Innovation Pathways for Data Careers (IPDC) aims to contribute to, and ultimately improve, the current knowledge base at both the local and national levels relevant to the following:
The consistent and systematic implementation of an Innovation Pathway in Data that features equitable access, enhanced student support, and relevant connections to career opportunities
Maximizing the scale and potential of academic pathways that are linked to computationally intensive majors offered by local community colleges and universities
Identification, analysis, and documentation of key issues encountered, and interventions aimed at addressing these issues, for underrepresented minorities in their study of computer science
Sustaining the community and continued engagement of collaborators that can support the implementation and improvement in innovation pathways
A coherent, structured, and well-supported IPDC pathway will provide students who lack opportunity to learn about big data-enabled work and careers with important knowledge about the work of data scientists and the CT and data practices they need to pursue jobs in this field.
High-quality modules and courses in applied data analysis, data visualization, and Python, as well as a final year internship with data scientists in a local business or organization, will help students develop critical skills that industry leaders say are needed and are in short supply in today’s workforce.
A data analysis module, offered through a required civics course taught early in students’ high school careers, which offers opportunities to gain important data skills and practices while examining social studies topics (such as income inequality in the U.S. or immigration patterns within the state), will draw a wider range of students into an IPDC pathway—providing traditionally underrepresented students in STEM with opportunities to explore topics that may be highly relevant to themselves and their communities.
Supports provided to students through teachers and counselors; mentors in school, industry and higher education; and organized peer pathway groups will provide guidance and resources needed to help traditionally underrepresented students in STEM persist in the IPDC pathway and move on to data science careers.
What curriculum interventions, learning activities, and student supports appear to play the largest roles in promoting student interest and motivation to pursue and persist in an Innovation Pathway for Data Careers (IPDC)?
What types of adaptations to the design and implementation of an IPDC may be needed to foster interest and persistence in data careers among different student populations?
What supports are needed for teachers and other stakeholders to implement an IPDC and its components in ways that promote desired student outcomes?
What roles can industry partners play to help sustain and build a strong IPDC?