For nearly four decades, the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) has supported California’s adult education agencies by providing high-quality professional development, innovative digital learning resources, and responsive technical assistance. OTAN’s Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) is a signature, two-year professional learning experience designed for adult education leaders, instructional staff, and support personnel who are ready to become leaders in digital instruction and program implementation at their agencies. Through a collaborative process with school teams, OTAN training staff, and experienced technology and leadership coaches, DLAC provides a cohesive, sustained approach to developing digital leadership capacity across programs.

The 2026–2028 DLAC cohort will focus on strengthening agency-wide implementation of effective digital learning practices. Participants will deepen their understanding of technology integration, blended and hybrid instructional models, digital equity, and data-informed decision-making. Through guided learning, collaboration with peers, and applied projects, DLAC participants will develop practical strategies that directly support classroom instruction, program design, and student success. Learn how DLAC is shaping digital leaders across California by hearing from participants who have experienced the academy firsthand. Visit our DLAC testimonials.

How DLAC Works

Participants join DLAC as a school-based team of two to three members, typically consisting of teachers, administrators, and/or support staff. Together, each team identifies and tackles technology goals tailored to their school needs. Participants are encouraged to connect their DLAC work to local continuous improvement efforts, CAEP three-year plans, WIOA goals, and other strategic initiatives. Examples of projects include:

• Developing and launching online course offerings
• Implementing a new Learning Management System (LMS)
• Deepening technology integration in the classroom
• Expanding digital literacy instruction for students

Support & Mentorship: Each school team will work closely with a dedicated DLAC coach who provides regular mentorship and guidance. To ensure success, the coaches and DLAC coordinator will also conduct official site visits of participating schools once per year.

Professional Learning

DLAC blends in-person and online learning opportunities: 

• In-Person Sessions: Teams travel to Sacramento three times in Year One and twice in Year Two for professional learning days. OTAN covers travel and lodging expenses.
• Technology and Digital Learning Symposium (TDLS): Teams attend and present their projects at OTAN’s annual TDLS conference (held each March at different adult schools in California).
• Online Sessions: Between face-to-face meetings, teams participate in online learning sessions on Zoom and engage in asynchronous learning through Canvas.

Leadership Development

Becoming a digital leader requires a strategic mindset and the ability to inspire change. To support this growth, all DLAC participants engage in leadership curriculum, including:

• Gallup CliftonStrengths Training: A strengths-based development tool designed for professional and leadership growth.
• Leadership Training with Dr. Paul Porter: Gain insights and leadership strategies through special sessions with Dr. Porter, an expert in educational leadership.
• IDEAL Courses (Innovating Digital Education in Adult Learning): Participate in coursework facilitated by Destiny Simpson of WorldEd, focusing on strategies for establishing digital education opportunities in adult education programs.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Looking to earn credit for your professional growth? Through a partnership with the Sacramento State College of Continuing Education, DLAC participants are eligible to earn 19.5 CEUs upon successful completion of the two-year program. These units serve as formal recognition of your digital leadership learning and can often be used for salary advancement or professional certification requirements. Interested in earning CEUs? Please connect with your assigned DLAC Coach for more information once the cohort has started or email support@otan.us.