strong and moderate evidence, supported by well-designed studies that demonstrate positive outcomes. We emphasize systematic evaluation to continually assess and enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.
Overcoming Barriers
We recognize the challenges faced by hard-to-employ individuals, including healthcare, childcare, legal issues, housing instability, and mental health concerns. Our comprehensive support services aim to eliminate these obstacles, empowering participants to thrive in the digital economy.
Technological Access and Training
To bridge the digital divide, we focus on building foundational technology skills and a workplace culture that supports tech careers. Training is delivered through a hybrid model, utilizing an online portal (Kajabi platform) to track progress and enable self-managed learning.
Innovative Outreach and Community Linkages:
Our multi-pronged outreach strategy leverages SMRCDC’s extensive network of community partners, including schools, religious organizations, agencies, and businesses. We provide access to internet resources, such as a Mobile Wi-Fi Bus, and engage directly with remote communities for promotion and case management.
Hardeman County Partnership
Our partnership in Hardeman County offers
Connecting graduates with employers eager to hire skilled workers.
Providing daycare, employment assistance, and performance stipends.
Offering certifications in broadband installation and entry-level technology roles.
Ensuring access to necessary technology for all participants.
Funding for this program is provided by the Tennessee Department of Economic Development (TNCED) – Digital Skill & Education Workforce.