Inside The CDMA Business Model Academy: Revolutionizing Career Readiness for Gen Z

by William Jones / ⠀Career Advice / January 15, 2025

The definition of professional success has undergone a dramatic shift. As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, society is witnessing the rise of a new generation of professionals—Gen Z. Born into a world dominated by smartphones, social media, and constant digital connectivity, Gen Z has grown up in a space where traditional career paths, like the 4-year degree, no longer serve as the default route to success. To equip them for the future, they need an educational approach that is as adaptable and forward-thinking as they are. Enter the CDMA Business Model Academy, where the future of education meets the realities of today’s workforce. Founded by ShaNette, a radio and tv broadcast journalist turned educator, the academy operates at the intersection of digital media education and workforce development. The goal: to prepare young people for the rapidly evolving world of work, offering them the skills they need to thrive and own their place in it.

ShaNette

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment Through Digital Literacy

ShaNette’s journey to founding the CDMA Business Model Academy was inspired by a deep understanding of how digital literacy can transform lives. Growing up in a media-saturated environment, ShaNette recognized that children are constantly online, whether they realize it or not. Rather than shy away from this reality, she set out to equip students with the skills to navigate and thrive in the digital space, helping them understand their value and take ownership of their work. “Media is all around us. Our kids are online all the time,” ShaNette explains. “I’m on a mission to help them not only understand the digital tools at their disposal but to also take ownership of their work and build their own personal brands. They shouldn’t have to rely on others to succeed.” Her vision is clear: students should not just use technology but master it—empowering them to create opportunities, build brands, and ultimately shape their own futures. With the academy’s Digital Technology Foundations course, ShaNette brings this vision to life, covering over 100 disciplines, including audio-video production, brand building, and digital entrepreneurship. The course provides students with real-world, hands-on learning that sets them up for success in a world where digital skills are paramount.

ShaNette

Shaping the Future of Education for Gen Z

The CDMA Business Model Academy isn’t just another educational program—it’s an innovative experiential learning platform designed to answer a critical question: How do we prepare students for careers that don’t yet exist? The answer lies in real-world experiences that go beyond traditional textbook learning. The academy offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to career readiness through programs designed for middle and high school students. It’s not just about teaching digital skills—it’s about giving students the opportunity to apply them in real-time, bridging the gap between classroom education and the demands of the workplace. The CDMA Business Model Academy Audio-Video Production Pathway exemplifies this approach. Students don’t just study media—they immerse themselves in it, working on projects that have tangible, real-world impact. From creating content to branding and marketing, students gain practical, job-ready skills that make them competitive in the digital workforce.

ShaNette

A Seamless Transition to Career Readiness

What sets the CDMA Business Model Academy apart is its seamless transition from education to employment. The academy partners with corporate leaders to provide paid apprenticeship programs that give students the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world job settings. These apprenticeships aren’t just internships—they’re pipelines that prepare students for full-time roles, ensuring they leave the academy ready to succeed in the workforce. With a growing presence in the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) and New York, the academy’s apprenticeship programs provide students with industry-based experience and connections that prepare them for the digital economy. The curriculum is intentionally designed to align with the realities of digital industries, helping students learn and grow in an environment that mirrors the careers they aspire to. The CDMA Business Model Academy is also making a mark on the global stage through its widely successful Youth Traffic Safety Town Hall, a program that has earned national recognition for addressing critical issues in transportation safety. This initiative serves as the blueprint for the launch of the Safe Routes for Youth Initiative, created in collaboration with the Safe Routes Partnership to advocate for safer transportation options for students and communities. In support of these efforts, the academy was featured at the DC Department of Transportation Open Streets, where its programs highlighted the intersection of youth empowerment, traffic safety advocacy, and digital innovation. By combining these elements, the CDMA Business Model Academy not only prepares students for careers in digital media but also equips them to make a meaningful impact on global and local issues. This unique approach exemplifies the academy’s commitment to merging career readiness with social advocacy, empowering Gen Z to become leaders on a local, national, and global scale. This approach caught the attention of organizations like the DC Department of Employment Services, which recognized the academy’s work by awarding it the Most Outstanding Host Award in 2021. It’s an approach that resonates deeply with the post-pandemic world, where digital fluency is a non-negotiable skill.

Expanding Access to Career-Ready Education

What began as ShaNette’s thesis project during her Master’s program has grown into a thriving educational ecosystem with a clear and impactful mission: to create meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world application. The goal is to expand the Digital Media Technology Foundations course into more schools nationwide, with a special focus on urban communities that often lack access to career-based learning opportunities. “We aim to offer more students access to industry-based apprenticeships and increase the number of graduates entering high-demand careers in media and technology,” ShaNette says. By combining experiential learning, apprenticeships, and strong industry partnerships, CDMA Business Model Academy is not only preparing students for the future—it’s helping them actively shape it.

The Future is Now—Join the Movement

With its innovative programs, deep industry ties, and commitment to empowering young people through digital literacy, the CDMA Business Model Academy is redefining the way schools prepare students for the workforce. Gen Z’s future success hinges on their ability to adapt and thrive in a digital world. The CDMA Business Model Academy’s approach ensures that students don’t just keep up with change—they lead it.