Description: The Southern California Consortium for Data Science (SCCDS) mission is to develop and expand articulated pathways in data science (DS) that respond to opportunities in industry, are inclusive of students from a variety of backgrounds (particularly those not historically represented in STEM), and prepare students for success in a plethora of careers that utilize DS.

The SCCDS goals include:

  1. Creation of new Introduction to Data Science courses at SCCDS universities and community colleges that are articulated across the Consortium;
  2. Establishment of outreach events to promote DS career exploration opportunities for grades 9-20 students (e.g., Datathons, Data Science Careers Days); and
  3. Development and implementation of support initiatives for transfer students to ensure success in DS pathway coursework (e.g., summer bridge programs, learning communities).

In addition, the Consortium will develop and implement professional development to equip faculty to teach DS, especially through incorporation of best practices that are culturally relevant and inclusive, and strategies that are data-informed and promising for closing equity gaps.