Knox Scholars Data Science Research Program

Health Resources In Action, Inc., Boston MA

Investigators

Abstract

Project Abstract Broad Objectives: The Knox Scholars Data Science Research Program will work to promote the power of young people to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Participants will be Boston area high school students. Combining paid data science internship opportunities, college access and persistence, job readiness supported by professional mentorship, and STEM education, training and programming will enable youth to access the financial stability associated with a booming STEM industry without leaving the city where they grew up, while also supporting local industry with a well-prepared applicant pool. Specific Aims: The Knox Scholars Data Science Research Program will reach 150 Boston-area high school students over five years to increase: (1) Knowledge and skills of data science through programming over two years; (2) Job readiness in data science through mentorships for each participant with a data science professional, data science career exploration events, and career readiness workshops; (3) Post-secondary access through college visits, college readiness workshops, and individualized college application support; and, (4) STEM education, training and programming and opportunities. Design and Methods: This two-year program will consist of: (1) two paid data science internships, the first summer focused on training and the second summer focused on applied skills; (2) college access and persistence programming; (3) job readiness; and, (4) STEM education, training and programming for a total of 150 Boston-area high school students. Each summer 30 youth (24 of whom will be paid through this grant) will begin the program with a five-week paid data science training internship at MIT. Youth will learn quantitative methods, data analysis and coding alongside basic wet lab skills to better prepare them for internships and careers in data science fields. In addition, youth will gain skills critical to success such as time management, proactive communication, networking, and public speaking. These 150 youth will be part of a larger program called the LEAH Project that will place a total of 500 Boston-area high school youth in paid STEM internships during the grant period.