On a hot August day in Berkeley, fifty community college students from over thirty California community colleges–many clad in black shirts emblazoned with, “Reclaiming STEM Legacy”–jogged across a crosswalk toward Warren Hall. A bit overheated from their campus tour, they eagerly filled plates with snacks and sank into chairs in an air-conditioned room, ready to learn about a major many of them had never heard of: data science.
The students were part of Puente Math and Science (MaS). Historically, Puente has helped tens of thousands of California’s educationally underrepresented students transfer to four-year colleges and universities by providing support with English language skills, mentoring, and academic counseling. Most of their students pursue degrees in social sciences or humanities. However, with a growing interest in STEM fields, the program is in its second year of taking on enhancing students’ skills in math and science through the Puente MaS initiative.
“Math and science courses are often gatekeepers for transferring,” explains Melva Alvarez, Puente’s Statewide Coordinator of STEM Initiatives. “There are cultural challenges in teaching and learning in these subjects. We’re doing a lot of professional development with community college faculty to expand their equity framework. Programming like this one at UC Berkeley are meant to uplift and engage our STEM students.”
The presentation, organized by UC Berkeley's Data Science Undergraduate Studies, kicked off with an interactive survey exercise designed to illustrate the principles of data science. Student speakers shared their personal journeys–one admitted he’d hated math in high school, prompting surprised giggles from the crowd–while others showcased their research projects, illustrating the impact undergraduates can make.
The interdisciplinary nature of data science particularly resonated with many attendees. “I found it fascinating that data science combines elements of statistics, mathematics, computer science, and other disciplines,” shared one Puente participant. “[That] makes me think that a major isn’t a single thing.”
A career data scientist, who had also started as an underrepresented transfer student, captivated the audience by sharing his varied experiences in the field. The audience listened intently, leaning forward in their chairs, glimpsing samples of potential futures for their own careers.
Though most in the audience had entered the room with little understanding of data science, the students were soon snapping photos of the transfer requirements slide pulled up by adviser Amanda Dillon, their enthusiasm palpable.
Danay Weldegabriel, the Community College Programs Manager for UC Berkeley’s Data Science Undergraduate Studies, emphasized that the event was more than just an information session about UC Berkeley’s popular major. It aimed to educate and inspire students about data science as a field, regardless of whether they pursue it at Berkeley. Tech majors offer significant opportunities for social mobility, but many underrepresented students view them as out of reach.
UC Berkeley is committed to including diverse perspectives in the field, as evidenced by initiatives like the Data Scholars program and partnerships with educators across California and beyond to support curriculum development and student transfer pathways. Events like this are designed to inspire and illuminate practical paths into tech.
According to the feedback from one Puente participant, that goal was achieved. “I learned that [data scientist] is actually the career I should be going for. I had no idea this existed and I feel so relieved to have found something that pairs up perfectly with me and who I am.”
Connect with communications at Data Science Undergraduate Studies:
brandilyn@berkeley.edu
