EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University's Digital Dudes program is gearing up to host its first Digital Dudes Conference for high school boys on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, located at 900 Oakwood in Ypsilanti. With 350 confirmed attendees from 21 schools, this event represents dedicated efforts to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in young minds.

Like its counterpart Digital Divas, the 2023 Digital Dudes Conference is designed to explore the flourishing semiconductor industry in Michigan, a significant contributor to the global economy. It will feature a complimentary session for educators, equipping them with the resources needed to promote opportunities in the semiconductor sector and provide relevant educational pathways for the future workforce.

“In the world of STEM, we're not just building futures; we're building doers,” said Bia Hamed, program director of Digital Dudes. “ Digital Dudes is paving the way for young men to explore their dreams in technology and engineering, one workshop at a time and it is our duty to encourage STEM careers in young men to prepare them for their futures."

Participants will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of hands-on workshops, covering topics such as coding, finance, drones, nursing, chemistry, orthotics and prosthetics, first aid, manufacturing, electrical engineering, and much more.

Founded at Eastern Michigan University, Digital Dudes is offering innovative programs designed to empower the next generation of STEM leaders. These programs include conferences, summer camps, mentoring opportunities, and interview series, all aimed at fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for exploration.

Digital Dudes' mission is to provide a platform for middle and high school boys to explore careers in STEM by:

• Introducing young men to careers in technology.
• Encouraging enrollment in technology-related majors.
• Breaking down stereotypes related to tech careers.
• Promoting awareness of safe online interactions.
• Encouraging ethical behaviors in texting, emailing, and social media.

Participating schools:

• Achieving College & Career Education High School - Ypsilanti Community Schools
• Airport High School Upward Bound
• Central Academy
• Fordson High School
• Fraser High School
• Hope of Detroit Academy
• Jefferson High School- Upward Bound
• John Glenn, Westland
• Livonia Career Technical Center
• Macomb Math Science Technology Center 
• Michigan Islamic Academy
• Monroe High School
• Peckham - Youth Career Academy
• Pontiac Academy For Excellence
• Tecumseh High School
• Upward Bound-Ypsilanti 
• Warren Career Prep Center
• Wayne Memorial High School
• Wayne Westland Innovative Academy
• William D. Ford Career Tech Center
• Ypsilanti School District 

Established in 2019, Digital Dudes initially hosted its debut event, which gathered 300 middle school boys. Today, as it introduces its first-ever initiative for high school boys, Digital Dudes remains at the forefront of inspiring students to embrace STEM subjects and pursue careers in the field.

The 2023 Digital Dudes Conference is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors who share the vision of a more diverse and inclusive STEM community. This year's sponsors are AT&T and GameAbove. 

The event is hosted by Eastern Michigan's Extended Programs and the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. To learn more about the Digital Dudes conference, visit the EMU Digital Dudes website. For more information, visit the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology homepage. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today