The Center's mission is to create the next generation of designers, writers, leaders, scholars, and creators of communications, commerce, and culture for the connected digital age through innovative, interdisciplinary research and community engagement.
The center acts as an interdisciplinary catalyst for impactful research, education and outreach activities that foster the development of digital competences and leadership as well as the responsible diffusion and advancement of digital innovations in our community. The center has a high regard to the interdisciplinary areas of The University of Baltimore.
In order to do this, we focus on three areas: class clients, research partners, and digital fellows.
Our Center serves as a facilitator for collaboration between large and small institutions, connecting them with UBalt classes to address their specific challenges. Similar to consulting firms, these classes possess the expertise to actively listen to partners, identify their issues, and work towards practical solutions. This collaborative approach not only provides students with valuable real-world experience but also enables them to make a positive impact by assisting others. By functioning as a clearinghouse, our Center bridges the gap between academia and industry, fostering mutually beneficial relationships that promote experiential learning, problem-solving, and meaningful contributions to partner organizations.
In a similar fashion, the Center works as a research partner with community groups and outside academics to answer questions within the city of Baltimore. By establishing research partnerships, the Center ensures that the work conducted is respectful of Baltimore and avoids treating the city as a mere experimental environment. Instead, the Center recognizes Baltimore as a dynamic hub of commerce and culture, valuing its unique characteristics and contributions. This perspective underscores the Center's commitment to conducting action research that genuinely benefits the city and its residents, reflecting a deep appreciation for the local community and its rich socio-cultural fabric.
The Digital Fellows program is an initiative aimed at fostering diversity and inclusivity within the University by creating a robust pipeline of minority scholars to teach in primarily black institutions. Recognizing the underrepresentation of scholars from marginalized communities, this program specifically targets postdoctoral fellows who hail from underrepresented backgrounds. The program offers a unique opportunity for these fellows to engage in cutting-edge research, teaching, and mentorship from University scholars. Through a combination of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative pedagogy, and community engagement, the Digital Fellows program cultivates a new generation of scholars who are not only well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age but are also committed to addressing the needs of predominantly black educational institutions. By fostering meaningful connections and providing guidance, these fellows become mentors and role models, sharing their experiences, knowledge, and passion for academia with aspiring scholars to create a lasting impact, promoting diversity, equity, and excellence in academia.