About the Program
The Data Scholars Program provides spaces where students from many disciplines and backgrounds learn together, develop their data science skills, and co-create a diverse community. Students receive mentorship, support in introductory data science classes, and guidance to advance in the field through academic support, research opportunities, professional development, and community with other Scholars.
Data Scholars hold many different identities and come from many different backgrounds that are often minoritized in the field, including but not limited to low-income, first generation college, transfer, re-entry, undocumented, historically underrepresented ethnicity or gender, disabled, foster, and LGBTQIA+.
Career Events
Data Scholars get access to special events to support career development and networking. In Spring 2024, the Data Scholars Program hosted a panel discussion featuring current and alumni Scholars, who shared their journeys, successes, challenges, and lessons learned from navigating the industry.
Read more about this event in the article, "Representation Matters - Even Once You've Gotten In, So Keep Going."
Community and Belonging
Meet other Scholars and join a community that will stay with you throughout your journey in Data Science. Through social events, such as our Scholars First event each term, you have the opportunity to meet peers and faculty in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Tutoring and Teaching
As a Data Scholar, you'll receive academic support as you navigate the foundational courses in the major--Data 8 and Data 100. There are also special opportunities for Data Scholars to enter into tutoring and teaching roles, which foster skills valued by both graduate programs and industry.
Program Components
Foundations supports Scholars enrolled in Data 8 by providing the close-knit atmosphere of a small class within the large Data 8 environment. The program augments Data 8 with a weekly workshop, dedicated office hours, and academic advising.
Academic Development connects Scholars with regular expert support in lower division math and CS classes required for the Data Science major and minor, as well as in Data 100.
Discovery provides individual research mentoring as well as a community of peer researchers for Scholars in the Data Science Discovery Program.
Career Development is dedicated to Scholars who have completed Data 100 and wish to explore opportunities in industry. In collaboration with Career Accelerator, the program provides Scholars with guidance in professional development and identifying internship opportunities.
Speaker Series consists of talks by alums, CDSS members, and data science professionals, giving Scholars the opportunity to connect with people who have careers in the field.
Joining Data Scholars
Eligible students will be invited to join Data Scholars when they take Data 8. Keep an eye out for your invitation. If your identity aligns with the program's community and you do not receive an invitation, please reach out to datascholars@berkeley.edu.
Support Data Scholars
A degree in STEM creates powerful opportunities for students. Data Science Undergraduate Studies believes in eliminating barriers through mentorship, community, and academic support so that students from all backgrounds can access these pathways.
A gift to our Data Scholars Program supports this mission and can transform a student's experience.