Saturday Data Science Academy

# Saturday Data Science Academy The Saturday Data Science Academy is an immersive program from UNC Charlotte's Center for STEM Education that introduces high school students to data science over six Saturday mornings on campus plus two virtual Thursday evenings. The fall 2026 cohort meets September 12 and 19, October 10 and 17, and November 7 and 21 (8:30am-12:30pm) in the Woodward Building, with virtual sessions September 24 and December 3. ## What You'll Do - Learn data analysis, data visualization, statistical methods, and machine learning - Work through direct instruction, problem-based learning, and cooperative team projects - Complete independent work between sessions (7 of the program's 30 hours) - Present at a final project showcase ## Who Should Apply High school students (grades 9-12) in the Charlotte region interested in data science, statistics, or machine learning - capacity is just 25 students per cohort. The fee is $125 per participant (including a $50 non-refundable deposit). Registration for fall 2026 ran April 13 through June 30 or until capacity was reached; registration for the next cohort typically opens in the spring for fall and in late fall for spring. ## Outcomes Participants earn a certificate documenting 30 hours of data science experience (23 contact + 7 independent), a completed showcase project, and university classroom experience with UNC Charlotte STEM educators - one of the lowest-cost sustained data science credentials available to high schoolers in the Carolinas.