Data Scholars

About the Program

Data Scholars addresses issues of underrepresentation in the data science community by establishing a community that is welcoming, educational, and empowering for underrepresented and nontraditional students. Launched in Fall 2016, it is especially suited for students who can bring diverse and positive contributions to the field of Data Science. The program offers specialized tutoring, advising, and workshops in a sequence of three 1-unit seminar courses. Students apply to join the first seminar, Foundations, the semester they enroll in Data 8, and may participate in Pathways and Discovery in subsequent semesters.

Four students gathering around a laptop, laughing, at the Spring 2018 semester Data Scholars project showcase.
50 students and visitors listening to a lightning talk presentation at the spring 2018 data scholars project showcase

Program Components

(1) Data 8 Section and Foundations Seminar

Students enrolling in Data 8 can apply to join Data Scholars! Students will enroll into a Data Scholars-only lab section for Data 8, and join a specialized 1-unit Foundations seminar.  Students will also have access to special office hours and mentorship for academic support.

(2) Data Science Pathways Seminar

For students who have already completed Data 8 and the Foundations seminar, the Pathways seminar supports long-term discovery experiences and career orientation. Pathways will feature guest speakers from research and industry, and special workshops for career and professional development, portfolio-building, and goal setting. This seminar will meet once a week for 90 minutes.  

(3) Data Science Discovery Seminar

For students who have completed the Pathways seminar and have two or more semesters of data science coursework completed, the Discovery seminar provides special workshops on cutting-edge data science tools, facilitates student matching onto some of the exciting research projects offered by the Data Science Discovery Research program, and offers research mentorship by experienced grad students and staff.

Why Join Data Scholars

Join a vibrant data science community!

  • Support: Skill-building workshops, tutoring and homework help
  • Community: Social events and talks that emphasize diversity in data sciences
  • Mentorship: Mentoring with graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and alumni 

Advisors

Karen Chapple, Associate Dean, Division of Data Sciences

Claudia von Vacano, Executive Director of D-Lab and Digital Humanities

Ani Adhikari, Professor, Statistics

a student presenting their research project to another student at the spring 2018 data scholars project showcase

Join us!

The Data Scholars program is now full for Spring 2019. If you are interested in getting involved in future semesters, please check back in Summer 2019 for our next application cycle!

Please contact the Program Coordinator, Mariah Rogers (data-scholars@berkeley.edu) with any questions.

Training Future Data Scientists

Article on the launching of Data Scholars