Data Science for the Public Good Program

VSU's Data Science for the Public Good (DSPG) program provides training in the use of data science to address real world issues through summer student projects and through engagement with community partners. The student summer projects will be focused on analysis of data developed in partnership with community stakeholders. These 10-week (May 23-Aug 5) projects are intended to (i) provide students with collaborative data science research experiences in real-world settings; and (ii) provide community stakeholders with data science analyses relevant to a specific issue of interest. All students will participate in a two-week data skills course at the start of the 10-week period and present their results at a symposium at the close of the program. Students will receive a $4000 stipend.

The DSPG program was originally developed in collaboration with the University of VA, VA Tech, Oregon State University, and Iowa State University as part of the Three State Data for the Public Good project. Current support is provided by an HBCU-UP grant to VSU.

View prior projects

2020 DSPG Poster Session
2021 DSPG Poster Session

Who can apply

All applicants must be enrolled at VSU. Undergraduate students may be in or entering their sophomore, junior or senior year in Fall 2022. The research teams for the summer projects will be interdisciplinary and collaborative, so all majors are welcome to apply.

How to apply

You can apply for this summer's program. As part of the application process, you will need to upload a pdf copy of their VSU transcript (unofficial is fine) and resume or CV. You will also need to write a statement describing your interest in the DSPG program and have 2 letters of reference emailed to mfaison -at- vsu.edu.

Applications are due April 22, 2022.

For questions, email Dr. M. Omar Faison at mfaison@vsu.edu.