Breaking News!
Mastercard Partners with AUC Data Science Initiative, Drops 6.5-Million-Dollar Data-Heavy Check!
In an event that left accountants and bankers everywhere trembling (not really), Mastercard announced a $6.5 million partnership with the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Data Science Initiative. The event, held at the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, was scheduled for October 18th at 12:00 PM. But hold on to your calculators, because the check from Mastercard was so heavy that they needed a forklift to carry it in!
The partnership aims to expand data science education and research efforts across the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It’s not every day that someone drops a 6.5-million-dollar check, and that too, a data-heavy one!
This collaboration is all about boosting data science across HBCUs, with a focus on innovative curriculum and support for computer science programs. And they’re even hiring new computer science faculty to help strengthen data-specific curriculum. Talk about investing in the future of data science!
David Thomas, chair of the Atlanta University Center Consortium Board of Trustees and Morehouse College president, said, “This partnership with Mastercard will amplify these efforts by providing a resource to all HBCUs creating pathways of innovation in data science.” We’re not sure if “amplify” is code for “helping students lift that hefty check,” but we’ll take it.
Salah Goss, senior vice president for social impact for the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, emphasized the need for equitable access to opportunity in data science. So, this partnership is all about making sure that the future workforce is well-equipped with data science skills.
And here’s the kicker: they’re developing new courses across HBCUs based on industry needs. It’s like a data-driven choose-your-own-adventure for students. Dr. Talitha Washington, Director of the AUC Data Science Initiative, is excited about the partnership and said, “Data science impacts everything that we do, and we need all talent at all HBCUs to drive innovations.”
But that’s not all! MN Associates, Inc. (MNA) will be evaluating this fantastic grant and initiative, and we are thrilled to be part of the journey. We look forward to stepping up to support this exciting endeavor. Oh, and this is our first corporate client-university center partnership too!
This 6.5-million-dollar investment is part of Mastercard’s commitment to advancing racial equity and economic opportunities, which is pretty awesome. It’s not every day you see a company drop a hefty check to support data science and help level the playing field.
Kudos to Mastercard and the AUC Data Science Initiative for this exciting initiative. More to come!
