Empowering Future Data Leaders through Data4All

This spring, UChicago DSI celebrated 29 students who completed the Data4All High School Bridge Workshop, marking the 8th iteration of the flagship program after its launch in 2021. Data4All serves as an early pathway into data science by providing students ages 15-18 with the opportunity to  build strong foundational knowledge and skills in data science while providing meaningful exposure to different educational and career paths. A record number of 210 local high school students applied to be part of the cohort this spring. This included students from 21 different schools, the majority of which are from Chicago Public Schools and schools with a limited number of computer science courses. 

Developing Skills, Confidence, and Community

Data4All students build a stronger foundation in key data science skills through hands-on experience with programming, analyzing data and using statistical reasoning to draw conclusions. By the end of the workshop this spring, the majority of students reported increased comfort with analyzing data using Python, visualizing data using graphs and maps, testing explanations with statistics, and making arguments based on data analysis. “The curriculum was fun to teach and engaging for students, keeping them continuously on their toes as they learned new skills throughout the workshop,” said Kelly Smalenberger, DSI Preceptor and Data4All instructor. “Students’ skills in programming, data analysis, and statistical reasoning improved in a meaningful way.”

Along with the computational skills gained through the curriculum, the Data4All workshop allows students to build meaningful connections. Students work in small groups led by UChicago undergraduate students serving as “near-peer” mentors. This collaborative format fosters a supportive environment which promotes inquiry and experimentation as they learn new skills. “It was amazing to see the students not only grow in their technical skills, but also in their ability to work together and communicate effectively,” said Jennifer Blanc, DSI Preceptor and Data4All instructor. 

While mentors help build this sense of community, they also expose participants to college and career options coming from a variety of interdisciplinary backgrounds. “Thanks to the small-group format, I was able to get to know students on a personal level, and teach more effectively by connecting lessons to their other hobbies and interests,” said Eve Lacote, Data4All mentor and rising third-year in the College majoring in Economics. “Having gone through college and early-career applications so recently myself, it was also a joy to answer all their questions and help them navigate such important decisions.”

Working within small groups allowed students to learn alongside others with shared interests, creating space for students to form friendships with peers from across the city while building collaboration skills. “A highlight of my time in the program was getting to work with real data and seeing how it can be used to answer questions and explain real-world situations,” said Jamilah Johnson, a rising junior at the Chicago High School of Agricultural Science. “I also enjoyed collaborating with my group and learning how different people think about the same problem.”

Data Science Curriculum and Careers

Co-taught by DSI Preceptors Kelly Smalenberger and Jennifer Blanc, Data4All introduces high school students to core data science concepts and technical tools, while strengthening critical thinking skills within a collaborative environment. With a focus on real-world datasets, the program engages students in the process and cycle of data science research, from learning how to develop strong research questions to understanding the importance of evidence-based reasoning when making a scientific claim. Students develop these skills using the Python programming language and Google Colab notebooks, ensuring that the curriculum materials and resources remain relevant and accessible.

The program also included a series of guest speakers, introducing students to educational pathways and career options related to data science. Speakers this spring spoke about their experiences across a wide range of industries, including sports, healthcare, videogame design, and academia. “One of my favorite memories from Data4All was seeing the excitement in student’s eyes as they interacted with the guest speakers,” said Blanc. “That exposure is invaluable and we even had students network with the guest speakers and follow-up after the program.” Students were also able to hear from a member of the UChicago admissions team and take a tour of campus, preparing them for what to expect during the college admissions process and beyond. 

The next iteration of the Data4All High School Bridge Workshop will run in Autumn 2026. Check out our page on the DSI website later this summer for more information about the program and how to apply.