About the Program

The Data Scholars Program provides spaces where students from many disciplines and backgrounds learn together, develop their data science skills, and co-create a diverse community.  Students receive mentorship, support in introductory data science classes, and guidance to advance in the field through academic support, research opportunities, professional development, and community with other Scholars. 

Data Scholars hold many different identities and come from many different backgrounds that are often minoritized in the field, including but not limited to low income, first generation college, transfer, re-entry, undocumented, historically underrepresented ethnicity or gender, disabled, foster, and LGBTQIA+.

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

Foundations supports Scholars enrolled in Data 8, by providing the close-knit atmosphere of a small class within the large Data 8 class. The program augments Data 8 with a weekly workshop, dedicated office hours, and advising.

Academic Development connects Scholars with regular expert support in lower division math and CS classes required for the Data Science major and minor, as well as in Data 100.

Discovery provides individual research mentoring as well as a community of peer researchers for Scholars in the Data Science Discovery Program

Career Development is dedicated to Scholars who have completed Data 100 and wish to explore opportunities in industry. In collaboration with Career Accelerator, the program provides Scholars with guidance in professional development and identifying internship opportunities.

Speaker Series consists of talks by alums, CDSS members, and data science professionals, giving Scholars the opportunity to connect with people who have careers in the field.

Contact Us

data-scholars@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)

Faculty

Ani Adhikari(link is external)

Teaching Professor and Faculty Director of Pedagogy, CDSS

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

Meet the Team

Kevin Miao

Carlos Ortiz 

Ciara Acosta

Training Future Data Scientists

Article on the launching of Data Scholars