School of Data Science receives Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science recently received the 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by a publication like INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine,” said Doug Hague, executive director of UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science. “One of the core missions of our program is to make the field of data science accessible to students of all backgrounds. We’re excited to see our data science students transform corporations, governments and communities through the appropriate use of data.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected the School of Data Science for its continued efforts to move the dial for women and minorities in STEM. Through strategic recruitment efforts, thought-provoking conversations with industry leaders and academic partnerships, the school has graduate programs that reflect diverse cohorts, with more than 45 percent female and 30 percent international students and underrepresented minorities.

The school also hosts the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Charlotte conference, attracting more than 500 attendees each year. The event aims to inspire, educate and engage current and future data scientists in the Carolinas, regardless of gender and to support women in the field by providing training, networking and mentoring opportunities.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”