UChicago Applied Data Fellowship: A Year of Impactful Data Work
The UChicago Applied Data Fellowship offers a unique chance to spend a year working on high-impact programs. This fellowship connects talented individuals with government, nonprofit, and social enterprise organizations in the United States. The core of the fellowship involves using data-driven insights to create actionable policy recommendations, develop new programs, and make operational improvements for partner organizations. It’s an opportunity for those passionate about using data to drive positive change in the public and social sectors.
What the Fellowship Entails
Fellows are directly embedded within their host institutions for a full year. This hands-on experience allows them to work closely with senior leaders and apply data insights in real-world settings. Beyond the practical work, fellows receive guidance from experienced consultants in the development sector. They also benefit from technical support, including data analysis training and ongoing oversight. To support long-term career goals, fellows receive personalized career support throughout the year.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
Participants in the UChicago Applied Data Fellowship receive a living stipend of $47,000 for the year. Additionally, there is a separate health insurance stipend, reimbursable up to $5,000. For those placed in cities with a higher cost of living than Chicago, this stipend amount is adjusted accordingly. The fellowship includes a matching process where partner organizations help select the fellows who will join their teams. This ensures strong buy-in from the host institutions.
Who Should Apply
Exceptional candidates for this fellowship typically possess a solid understanding of public policy. Strong data analysis skills, project management experience, and a genuine desire to innovate and implement programs are also important. The program seeks individuals committed to achieving impact within government, nonprofit, and social enterprise sectors. The fellowship values a diverse range of skills, both technical and non-technical. Applicants from various academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Common project types include policy and advocacy, data analysis and visualization, and data engineering or more advanced data science work.
Application Process
Applications for the UChicago Applied Data Fellowship are reviewed on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested individuals apply early. Interviews are also conducted on a rolling schedule, typically starting in March. Most fellows begin their project work between June and November. To facilitate this, meetings to match fellows with partner organizations commence 6 to 8 weeks before the anticipated project start dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UChicago Applied Data Fellowship?
It’s a year-long program connecting talented individuals with organizations to use data for policy recommendations, program development, and operational improvements.
What does a fellow do during the fellowship?
Fellows work directly within host institutions, applying data insights to real-world problems, and receive guidance, technical support, and career development.
What financial support is provided?
Fellows receive a $47,000 living stipend and a health insurance stipend, reimbursable up to $5,000, with adjustments for higher cost-of-living areas.
Who is encouraged to apply for this fellowship?
Exceptional candidates with strong data analysis and project management skills, a solid understanding of public policy, and a desire to create impact in the public or social sectors are encouraged to apply.
