Young Data Scientists Quest - New Program Updates (21-22)
We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2022 Young Data Scientists Quest (YDSQ), which will be held this year from January 8 to April 16, 2022. While registration is still free, please be aware that we are adding a small, three-question application for teams.
For those of you who participated in Quest 2021, we are also making some improvements to the program structure (based on your feedback)! Our goal with these 4 changes is to make the experience for teachers and students as rewarding, equitable, and accessible as possible.
Program Changes at a Glance
Expanded teams (15-30 students)
More support for teachers and classrooms
Matching mentors and making more real-world connections
At least one teacher-advisor per team
Expanded teams (15-30 students)
We received nearly unanimous feedback that working in social teams was one of the most rewarding aspects of Quest ‘21. We believe that data science is a group project and that the most successful teams in Quest ‘22 will reflect the many diverse roles that students can contribute in (from data analysis and visual design to leadership and storytelling).
More support for teachers and classrooms
With our expanded team size will come additional support to empower advisors to lead larger teams, including:
Learning content and activities that are pre-recorded and can be delivered anywhere, anytime. Videos will be segmented into 5-10 minute clips that are broken down by concept and mirror our weekly live lesson. Our activities will allow advisors to teach YDSQ with no prior experience (and supplement their classrooms if they choose to).
Team roles. We’re borrowing a leaf from successful programs such as FIRST Robotics that empower students to take on leadership roles in support of their teams. We’ll provide support and advice from students who successfully completed Quest ‘21.
Advisor training and ongoing support. Our program will begin with an orientation preparing advisors and mentors for Quest ‘22. We’ll also continue to hold our weekly advisor office hours for the entire duration of the program.
Platform support. We’ll use online platforms this year that make it more seamless for advisors and students to access our content and get started with learning as soon as possible. No more copying or pasting required!
Matching mentors and making more real-world connections
We received nearly unanimous feedback that the real-world impact of student projects was one of the most inspiring aspects of last year’s program. We’re doubling down on that with Quest ‘22. Each team will be matched to their own data science mentor who will bring experience from industry or academia to help teams finish their projects. We’ll also recruit for mentors with specific real-world experience in topics that students are interested in (e.g. climate change).
At least one teacher-advisor per team
Lastly, we will now require that teams in YDSQ must have at least one advisor who is a full-time teacher. Data science is a rewarding and challenging topic, and we found that the most successful teams from last year had highly engaged advisors. This is something we believe that every student deserves to have as part of the YDSQ experience, and to empower teacher advisors we’re offering more program support tailored to teachers and classrooms (see above).
Questions or feedback? Please feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to reading your applications for YDSQ 2022!
