Correlation One's Data Science for All Empowerment Program: Week 1 Review
This weekend I had my very first official class with Correlation One’s Data Science for All (DS4A) Empowerment Program.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, here’s a bit of background about the program:
Summary:
Data Science For All / Empowerment (DS4A) is a 13-week training program that offers data analytics training from instructors from top universities like Harvard and MIT on Saturdays. Entry is merit-based, competitive, and open only to traditionally underrepresented minorities. This year, the acceptance rate for DS4A was less than four percent!
Application Process:
You’ll answer questions about yourself and your professional history via online form (heads up, you will need to submit a resume/CV!)
One-hour online skills assessment. (You aren’t expected to get everything correct, it’s a way of gauging your technical/reasoning skills and is also a placement exam for the Pre-Program Python Foundational course, so don’t fret!)
Interview. :)
As of April 2021 the application window for this program is not active, but you can join the Correlation One mailing list to be notified about the next cohort at this link.
Program Requirements:
According to the program site, the only requirement is that candidates must be part of an underrepresented group. Check out the program guide here if you’d like a lengthier explanation of the type of candidate they’re looking for.
Here’s my review from Week 1:
Preliminary Pros & Cons List: (keep in mind these are my personal opinions and first impressions and will likely evolve over the course of the program):
PROS
You do not have to pay anything for this program!
You also do not have to quit your full-time job or full-time study for this program. Classes are held all day on Saturdays.
The professor is extremely approachable, kind-hearted, and enthusiastic!
With around a thousand participants, there are MANY opportunities to expand your professional network.
Previous programming experience is not required.
CONS
You’re paired with a project group from day one and it seems like the majority of my interaction will be with this group without any opportunity to change groups. This could be a great thing if you love your group members from day one (my group members are awesome so far, btw) but this could also suck if you happen to dislike a group member. But then again, I guess it’s great practice for the professional world.
The program does not require a background in programming, but I honestly don’t know how I would have been able to make it through the Pre-Python program without a bit of prior knowledge helping me out. I found the content quite fast-paced.
Other Impressions:
Instruction: Dr. Natesh is one of the most enthusiastic and engaging professors I’ve ever had. It is evident that he really cares about the learning of every single student. He checks in during lectures to make sure we’re understanding concepts and adjusts his pace accordingly, which is rare for such a large class. With classes also being all day on Saturday, it can be challenging to stay energized and attentive for hours on end. Dr. Natesh incorporates music breaks and fun anecdotes into his lectures which helped to reel me back in when I found my mind wandering. The TAs are super knowledgeable and have been super patient with answering questions and providing support thus far.
Fellows: Wow. I’m truly inspired to be in the company of so many talented future individuals. I feel affirmed in a way I haven’t felt professionally, especially when I found out the cohort was majority Black AND majority women. The enthusiasm, brilliance, and passion of this group just shows how much talent there is. We’re ready to shake up the work of data and AI for sure.
I am seriously looking forward to next week’s class!