About the Program
The Data Scholars Program provides support for students new to data science and computing. It 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 and career support, and community with other Scholars.
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.
Career Support supports scholars through workshops and events with data science professionals, giving Scholars the opportunity to prepare for internship and career opportunities.
Joining Data Scholars
Invitations for Data Scholars go out to students enrolled in Data 8 or Data 100 within 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. Students enrolled in and waitlisted for Data 8 will be contacted to apply. Students enrolled in Data 100 will be invited to apply through a section assignment.
If you are enrolled in one of these courses and are interested in the program but do not receive an invitation before the start of the term, 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.
*The Data Scholars program prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.