Based in the Greater Birmingham Region, the Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) is a public-private partnership led by The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in partnership with the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) and Think Data Solutions.

MCDC aims to meet the regional demand for data talent by equipping students with the skills needed to enter the workforce and providing community and company leaders with valuable data insights for better decision-making. Students participate in a two-semester program that includes professional development, industry networking, and project work. In the fall, students focus on professional development and industry networking, led by BBA, and coursework at their home institution. In the spring, they work in teams on data projects for local organizations, earning $15 per hour while working 10 hours per week for 12 weeks. These projects culminate in a "Demo Day," where students present their work to clients and regional employers.

To qualify, students must complete data-related coursework. The program is supported by a seed grant from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and a two-year grant from the Economic Development Administration’s STEM Talent Challenge Grant.

MCDC was conceived in 2020 during the pandemic through discussions between UAB and BBA, spurred by an influx of data requests and the need for tech-skilled graduates to support local business growth. This collaboration, combined with available grant funding, led to the creation of MCDC, now a key initiative in developing Birmingham’s data workforce and aiding community decision-making.

The participants in the Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) are full-time undergraduate students from Alabama who have completed the necessary data coursework to qualify for the program.

Active partners and organizations involved in the project include:

University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physics: Lauren Rast, Ph.D., serves as the program director, overseeing the entire initiative.

ThinkData Solutions, LLC: Robin Hunt, CEO, supports the program primarily in the spring semester by assigning data guides to mentor students and providing access to technical professional development.

Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA): This economic development agency provides professional development in the fall semester through targeted coursework and networking opportunities. BBA schedules speakers to discuss data careers and essential soft skills, and gives students access to premium events, connecting them with top employers and organizations in the Greater Birmingham Region.

Past Project Clients: Organizations that have partnered with MCDC include Landing, Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA), SARCOR LLC, Prosper, and Protective Life, providing real-world projects for students to work on.

Through this collaborative effort, MCDC not only bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world, professional application but also strengthens the regional economy by producing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of local and prospective employers. The partnerships formed within this program exemplify the power of community engagement and shared goals in driving economic development and innovation.

Over the last three cohorts, the Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) has prepared 75 students in Alabama for data-related careers. These students come from universities across the state, including the University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University, Troy University, Lawson State Community College, and University of Alabama at Huntsville.

MCDC has positively impacted economic development in our community by addressing the high demand for data talent and connecting students to these opportunities. The program has removed barriers for students who might not otherwise have exposure to such projects and employers. Across the last three cohorts, nearly half of all participants represented participants who identify as a woman or minority group. The program meets the needs of regional employers who require strong data talent, providing students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in these roles.

Notably, MCDC has seen a marked increase in data literacy among students. The average growth from pre- to post-assessment scores in the first cohort was 41%, while Cohort 2 saw an average growth of 55%. These metrics demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in enhancing students' data skills.

The innovative structure of MCDC combines professional development with real-world project experience, providing a comprehensive learning environment. By partnering with local universities and organizations, MCDC ensures that students receive both technical and soft skills training, making them well-rounded professionals ready to contribute to the workforce.

The Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) stands out for its innovative approach to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional application in the field of data science. MCDC creatively combines professional development with real-world project experience, offering a comprehensive learning environment that prepares students for data-related careers.

One of the most innovative aspects of MCDC is its structure, which involves a two-semester program where students engage in professional development and industry networking in the fall, followed by hands-on data projects for local organizations in the spring. This dual approach ensures that students not only acquire technical skills but also develop essential soft skills and industry connections, making them well-rounded professionals.

Additionally, the partnership between the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Birmingham Business Alliance, and Think Data Solutions is a key innovation. This collaboration allows MCDC to leverage the strengths of each partner, providing students with high-quality mentoring, access to special events, and real-world project opportunities. The program’s design also includes virtual accessibility, ensuring broader participation and adaptability to different educational needs.

Furthermore, MCDC’s focus on diversity and inclusion is another creative element. By actively recruiting students from diverse backgrounds and providing equitable access to data literacy and career readiness, the program not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to a more inclusive workforce.

Overall, the creative combination of professional development, real-world experience, and strong partnerships makes MCDC a pioneering initiative in developing data talent and supporting regional economic growth.

The Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) faced two main challenges in its initial phases: inconsistent project management across client companies and limited access to professional development for students outside Birmingham. Addressing these issues was crucial to ensuring the program's success and effectiveness.

In the first year, project management support was spread across participating client companies, leading to inconsistencies in quality and accountability. It was too demanding for full-time employees at client companies to manage student project teams effectively. In year two, we addressed this by reallocating resources and engaging ThinkData Solutions to oversee project design and management.

Another significant barrier was the limited access for students outside Birmingham to professional development programming and industry networking opportunities. To mitigate this, we made Speaker Series Fridays virtual as well as in-person, enhancing accessibility for students from various locations. Our speakers engaged both online and in-person attendees, providing valuable insights regardless of their location. Additionally, spring semester project meetings were conducted via Zoom or Teams, allowing broader participation.

We faced minimal community opposition due to the strong support and understanding from our partners about the program's importance in developing data talent. The program filled a market gap and established credibility with key partners, which helped mitigate any potential opposition.

Unlike some projects, MCDC encountered no notable opposition. Its innovative nature, market relevance, and strong partnerships established its credibility and acceptance within the community.

Yes, the MCDC model can be adapted for use in other communities. There are several ways this project can be implemented elsewhere. First, public-private partners in another community could engage our consortium of partners to discuss expanding our model to their community with advisory, project management, and program resource support. Another option is for communities to take inspiration from the project design and replicate it within data or any high-demand skill area in their community.

The MCDC model involves a strong collaboration between educational institutions, private companies, and local organizations. This collaboration ensures that students receive hands-on experience with real-world data projects, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional application. By fostering these partnerships, other communities can create similar programs that address their specific workforce needs.

In the Greater Birmingham Region, we benefit from having a world-class research institution, UAB, which houses the program, and a national-leading data analytics firm, ThinkData, based locally. These partnerships provide essential resources and expertise that contribute to the program’s success. To replicate this model, other communities would need to establish strong collaborations with local universities and industry partners.

For successful adaptation, this model requires employer engagement, strong college/university partners, dedicated funding, and access to industry-relevant project management support. Communities must also ensure they have the infrastructure to support student participation and project execution. By leveraging these elements, this model can effectively be adapted to meet the needs of other regions, fostering the development of skilled data professionals and enhancing local economic growth.

The Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) excels in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional application in data science. Its innovative structure, combining a two-semester program with professional development in the fall and hands-on data projects in the spring, equips students with both technical skills and industry connections. This dual approach ensures that participants are well-prepared for data-related careers.

A key innovation of MCDC is its partnership model. The collaboration between the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Birmingham Business Alliance, and Think Data Solutions allows the program to leverage the strengths of each partner. This provides students with high-quality mentoring, access to special events, and real-world project opportunities. The inclusion of virtual accessibility further enhances participation and adaptability.

MCDC's commitment to diversity and inclusion is another standout feature. By actively recruiting students from diverse backgrounds, the program ensures equitable access to data literacy and career readiness. This focus not only improves individual career prospects but also contributes to a more inclusive workforce.

Overall, MCDC’s innovative combination of professional development, real-world experience, and strong partnerships makes it a pioneering initiative. It effectively develops data talent and supports regional economic growth, demonstrating the power of targeted educational programs to drive community and economic development.

Thank you for considering our application for the Magic City Data Collective (MCDC). We deeply appreciate the opportunity to share the impact and significance of the program. As a final note, we would like to emphasize the unique aspects that make MCDC a standout initiative.

More than a training program, MCDC is a transformative experience for students and a catalyst for regional economic development. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is evident in the high participation rates of women and marginalized groups. This focus ensures that the benefits of data literacy and career readiness extend to all segments of our community, fostering a more equitable workforce.
Furthermore, the strong partnerships we have cultivated with local universities, businesses, and nonprofits are a testament to the collaborative spirit of MCDC. These relationships are essential for providing students with real-world experience and ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant to industry needs.

Our innovative approach, combining virtual and in-person elements, has enabled us to reach a wider audience and adapt to the evolving educational landscape. The success stories of our graduates, who have secured STEMM-related jobs and internships, highlight the program’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between education and employment.

In conclusion, MCDC is a model of how targeted educational initiatives can drive economic development. We are honored to be considered for this award and are excited about the potential for this program to inspire other communities. Thank you again for your consideration.