The Data Justice Academy

The Data Justice Academy

The Data Justice Academy is an immersive residential experience for undergraduate students from groups historically underrepresented in data science. The summer program welcomes a cohort of students to the University of Virginia to participate in ten weeks of mentored research, technical skills training, and professional development. Hosted by UVA's School of Data Science the 2023 Data Justice Academy is made possible by support from program sponsors Capital One and Deloitte AI Institute for Government. 

Mentored Research

Academy participants will work on Data for Good research projects that are oriented toward improving lives, combatting inequality, and guiding social change. Available project topics include health disparities, housing inequality, criminal justice, education, and government. Students will rank their project preferences during the application process. Projects are mentored by UVA faculty and graduate students. At the end of the ten weeks, teams will present their research findings to corporate sponsors in an open forum platform with accompanying paper, and datasets.    

Technical Skills Training

To support students in their development as data scientists, the program will also include technical skills training in topics that will support their research projects. This may be in the form of lectures or workshops in Python, R, version control (Git), and project management taught by School of Data Science faculty and researchers. Discounted enrollment in statistics.com courses are also available.

Data Ethics and Justice Seminar

Participants will participate in a seminar on data ethics and justice, including topics on algorithmic bias, privacy, and data activism. The seminar will prepare participants to challenge the harms and inequalities that often accompany technological change. 

Career Exploration

Academy participants will benefit from hands-on career exploration and workshops, including panel discussions on data science career pathways and job search best practices.

Relationship Building

Participants will expand their social and professional networks through a cohort experience and tap into the UVA School of Data Science community, industry partners, and a dedicated alumni network. Participants will have structured and informal opportunities to connect with faculty and staff, members of the Charlottesville community, and corporate sponsors. Programming may include dinners, fieldtrips, networking events, and other activities.

Personal Development

In addition to career and professional development, participants are encouraged to identify their strengths and values that will support their growth and confidence as a data scientist.