Kansas Data Science Consortium (KDSC)

The Kansas Data Science Consortium is a collaborative group representing colleges and universities across Kansas. The KDSC seeks to engage students in real-world data analysis, expanding access to data science education, and building Kansas's capacity for innovation and reasoning.

Our program is funded through NSF EPSCoR Kansas, and housed at the University of Kansas, with Kansas State University and Wichita State University as our additional primary consortium members. These three universities have already started to incorporate KDSC projects and programs. Development is underway at Baker University, Butler Community College, Johnson County Community College, and Donnelly College. Faculty from each of these schools are working to improving data science curriculum, enhancing existing ongoing classes, and even adding new classes. The KDSC is made possible by the dedication and enthusiasm of our faculty and staff members.

The signature program of the Kansas Data Science Consortium is the Community Data Lab, which brings real-world projects into the classroom. The KDSC recruits businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and other organizations who become community partners. Community partners agree to contribute a problem or question and a related dataset. These projects are then introduced into specially-structured classes devoted to independent, small group inquiry. Each school has a unique composition of student levels and specialties, which means a wide range of projects are suited by a diverse skillset. 

Students gain valuable hands-on experience, which may contribute to their career success, and will be better consumers of information in their everyday life. Community partners can implement data-driven solutions which they may not have had the resources to identify on their own.

As part of the initiative to improve data science education opportunities, the Kansas Data Science Consortium is now offering seasonal workshops, open to the public. This affordable hands-on training is geared toward professionals and researchers who are looking to expand their skillsets. Workshop topics and logistics will change seasonally.

The KDSC is proud to host the annual Kansas Data Science Conference (KDSCon) each April. This conference is a forum to showcase the excellent projects completed by students, offer additional trainings and workshops, and build a diverse community.