The Center for Advancing Digital Engagement, Entrepreneurship, and Transformation (CADEET) aims to prepare students for the global workforce and economy powered by digital and emerging technologies.
The Center for Advancing Digital Engagement, Entrepreneurship, and Transformation (CADEET) supports Kentucky State University in preparing today's students as global citizens, lifelong learners, and problem solvers in the digital global economy. CADEET fulfills this mission by offering complementary educational programs, linking research to professional training, and expanding experiential-learning opportunities through partnerships with leading business and industry organizations across Kentucky and the nation.
This proposal responds to two major Commonwealth of Kentucky priorities.
First, the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB) identified five high-demand sectors—Healthcare; Manufacturing and Logistics; Construction; Education; and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. These sectors increasingly rely on digital skills, analytics, and technology-driven decision-making. CADEET will position Kentucky State University to supply digitally skilled talent aligned with these priorities. https://kwib.ky.gov/About/Pages/Kentuckys-Top-Five-In-Demand-Sectors.aspx
Second, Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education established the statewide “60x30 Goal,” which aims for 60% of Kentucky adults to hold a high-quality credential by 2030. Despite progress in short-term credentials and certifications, gaps remain between Kentucky and national attainment benchmarks.
In the post-COVID-19 era, digital technologies—AI, automation, cloud systems, analytics—are accelerating rapidly, creating significant workforce shortages in digitally skilled fields. Higher education continues to struggle with preparing graduates for job-ready performance. CADEET addresses this gap through digital-focused training, experiential learning, and professional development, improving student employability and workforce readiness for Kentucky and the global economy.
Expand and strengthen the School of Business academic and experiential learning programs.
Position KSU as a leader in digital innovation, business transformation, and emerging technologies.
Promote entrepreneurial mindset development and digital professional skills through training, experiential learning, and service initiatives.