*In this photo:* A Delaware State University student conducts research in a campus laboratory as part of the university’s commitment to STEM education and workforce readiness.

On Campus

Delaware Business Magazine feature: DSU’s formula for the future

Thursday, July 10, 2025

The following article was originally published in the June/July issue of Delaware Business Magazine, a publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

Building a future-ready workforce through tech, training, and industry partnerships

Delaware’s Workforce Is Changing.

Artificial intelligence, rapid developments in technology, and automation are shifting the workforce needs of various industries, such as retail, finance, and healthcare. Delaware State University (DSU) is responding with forward-looking programs that connect education to workforce demands, giving students the skills and experience necessary to thrive in a changing economy.

This spring, DSU broke ground on a new building for its College of Agriculture, Science and Technology. The facility will give students more space for hands-on training, applied research, and practical learning tied to real workforce needs.

The university is also investing in areas where student interest and employer demand align. DSU’s Innovation Challenge, held in partnership with Capital One, awarded $250,000 to student entrepreneurs this year. Part of the Innovation Venture Summit, the daylong event brought together students from across the country, educators, and national business leaders to spotlight innovation in agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship. The competition challenged students to develop and pitch original business ideas while learning directly from financial, retail, and technology experts.

“At Delaware State University, we are proud to house the Center of Excellence in Emerging Technologies,” said Dr. Cherese Winstead Casson, dean of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology. “This means our students are being educated and trained in cutting-edge areas like data science, AI, robotics, drones, and remote sensing — this is what innovation looks like.”

In the tech space, DSU students recently took part in the FICO Analytics Challenge, where they worked on real-world projects involving artificial intelligence and fraud detection. The program gave students a chance to develop data science skills with direct mentorship from FICO’s senior leadership.

“The Educational Analytics Challenge program not only empowers students to get real-world experience with data analytics, but also to learn the fundamentals of building responsible, auditable, and ethical AI models to protect and safely advance AI practices for future generations,” said Dr. Scott Zoldi, FICO’s chief analytics officer.

DSU students also have the ability to attain critical certifications needed to compete in the job market. Through its partnership with Cisco, DSU offers access to the Cisco Networking Academy, which features programs that provide hands-on learning and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.

DSU’s valued corporate partnerships are also vital to ensuring the university is doing its part to prepare students to meet the current and future needs of work. Agilent Technologies, named DSU’s Corporate Partner of the Year in 2024, has committed nearly $9 million in financial and in-kind support, including full scholarships, lab equipment, and mentoring programs, since 2022.

By focusing on entrepreneurship, tech skills, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning, DSU is building a future-ready workforce that reflects the talent, diversity, and innovation Delaware needs.