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Starr Hill Pathways program introduces middle school students to data science
The University of Virginia School of Data Science, in partnership with Computers4Kids, is once again hosting a data science career pathway for college pipeline program Starr Hill Pathways. The data science program, running from June 16-27, introduces rising seventh and eighth graders to data science through C4K's programming and computer simulation tools.
Starr Hill Pathways is a free college and career pipeline program that follows students from middle school through their high school graduation. Founded by the UVA Center for Community Partnerships, the program uses community and university resources to support Charlottesville City and Albemarle County youth in achieving their goals.
While in middle school, scholars are given the opportunity to explore different career pathways through targeted summer camps and programs, supported by community partner organizations. While in high school, scholars are provided additional internship opportunities, college and career counseling, and SAT prep. All scholars have access to free tutoring and mentorship.
C4K and the School of Data Science co-host the data science career pathway introductory program, now in its third year. This year's program utilizes video game elements and car racing simulations to help Starr Hill Pathways scholars understand how data science can be used and how it appears in their everyday lives.
Scholars are introduced to the School of Data Science's 4+1 model, taught by School staff. The model covers the four domains of data science — systems, analytics, design, and data + society — while the "+1" model represents practice, utilizing and integrating the four domains in practical use.
C4K is teaching the practice element of the model through exploration of their computer simulation technologies. Scholars will explore activities like optimizing car launches in 3D simulations, capturing real-life objects and transferring them into virtual reality, 3D printing, and data collection, tapping into familiar video games elements and relating data science procedures to real life.
"UVA School of Data Science is the perfect partner to have here," said Cullen Levesque, clubhouse coordinator for C4K. "Data is all around us, and our final product was heavily reliant on trial and error based on the numbers we collected and analyzed. It's an amazing gift for our youth to deeply approach how systems operate under the hood, and why the associated data can impact them in so many fun ways!"
Overall, the program aims to teach scholars how data science is relevant to them, furthering the School's goal of making data science accessible to everyone. The introduction to these concepts will expand scholars' data literacy toolkits while demystifying an otherwise nebulous concept.
