Flow chart outlining the process of Community Data Labs

Community Data Labs

Community Data Labs (CDL) is the signature program of the Kansas Data Science Consortium (KDSC). This capstone-like class invites students with an interest in data science to spend a semester working on real-world projects provided by community partners from across Kansas and beyond.

Overview

Cultivating data-driven solutions is rewarding work. At multiple institutions across the state, we create a supportive environment for hands-on learning where students can develop their skills, challenge themselves, and gain valuable experience. Students often find that this experience is valued by potential employers and that skills learned in the Community Data Labs are flexible and broadly applicable to future studies and careers.

Several attendees of the KDSC Conference gathered around a student poster discussing research results.
Two students gathered discussing at the 2025 KDSC Conference.

Join us for our Community Data Labs Open House!

Come hear from past CDL students and learn about the available projects!
Monday, November 17th from 4-5:00PM in Fraser Hall Room 221
Register Here

Enrollment Information for Students

Community Data Labs are offered at several Kansas colleges and universities including: The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Baker University, Butler Community College, Donnelly College, and Johnson County Community College. There may be collaboration opportunities across campuses for students who have selected the same project though it is not required as part of the course.

Students will be well-prepared to work on data projects if they have some skill with a statistical software package like Stata, RStudio, or Python. Additionally, students should have some ability with statistical analysis such as regression, causal inference, and/or machine learning. This class is offered to undergraduate upperclassmen and graduate students. 

During the semester, we expect students to learn or improve their skills in:

  • Data management and wrangling
  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Statistical inference and prediction
  • Computer Programming
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Problem solving
  • Communication

 

Contact Information for Enrollment

2025 Community Data Lab Projects

 
SponsorProject
ARISEMapping Community Anchor Institutions in KS
Kansas City, MOBuilding Energy Performance Dashboard
Ground Water Management Districts 1, 3 & 4Water Use in Western GMDs 1, 3 & 4
KS Dept. of CommerceRural Cost of Living Index
KS Dept. of AgricultureImpact of Conservation Programs
Lied Center Marketing Data Analysis
City of LincolnSustainability Plan
City of LawrenceHousing Analysis
City of ManhattanHousing Dashboard
Wyandotte CountyDashboard of survey data
Justice MattersYouth Trauma in Douglas County

Additional Information

Spring 2025 Community Data Labs are underway! For information on becoming a community partner or requesting data consulting services, use the links below.
Learn about Community Partnership Learn about Community Partnership
Submit a Data Science Project Submit a Data Science Project
Data Consulting Services Data Consulting Services