(This article was sponsored by Capella University. Please note: The application deadline has passed, and Capella University is no longer accepting submissions.)
You’ll notice the term “Data Scientist” isn’t gender specific. In an effort to encourage more women to enter the analytics profession, Capella University, in collaboration with SAS, will award four full-tuition scholarships to female students who start either the Bachelor’s in Information Technology with a minor in Data Analytics or Master’s in Analytics degree program on October 9, 2017.
In addition to the full-tuition scholarships, the recipients will receive the opportunity to attend the 2017 Analytics Experience in Washington, D.C., September 18–20, 2017, all expenses paid.*
The recipients will also be invited to visit the SAS corporate headquarters in Cary, N.C. where they will have the opportunity to network with other analytics professionals, including SAS Women’s Initiatives Network, a group of 600+ female SAS employees that fosters female leadership and professional excellence at SAS and reaches into communities to empower and inspire women to pursue STEM-related careers.
Application deadline is Monday, May 15, 2017.
Have questions? Contact a Capella University enrollment counselor for more information.
If you’re not eligible for this particular scholarship opportunity, view Capella’s other available scholarships and please share this exciting opportunity with others who might be eligible.
Curious about last year’s winners? Below are four extraordinary women who have accomplished pioneering achievements and shown exemplary dedication to the field of analytics.
Tammy Barber has spent the past 12 years collecting data and running reports for her employer, so she is keenly aware of the importance of good data and detailed analytics. She developed a passion for this type of work over the years, but knew she needed to complete a bachelor’s degree to further her career. Being able to pursue that degree without financial constraints means she can focus on the outcomes of earning her degree.
“My career goals are divided into several different steps, some short term and some long term,” Barber says. “My initial goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree to make myself more marketable for professional positions. The next step is to apply that degree to become a data analyst and gain the experience needed to be top in my field.” A master’s degree may be in her future as well.
Molly Smith grew up in a small town where the only career options for women were teaching, nursing, or manual labor at a power plant. Technology always fascinated her, and she found work in positions that gave her a bit of tech experience and introduced her to data analytics. She wanted to pursue her bachelor’s degree, but trying to manage the two jobs she’d need to pay for it while going to school was daunting.
“I’ve always been interested in tech,” Smith says. “It’s my passion. But it upsets me that the field is dominated by men. I want to be a successful woman in this field. This scholarship and this degree will open doors for me. Someday I hope to get a master’s degree, which is unheard of in my family.”
Julianne Lewis grew up homeless. At an early age, she understood the value of education and how it could improve her life. As an undergraduate, she earned two bachelor’s degrees in Social Relations and Psychology with a minor in Mathematics. While working on those degrees, she realized she had a strong interest in statistics and data analysis. Lewis views the scholarship as not only enabling her to continue her education, but to help other women succeed as she has done.
“The scholarship will free up some of my time to go back to my undergraduate alma mater [Cheyney University] and mentor other young women in the field of analytics,” she says. “I want to develop outreach programs for women who are unsure about this career path, to encourage them to jump in.”
Chante’ Moy has a successful career working with data in the health care field, but she wants to expand her opportunities in ways that require an advanced degree. “My goal is to oversee all medically-oriented data analysis by becoming the director of Enterprise Medical Informatics,” she says. “I believe that I can create initiatives to help develop new paradigms in the health insurance industry.” Moy sees this scholarship as a validation of her goals. “I can continue learning without the distractions of financial hardship,” she explains.
“I want to be the top performer in my line of work, and higher education is an important step for my career. Winning the scholarship is not just a milestone marking what I can accomplish, but it also encourages my sisters, co-workers, friends, and a small group of girls I mentor.”
Article published by icrunchdata
Image credit by Getty Images, Cultura, Sofie Delauw
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