The Value of Data Literacy: Insights from Community College Students

abstract: This study investigates community college students’ perceptions of data literacy, specifically its perceived relevance and importance, and explores whether their demographic characteristics can predict these perceptions. Survey data from a sample of 445 students across five community colleges in the United States were analyzed. The study findings indicate that community college students see data literacy as imperative for career readiness. Various demographic characteristics, including personal attributes and educational and employment-related characteristics, were found to be factors predicting students’ perceptions of the relevance and importance of data literacy. These findings emphasize the necessity for community colleges to integrate data literacy into the curriculum and prepare students for future career attainment.