UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’s 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science has received the 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by a publication like INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine,” said Doug Hague, executive director of UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science. “One of the core missions of our program is to make the field of data science accessible to students of all backgrounds. We’re excited to see our data science students transform corporations, governments and communities through the appropriate use of data.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected the School of Data Science for its continued efforts to move the dial for women and minorities in STEM. Through strategic recruitment efforts, thought provoking conversations with industry leaders and academic partnerships, the school’s graduate programs reflect diverse cohorts, consisting of more than 45 percent female and 30 percent of international students and underrepresented minorities.

The school also hosts the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Charlotte conference, attracting more than 500 attendees each year. The event aims to inspire, educate, and engage current and future data scientists in the Carolinas, regardless of gender, and to support women in the field by providing training, networking, and mentoring opportunities.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

For more information about the 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, click here.

About INSIGHT Into Diversity

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today and is known for its annual INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as explorations of best practices and profiles of exemplary programs. In our Career Center, readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.