Since launching a beta version in June 2020, the Air Force’s Digital University platform has added 18,000 users who are ready to upskill their tech capabilities and advance in their careers.
Built and maintained by the Air Force Software Factory BESPIN, the Digital University platform is transforming the way the Air Force trains and recruits digital talent.
By working with private industry partners like Fearless, BESPIN drives digital transformation within the Air Force. The software factory is training Airmen to be cyber warriors with private industry technical skills. And it's enabling Airmen to build applications that support the broader Air Force community.
Developing innovators within the military.
Digital University is currently used by the Air Force and Space Force. Utilizing the Small Business Innovation Research program, Digital University is supported by a team from Omni Federal and Fearless.
“Fearless and Omni are focused on digital transformation, and Digital University is helping to develop the Air Force and potentially the entire Department of Defense’s firsthand knowledge of technology innovation,” said Fearless DoD Portfolio Director Rob Wainwright. “This is part of the Air Force’s push to develop innovators within the military, to innovate alongside industry vendor partners.”
Updates to the Digital University platform include a revitalized User Experience focused on three career enhancement pathways. The custom training pathways developed by the Digital University team help users navigate the thousands of free classes that are available and assemble a curriculum to reach users' goals.
“As a veteran, I see how beneficial DU is for current service members because it allows them to advance their careers in a digital age,” Wainwright said.
The three training pathways include curriculums for:
- Learning new skills,
- Exploring career plans,
- Classes to develop a foundational understanding of how technology functions within the government space.
“With this update, the Digital University team can now better track users' progress and provide suggested classes and curriculums,” said Fearless software engineer and DU team member Seong Lee. “The improved user experience helps us guide users to achieve the pathway or career they’re aspiring to.”
Digital University provides access to technology courses by Udacity, Udemy, and Pluralsight at no cost to military members. Future updates to Digital University will include more curriculum providers.
This announcement was published independently of the Air Force and Department of Defense. This release does not constitute or imply an endorsement by DoD or the United States Government of the product, process, or service, or its producer or provider. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of the DoD or the United States Government.