PROGRAM DETAILS
OVERVIEW
Over the eight-month virtual program, state teams spend one to two hours per week developing a discrete data sharing project of their choice. The program uses a human-centered design approach to help state teams think through their work. Monthly topics focus on:
DEFINE THE DATA CHALLENGE
What is the problem we are trying to solve?
IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
What is possible?
TEST POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
What data do we have, and what do we need?
ESTABLISH DATA GOVERNANCE
How do we operationalize our project?
IDENTIFY AND MITIGATE BIAS
How might bias unintentionaly manifest?
TELL YOUR
STORY
How do we build awareness and
buy-in?
By the end of the program, states walk away with a customized action plan to support long-term implementation of their data project and a deliverable to support near-term efforts after the program ends. Examples of deliverables that states have produced in the past include:
Project Plans
Research Briefs
Pitch Presentations
Policy Memos with Data Evidence
Playbooks
CALENDAR
APRIL 2024: ONBOARDING + Kick off
Data Labs begins with one-on-one onboarding calls with state teams to welcome and orient them to the work ahead. The program opens with a half-day, virtual convening featuring prominent speakers, engaging activities, and opportunities to learn from and collaborate with peers.
MAY - OCTOBER 2024: WEEKLY SUPPORT
State teams meet weekly to develop their projects, build out a long-term action plan, and develop a deliverable that will support near-term efforts after the program ends.
Workshops
MONTHLY
All Data Labs states are brought together to focus on common data-sharing project challenges. Practitioners and subject matter experts highlight implementable best practices related to monthly themes. States collaborate with colleagues and apply best practices to their projects.
Office Hours
MONTHLY
Office Hours are an opportunity for teams to get one-on-one support in a predetermined topic area. Teams meet with a subject matter expert or practitioner to get their questions answered and troubleshoot challenges.
Team Meetings
SEMIMONTHLY
Led by a designated state team member, and with administrative support from Beeck Center program managers, individual state teams meet to internally align on and discuss the tactical components of the work, such as reviewing the project timeline, tracking progress, clarifying priorities, and troubleshooting challenges.
Hands-on Technical Assistance
ONGOING
One-on-one assistance offered by a dedicated Beeck Center program manager, which may include: introductions to states who have tackled similar issues, introductions to state Chief Data Officers, customized research, and/or guidance on stakeholder engagement.
Ad Hoc Meetings, Independent Work
AS NEEDED
States may do independent work as needed, such as conducting a data inventory, meeting with a legal representative, etc. Data Labs offers additional, ad hoc meetings such as collaborative intelligence sessions, where states can propose topics to peers and seek insights from the collective.
NOVEMBER 2024: Wrap up + DEBRIEF
Data Labs wraps up with a half-day, virtual convening featuring project team share-outs, reflections, and closing insights from prominent speakers. The program concludes with one-on-one debrief calls to reflect on the experience.
CONTACT US
Our goal is to ensure as many states as possible can submit a proposal. We are happy to work with you to put together a strong project proposal, get in touch with another agency, and/or develop a robust project plan.
For more information, see the FAQ page or contact us at datalabs@georgetown.edu.
About the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation
The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University reimagines systems for public impact using design, data, and technology. Our projects test new ways for public and private institutions to leverage data and analytics, digital technologies, and service design to help more people.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the bipartisan organization of the nation’s 55 Governors. Through NGA, Governors share best practices, address issues of national and state interest and share innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.