14 Data Analytics Students Awarded Tech Credential Scholarships

Scholarships Support Effort to Diversify Tech Jobs

MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Saxon, jsaxon@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-3607

(BOWIE, Md.) – A group of data analytics students became the latest scholarship recipients as part of a Bowie State University program designed to drive more diverse candidates towards technology-focused career opportunities.

A group of 14 students each received a $2,500 scholarship as part of the Capital CoLAB Emerging Tech Talent program, which facilitates their work towards a Generalist Digital Tech Credential. The program was launched by Bowie State University and the Greater Washington Partnership, a collective of area businesses, in 2021 to attract more minorities and women into tech-focused career fields.

The following students received the award: Daniel Aboagye, Alseny Bah, Keith Brown, Nigel Clark, Joshua Graves, Aaliyah Jackson, Ibiyemi James, Aaron Johnson, L. J. Ramirez, Senesie Sannoh, Kayla Shackleford, DeJoy Spruill, Ngoc Tran and Eden Tamene Waka. To date, 38 students have received the scholarship since the program’s launch.

“This program plays an important role in supporting our students,” said Dr. Rand Obeidat, the data analytics programs coordinator. “This scholarship program is open to all BSU undergraduate students.”

As part of the credential program, students are required to take courses that cover data science and analytics, data visualization and business statistics. Students are also given the opportunity to connect with Capital CoLAB affiliated employers for network and mentoring opportunities, which can include career mentorship and coaching, job shadowing, experience credit, resume guidance, priority interviewing for internships and jobs, exclusive meetings with top executives and even financial bonuses for newly recruited employees.

“The CoLab credential program allows students, coming from all majors, to take data analytics courses taught using problem-based and hands-on projects to develop knowledge, skills and ability by working on projects with data coming from different domain areas,” said Dr. Azene Zenebe, chair of the Department of Management Information Systems. “Data science and analytics is about solving complex problems or making decisions about important issues using big data and emerging information technology.”

Data analytics is expected to see substantial growth in the near future. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for data analysts is expected to grow by 23% from 2021 to 2031.

###

About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.