MIT IDSS Builds Data Science Talent Networks through Education Partnerships

The proliferation of artificial intelligence has sparked debate about the necessity of foundational skills, but Devavrat Shah, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at MIT, argues that mathematical skills are more critical than ever. These skills are essential for selecting the right tools and accurately interpreting results.

“As large language models and generative AI meet new applications, these cutting-edge tools will continue to reshape entire sectors of industry and bring new insights to challenges in research and policy,” says Shah. “The world needs people who can grasp the underlying concepts behind AI to truly leverage its potential.”

Shah is a professor at MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). IDSS addresses the global demand for data skills through online courses like the MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science, which Shah directs.

This MicroMasters program has credentialed over a thousand individuals worldwide and engaged tens of thousands more, offering a rigorous yet flexible path to develop an MIT-level understanding of statistics fundamentals. The program also underpins IDSS education partnerships.

In collaboration with the Brescia Institute of Technology (BREIT) in Peru, IDSS is providing graduate-level data science education. Fotini Christia, Director of IDSS, explains, “Through this partnership, IDSS is training data scientists who are informing decision-making in Peruvian industry, society, and policy.”

Training the Next Generation

BREIT’s Advanced Program in Data Science and Global Skills, developed with IDSS, combines technical and nontechnical skills, providing training in statistics, probability, data analysis, and machine learning, alongside communication, critical thinking, team-building, and ethics.

Renato Castro, a BREIT learner, shared his motivation for joining the program: “I knew that artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science was the future, and I wanted to be in that wave.” Castro has since developed data projects for groups in Peru, Panama, and Guatemala. “The program teaches more than the mathematics. It’s a systematic way of thinking that helps you have an impact on real-world problems and create wealth not only for a company but wealth for the people.”

Lucia Haro, manager of BREIT, emphasizes the program’s goal to “develop problem-solvers and leaders in a field that is growing and becoming more relevant for organizations around the world… We are training the next generation to contribute to the economic development of our country and to have a positive social impact in Peru.”

IDSS supports BREIT learners through MIT grad student teaching assistants, offering hands-on practice and answering questions.

Jesús Figueroa, a program graduate, highlights the importance of communicating theoretical knowledge effectively. “Maybe you already understand the fundamentals, the theoretical part, but you have to learn how to communicate it.”

The program has seen eight cohorts complete the program, with three more in progress, resulting in almost 100 MicroMasters credential holders and 90 more in the pipeline. IDSS has tailored support, including a technical assessment tool to evaluate applicants’ knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, and Python programming.

Karene Chu, Assistant Director of Education for the SDS MicroMasters, notes that the assessment helps BREIT determine potential while helping applicants identify skill gaps.

The IDSS MicroMasters team continues to evolve the program, incorporating feedback and developing coding demos. Susana Kevorkova, Program Manager of the IDSS MicroMasters, states, “Partner input helps us understand the landscape, so we better know the demands and how to meet them. With BREIT, we are now offering a prerequisite ‘bootcamp’ to help learners from different backgrounds refresh their knowledge or cover gaps. We are always looking for ways to add value for our partners.”

Better Decisions, Bigger Impact

BREIT’s program offers opportunities to apply data skills to social impact projects with local NGOs, aimed at improving the quality of life for Peruvian citizens.

Diego Trujillo Chappa, a BREIT learner, worked with an NGO to improve a model for understanding why students do not complete graduate study. “Our methodology helped the NGO to identify more possible applicants… And it’s a good step for the NGO, moving forward with better data analysis.”

Yajaira Huerta’s project focused on identifying where the need was highest for housing support during the Covid-19 pandemic. “We built a clustering model for capturing indicators available in the data, and also to show us with geolocation where the focal points of need were,” says Huerta. “This helped the team to make better decisions.”

Global Networks and Pipelines

MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science credential holders gain access to IDSS workshops and conferences. BREIT learners interact with MIT faculty and visit MIT, engaging with students and faculty and exploring ongoing research.

“Hosting BREIT and their extraordinarily talented learners brings all our partner efforts full circle, especially as MicroMasters credential holders are a pool of potential recruits for our on-campus graduate programs,” Christia concludes. “This partnership is a model we are ready to build on and iterate, so that we are developing similar networks and pipelines of data science talent on every part of the globe.”