The virtual indigenous data science academy: development of a summer program in data science for tribal college students

Data science skills are essential for advancing knowledge of health inequities in marginalized and medically underserved populations. As of 2021 there were no programs in data science in the Tribal Colleges and Universities in North Dakota and the neighboring states. The Virtual Indigenous Data Science Academy was established in 2021 by the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in collaboration with three North Dakota Tribal Colleges to introduce Indigenous students to the core elements of data science. The Virtual Indigenous Data Science Academy teaching faculty designed, developed, delivered, and evaluated a culturally-informed online synchronous summer program consisting of ten learning modules. The Virtual Indigenous Data Science Academy was delivered synchronously over three consecutive summers (2022-2024) to a total of 48 Tribal college students with diverse backgrounds and academic interests. More than 70% of student participants met the skills-based learning objectives of the Academy. Results of the summer program student evaluations demonstrated higher than average ratings of satisfaction with the instruction. The VIDS Academy represents a promising model for the delivery of instruction in data science and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-related fields that address the local workforce and healthcare needs of Tribal communities.