The U.S. Census Bureau has partnered with the Bowie State University College of Business to provide expertise and resources to support students studying data science and analytics and help build a high-quality, diverse workforce in the growing field. Companies and organizations increasingly rely on the analysis of data to drive informative decision-making and keep up with the demands and trends of a global economy. With advances in the use of data and information technology in all sectors, competencies in data and analytics are becoming essential in all disciplines.
The partnership will support opportunities for collaboration between the Census Bureau and the university to increase the number of applicants for internships and career positions at the bureau by providing students with direct access to mentors and hands-on experience with real-world data problem sets. Bureau experts will conduct technical lectures on data science topics and provide guidance on curriculum enhancements to assure students meet occupational demands. The university will also work to expand awareness of data products and services that can support the development of small businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations through workshops and other training events.
“Through this partnership, BSU students will build 21st-century knowledge, skills and aptitudes in data science while working on projects using data and analytics products provided by the Census Bureau and our faculty will benefit from access to rich data sources and specialized data tools,” said Azene Zenebe, chair of the management information systems department at Bowie State University. “The close contacts with industry experts and internships opportunities will position our students for career success.”
Dr. Zenebe is a graduate of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. He holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in information systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He joined the faculty at Bowie State University in 2005.
