PA DBE Supportive Services Center

Revamping the PA DBE Supportive Services Center Brand & Website
This project redesigned the website to be modern, accessible, and SEO-optimized, improving user experience, search visibility, and resource access. A key update was the Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) section, which was aligned with PennDOT’s latest requirements and featured dynamic questionnaires to assess eligibility, progress, and mentorship outcomes.

Services Provided
Role: Lead Web Designer & Developer
Scope: Website Redesign, SEO Optimization, Mentor-Protégé Program Integration, Interactive Learning Tools
Objective: To modernize the PA DBE Supportive Services Center website by improving accessibility, performance, and user engagement while integrating PennDOT’s Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) for streamlined mentorship and resource access.

Challenges
The previous website had an outdated design, making it difficult for DBEs to navigate training, certification, and contract opportunities. Restrictive security plugins blocked search engines and screen readers, hurting SEO and accessibility. The site was slow, lacked mobile optimization, and did not support PennDOT’s updated Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). Additionally, inefficient data collection and the absence of interactive learning tools limited user engagement.
Our Approach
We conducted a site audit to address usability, SEO, and accessibility issues, then streamlined navigation for better access to resources. To meet PennDOT’s Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) requirements, we built a structured mentorship system with automated applications and tracking. We optimized performance, mobile responsiveness, and SEO, ensuring a faster, more accessible site. Interactive training videos and downloadable brochures improved learning options, while WordPress with Elementor Pro made the site scalable and easy to update.

The Solution
The site was redesigned with a modern, mobile-friendly interface, improving navigation and accessibility. SEO restrictions were removed, and performance optimizations reduced load times by 40%. A dedicated MPP section was created with mentor matching, dynamic forms, and automated tracking. Interactive training videos and downloadable brochures were added to enhance learning, while structured questionnaires improved data collection and program efficiency.

Results & Impact
- 40% Faster Page Load Speeds – Performance optimizations resulted in a smoother user experience.
- SEO Boost – Removing restrictive plugins allowed the site to be appropriately indexed by search engines, increasing organic traffic.
- Mobile Accessibility Improved – The website is now fully responsive, allowing users to access resources on any device.
- Higher Engagement with Training Content—The interactive training videos increased user engagement by 30%.
- Stronger ADA Compliance – Screen-reader compatibility, better navigation, and improved contrast ratios.
- Brochures Increased Accessibility – Traditional learners benefited from structured PDF resources, expanding the center’s reach.
- Mentor-Protégé Program Now Fully Integrated – Firms can apply, match, and track mentorship progress through a structured online system.
- More Efficient Data Collection – The new questionnaire system reduced incomplete applications by 50%, ensuring higher-quality submissions.

Conclusion
The redesigned PA DBE Supportive Services Center website is now a comprehensive, accessible platform that streamlines mentorship, learning, and business growth for DBEs. With improved SEO, performance, accessibility, a structured Mentor-Protégé Program, and dynamic data collection, the site equips DBEs with the tools to grow and secure PennDOT contracts.
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