View more photos from the event here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aucconsortium/albums/72177720324106258
The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Data Science Initiative and Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth came together to celebrate Black History Month with innovation, impact, and inclusion hosting the Mastercard x AUC Data Science Initiative Black History Month Financial Inclusion Hackathon, where Atlanta University Center students tackled real-world challenges aimed at bringing underserved communities in Atlanta into the financial ecosystem.
All AUC students were invited to participate regardless of their proficiency in computer science or finance. However, each team was asked to possess some coding skills and bring diverse critical thinking skills and perspectives. The goal of the event was to build students’ knowledge of financial inclusion, increase awareness of the economic challenges facing Atlanta communities, and collaborate on ways technology can help address these issues.
The event offered a collaborative learning environment, working with students across participating AUCC universities and professionals from Mastercard Atlanta to experience a supportive atmosphere encouraging creative problem-solving. The event also offered professional mentorship, guidance from Mastercard and AUC staff supporting the team throughout the project development process with their expertise and personalized feedback, networking opportunities to build connections with peers, mentors, and industry professionals, and learning about potential internships, hiring opportunities, and professional development.
According to Jamaal Ware, Program Coordinator for Student Development, the Data Science Initiative, with the mentorship and guidance of Mastercard professionals, students worked in teams—leveraging data, critical thinking, and coding skills—to develop solutions that promote financial inclusion. It was incredible to see their creativity, problem-solving, and passion for driving change!”
In Fall 2023, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Data Science Initiative announced the launch of a new partnership with Mastercard, an innovative partnership supported by a $6.5 million grant from Mastercard to drive the expansion of data science across the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to accelerate data science education and research to help further drive access to opportunity.
The $6.5 million investment builds on and is informed by Mastercard’s previous work with HBCUs leveraging Mastercard’s unique expertise to create industry-informed programs to increase student placement in the workforce. This philanthropic funding, delivered by Mastercard Impact Fund, is part of Mastercard’s $500 million, five-year In Solidarity Commitment to advance racial equity and economic opportunities for Black Americans, to increase access and usage of appropriate financial services and to expand access to capital and resources for Black-owned businesses.
Ware said, “A huge thank you to Mastercard for your commitment to empowering the next generation of Black tech and data leaders. To our students—you showed up, innovated, and made us proud! And to our mentors, judges, and organizers—your support made this event possible.”
He added, “A special thanks to Mark Jackson, Barrie Hottinger, Brandon Williams, and Conrad Rybka for all their hard work in making this event a success! Not to mention Dr. Eboni Dotson, Assistant Director of HBCU Engagement AUC Data Science Initiative for her leadership and support!”
