Introducing Our Data Security Fellows Program

The Challenges of Data Science in the Social Sector

One of the main challenges we see hindering the adoption of data in the social sector is the lack of a professional pipeline. If you’re a data scientist who chooses to work in the social sector instead of a tech company, you’re often losing not just some financial compensation but an opportunity to be mentored by other data professionals.

In addition, you’re often only one “data person” responsible for managing the organization’s data. There’s a good chance you’ve taught yourself without much training or support. As a result, it becomes much harder to maintain and grow your skill set. At Uptake, we wanted to address these problems, so we created the Uptake.org Data Fellows Program.

Uptake’s Data Fellows Program has now had three successful cohorts. Meet a few of our past Data Fellows and see what they’ve accomplished.

Why Add a Data Security Track?

Like the people who join us for our Data Science track, there are many individuals working in data security that don’t have the training or support they need. Our Data Security fellows are individuals focused on how to protect the sensitive data their organizations manage; they’re trying to ensure their systems, tools and operations are as secure as possible while overcoming the lack of resources or experience required to face today’s cyber threats.

With the Uptake.org Data Fellows Program our aim is to provide data-for-good professionals with the tools and community they need to solve big problems in the social sector.

Program Overview

The program begins with a week in Chicago where the fellows meet with Uptake employees and other experts to gain some hard skills in data science and data security. We cover topics like machine learning, user-centered design, infosec, intrusion monitoring, and tools like Tableau and R. The fellows are then matched with three mentors from Uptake and our partners. They touch base with them every week for several months as they apply skills they are learning to their work. We then bring the fellows and their back to Chicago to share what they’ve done and kick off the next cohort.

We’re seeking data science leaders who:

• Have experience building models. We expect most of our fellows to understand the use of R or Python.

• Have sound quantitative skills, including the use of data analysis methodologies.

• Are deeply passionate about using data science for social good.

• Have great communication skills and want to connect with peers and experts in the data-for-good field.

• Embody Uptake’s core values: clarity, curiosity, flexibility, industry and trust.

• Are willing to commit to a six-month fellowship period with an in-person session from August 20-24, 2018. Travel expenses are covered by Uptake.

We’re seeking security leaders who:

• Are concerned about the protection of their organization’s data.

• Have technical skills in development, data security or a related field.

• Are deeply passionate about using data science for social good.

• Have great communication skills and want to connect with peers and experts in the data-for-good field.

• Embody Uptake’s core values: clarity, curiosity, flexibility, industry and trust.

• Are willing to commit to a six-month fellowship period with an in-person session from August 20-24, 2018. Travel expenses are covered by Uptake.

At Uptake.org we are working towards creating a more data driven social sector. One key aspect of that is helping support the development of human capital. Through the mentor program we are building a global network of data professionals. To learn more about the program visit Uptake.org.