An Overview of the Multi-Disciplinary Data Science (MDaS) S-STEM Scholarship Program

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the MDaS S-STEM scholarship program. With the growing need for professionals with technology and critical thinking skills related to data analysis, the MDaS program employs established recruitment and retention activities for undergraduates in STEM fields, to encourage consideration of careers in data science related fields. The purpose of the program is to provide financial and professional support to low-income and underrepresented STEM students to improve their chances of completing degrees related to data science. This paper presents the motivation for the program, its goals, structure, research questions, and the design and implementation of its bootcamp cohort building component for engaging students. The results and experiences related to its first year of operation are presented.