The Establishment of a Data Science Institute at a Two-Year Community College

The modern world is data driven. Individuals, businesses, and governments rely on data scientists to collect, analyze, and interpret data to produce information used to make critical decisions. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, about 17,700 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade, making it essential that educational institutions implement and deploy programs to produce graduates capable of filling these openings. This project will build upon a previous ATE funded project (NSF 2000887) to create a Data Science Institute to meet the demand for data science positions in New Jersey. The institute will consist of seven components to promote and enhance data science skills across the state, from high school to four-year partners and employers. The data science center will provide interested students with the necessary support to enter and progress through a pathway that empowers their economic mobility.

The New Jersey Community College Consortium has identified technical, computer, and essential skills as the basic expertise required for data-skilled jobs. Technical skills include statistical modeling, data visualization, and data storytelling. The basic computing skills needed are Tableau, Python, SQL, and Excel. Essential skills include expertise in problem solving and critical thinking. This project will create a Data Science Institute at County College of Morris with four main goals: offer workshops and training sessions on relevant data science skills, develop high school to collegial pathways for degree attainment, support high school teacher and college faculty development, and facilitate interactions between students and professionals through guest lectures, industry visits, and networking events.