Purpose
The modern world is data driven. Individuals, businesses, and governments rely on data scientists to collect, analyze, and interpret data to produce information used to make critical decisions. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, about 17,700 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade, making it essential that educational institutions implement and deploy programs to produce graduates capable of filling these openings. This project will build upon a previous ATE funded project (NSF 2000887) to create a Data Science Institute to meet the demand for data science positions in New Jersey. The institute will consist of seven components to promote and enhance data science skills across the state, from high school to four-year partners and employers. The data science center will provide interested students with the necessary support to enter and progress through a pathway that empowers their economic mobility.
The New Jersey Community College Consortium has identified technical, computer, and essential skills as the basic expertise required for data-skilled jobs. Technical skills include statistical modeling, data visualization, and data storytelling. The basic computing skills needed are Tableau, Python, SQL, and Excel. Essential skills include expertise in problem solving and critical thinking. This project will create a Data Science Institute at County College of Morris with four main goals: offer workshops and training sessions on relevant data science skills, develop high school to collegial pathways for degree attainment, support high school teacher and college faculty development, and facilitate interactions between students and professionals through guest lectures, industry visits, and networking events. This project is funded by the Advanced Technological Education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the Nation’s economy.
Three main areas of knowledge are needed to upskill the labor market to meet the demand for data skilled jobs in the state. The New Jersey Community College Consortium (NJCCC) gathered intelligence information from a working group of industry partners and identified technical skills, computer skills, and essential skills as the most important skillsets for the state’s workforce. Technical skills needed are statistical modeling, data visualization, and data storytelling. This project will create a Data Science Institute at County College of Morris, a two-year community college with the following four goals that are aligned with the mission of the institute:
Goals
Goal 1
The Data Science Institute (DSI) will offer specialized workshops and training sessions on data manipulation, statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and other relevant skills, equipping participants with practical tools necessary for data-driven decision-making.
Goal 2
The DSI will develop high school to collegial pathways for degree attainment in data science through multiple means such as dual enrollment, credit for internships, transfer, and industry credentials.
Goal 3
The DSI will support high school and collegial faculty development towards attainment of industry recognized certifications/credentials in data science.
Goal 4
The DSI will facilitate interactions between students and professionals working in the field of data science through guest lectures, industry visits, and networking events, providing insights into real-world practices and opportunities for mentorship.
Information About ATE
With a focus on two-year Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions (grades 7-12, IHEs), industry, and economic development agencies to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians. It is strongly recommended that projects be faculty-led and required that courses and programs are credit-bearing, although materials developed may also be used for incumbent worker education. Materials may also be adapted and implemented as credit-bearing courses. The ATE program supports curriculum development; professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; career pathway development for both students and incumbent workers; and other activities including applied research projects that advance the knowledge base related to technician education.
To learn more about ATE, please visit the NSF ATE program home page.
