# Be a Data Rocketeer: New DLA Energy program works to improve data literacy

/ Published May 8, 2024
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
A new Data Rocketeers Program is providing Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees with advanced Microsoft Excel skills to help them process information and support timely, relevant data-driven decisions.

The DLA Energy program packaged self-directed Defense Acquisition University courses into a structured goal-oriented course and incorporated weekly check ins to help hold students accountable and keep them on track.

“Data literacy is a critical component of achieving a data-focused, data-driven culture,” said Ditu Kasuyi, the program developer and chief of DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Development Division. “The Rocketeers Program is helping equip employees with the skills to turn arbitrary numbers into recognizable patterns or enlightening analytics to draw conclusions, make predictions and take actions.”

Three program levels allow employees to learn based on their comfort and experience. The first level, Data Explorers, is five weeks long tailored for employees with little to no experience with the software. Data Navigators is six weeks for intermediates, and the Data Voyagers is seven weeks for advanced users. Each session is primarily virtual, allowing flexibility for participants to manage their daily workload in conjunction with the program.

Twenty-two employees officially finished the first level of the program on May 2 after showcasing what they learned in a capstone presentation to their senior leaders. Participants learned how to make charts and tables, utilize different Excel shortcuts, analyze data, and execute other essential Excel functions.

“Our aim is to optimize processes and elevate performances for employees,” said Alontae Uptegrow, the program coordinator and a management analyst for the DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Development Division. “This program has the potential to significantly enhance DLA Energy’s operational efficiency, effectiveness, and agility in making data-driven decisions.”

Data Explorer participant Roger Wilson, a contract specialist with DLA Energy Bulk Petroleum Products, said the course offered practical knowledge that will help him improve his job.

“My goal is to build skills for greater automation of planning procurement schedules and improving the presentation of system-generated reports,” he said. “Excel has capabilities I didn’t realize, and I expect to find additional ways to use it in the office.” 

Michael Maclean, logistics management specialist with DLA Energy Bulk Petroleum Supply Chain Services, said he learned how to import data that was not compatible with a spreadsheet format from a Defense Department system into Excel.

“My job requires data analysis and use of multiple spreadsheets,” Maclean said. “I’m fairly confident in my basic Excel skills and some advanced tricks, but I wanted to learn more about how to present that data.”

Both Wilson and Maclean are continuing their journey with the Navigators and Voyagers sessions. Navigators began on April 25 and Data Voyagers is planned for June 13.

The current Data Explorers class includes Jazelle Mcgrath, Michael Maclean, Vickie Davis, Candice Ekwoge, Alexander Desir, Ross Paxton, Laura Hofmann, Amber Hutchison, Makeena Stephens, Cheng Yen, Anastasia Prado, Irene Smith, Rosilyn Gerald, Marybeth Sandman, Janel Thompson, Allison Rodgers, Nikki Waggoner, Donna Granderson, Roger Wilson, Tracy Grinstead, Latasha McGee, and Ryan Herda.