Two years ago, the Greater Washington Partnership — a civic alliance of CEOs from Baltimore to Richmond — launched the Capital CoLAB, focused on growing and retaining the talent needed to ensure the Capital Region is one of the world’s best places to live, work and build a business.

At its core, the CoLAB is a partnership between leading employers and educators who are committed to expanding the digital tech talent ecosystem in our region. Why digital tech? Our research shows that more than a million jobs in the Capital Region require some type of digital tech skills, and we don’t have enough workers yet to fill that demand. Moreover, with rapid shifts in the economy, thanks to COVID-19, automation, and new employers moving to the region (including Amazon), we know we need to be bold in building scalable solutions across the region and beyond.

To date, we’ve garnered the support of over three dozen partners, including Capital One, George Mason University, Johns Hopkins, CIA, University System of Maryland, Howard University, JP Morgan Chase, Monumental Sports, EY, Virginia Tech, T. Rowe Price, Virginia Commonwealth, General Dynamics, Georgetown University, Inova, American University, MedStar, University of Richmond, and Northrop Grumman. Together, we are ensuring that businesses clearly articulate what they need in the workforce of tomorrow, that educators teach this material in their high school, community college, and university-level courses, and that students are offered professional development opportunities along the way so that when they enter the workforce, they are “work-place ready.”

This past Fall, we began planning an April “Credential Month” — a series of events intended to connect college students with employers, highlighting digital tech jobs, internship opportunities, and guidance to help students prepare as much as possible for their professional careers. When COVID-19 threatened, our businesses came together and agreed that now, more than ever, the future workforce needs guidance.

Capital CoLAB Credential Month is now completely digital, and we invite you to join us! We will have a series of webinars with major regional employers, “Ask Me Anything” sessions with young professionals to discuss the shifting role of digital tech in the marketplace, and more. You can find the complete calendar here and we invite you to join us! Though these times are uncertain, the future prominence of digital tech is known. Come be a part of the solution.