Bridging to AI and Data Science Careers Through Experiential Learning and Training
Program Overview:
Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) Data Crossings is a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded, year-long program designed to broaden participation in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative is open to college students in the arts, humanities, languages, and social sciences, as well as working professionals who are seeking to expand or pivot their careers.
Led by faculty from the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society at the University of Notre Dame and supported by industry and community partners, the program blends hands-on practice, interdisciplinary learning, and career-focused experiences to prepare participants for the jobs of tomorrow.
Through engaging workshops, interactive studios, and real-world capstone projects, participants gain both technical literacy and the “superskills” employers seek, such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and creativity. By pairing learners from diverse fields and life stages, Data Crossings fosters a collaborative, peer-mentoring environment where participants learn not only from faculty and industry leaders, but also from each other.
Key Features
- Explorations Course: A two-semester, no-coding introduction to data science and AI that covers data literacy, design thinking, business acumen, and problem-oriented decision-making.
- Experiential Learning Studios: Small group sessions with faculty mentors and external partners where participants tackle practical challenges in areas such as healthcare, sustainability, manufacturing, and community innovation.
- Superskill Workshops: Training in leadership, communication, ethics, entrepreneurship, and collaboration to prepare participants for real-world impact.
- Capstone Project: Team-based projects addressing authentic industry or societal problems, culminating in professional presentations to business and community leaders.
- Internships & Fellowships: In-situ learning through summer internships with Indiana companies or the Research and Industry Scholarly Exchange Fellowship Program (RAISEuP) for working professionals.
What Makes It Unique
- Mixed-cohort Model: University students and adult learners work side-by-side, building bridges between academia, industry, and society.
- Technical Accessibility: Designed for individuals with no prior technical background, the program utilizes intuitive, plug-and-play tools to make the complexities of data science accessible to all participants.
- Stipend Support: Each participant receives a $5,000 stipend, with no tuition or program costs. Additional paid opportunities are available through internships or fellowships
- High-Impact Partnerships: Collaborations with local companies, community organizations, and nonprofits provide a direct pipeline to careers in data science and AI.
Contact Information:
To learn more or get in touch, please contact the program team at exlentdc@nd.edu.
Learn more:
U.S. National Science Foundation
ExLENT Data Crossings is supported by the NSF Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program under award number 2526307. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this website are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation or the participating institutions.