Many community organizations and nonprofits operate in data-rich but resource-constrained environments.
While they collect valuable information about the people and communities they serve, they often lack the capacity, tools, or expertise to turn that data into actionable insights.
The Data Steward Program bridges this gap. By embedding trained data science students directly within nonprofit and public-sector organizations, the program helps partners make better use of their data while giving students meaningful, real-world experience.
At the heart of the program are the students—emerging data professionals who bring curiosity, technical skills, and a commitment to community impact into every project.
Local nonprofit and public-sector organizations play a central role in shaping project scopes, providing real-world context, and collaborating with students to ensure the work is meaningful, relevant, and actionable.
Student Data Stewards are drawn from three Charlotte-area institutions—UNC Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC)—bringing together diverse academic backgrounds and perspectives.
The Data Steward Program is supported by the National Science Foundation (Award #2436647). This support enables innovative, community-centered approaches to data science education that prepare workforce-ready students while strengthening data capacity in nonprofit and public-sector organizations.
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the program team and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.