We are looking for experienced data science professionals and academic experts known for social innovations to mentor summer FL-DSSG Interns. DSSG Sherpa is a volunteer opportunity, not a paid position. Please read the FAQs before submitting your application.
2025 DSSG Sherpa Application
FL-DSSG Sherpa application is developed based on DSSG programs in Chicago and Washington.
The ability to affect change and do good in one’s community increasingly depends on having the right information at the right time to make the right decisions about the most important things. Often, the information available to meet these needs is not well organized, not well understood, and not packaged in a way that helps those working in the community do their best.
Data Science for Social Good projects connect community expertise, data processing methods, computing power, and effective data visualization to help community organizations make data-based decisions to deal with wicked problems.
The FL-DSSG summer internship program matches data science expertise with real-world problems. The FL-DSSG program will work with community organizations that are trying to affect change in their communities and who have data management, analysis, and display projects that have the potential to shift understanding around a community issue, influence planning, revise practices, or support community initiatives through data-driven evidence. The FL-DSSG summer internship program brings students who are aspiring to be a data scientist, working data scientists who are willing to share best practices with student interns, academic experts who are willing to share their subject matter expertise, and community partners who are addressing wicked and persistent social issues together to build socially innovative solutions.
The term “Sherpa” originates as a reference to people living in the eastern mountains of Nepal, who, given their daily experience with mountain paths, serve as guides for those who are less familiar with the treacherous terrain. The term has come to mean anyone who has “gone before” others and who is willing to serve as a guide for those with less experience. DSSG Sherpas will mentor DSSG students during the summer internship program. DSSG Sherpas typically will possess a terminal degree in their chosen field (e.g., Computer Science, Statistics, Quantitative Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, etc.) and/or have 5 or more years of industry or leadership experience. DSSG Sherpas will help students solve problems related to data science and social good projects, advise student teams on work plans, and provide technical guidance on project tasks. During the project period (the last week of May to the second week of August), DSSG Sherpas will meet regularly (every other week) with student teams and DSSG Program Directors to support the completion of the data science project.
DSSG projects attempt to address a wicked problem - a vexing, persistent social or cultural issue that is complex, interconnected with other problems, has policy implications, and requires many people working together to affect change. Projects could address wicked problems in one of several areas, including education, the environment, government services, health care, healthy living, safety/security, smart urban development, social & economic inequality, and sustainability.
Project partners will have organizational leaders who are committed to solving these wicked, real-world problems and who are supportive of using evidence to make important decisions around social good initiatives. Project partners will provide a dedicated staff person in the organization who is willing to work weekly with data science students on the data science project. DSSG Sherpas will share best practices for solving specific challenges faced by student interns so that they can achieve their objectives in the data science project.
DSSG Sherpas will mentor student teams composed of 3-5 graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines, which might include students in computing, information science, psychology, sociology, biology, business, health, or the humanities. DSSG Sherpas will provide suggestions based on their data science and community-based expertise to help the students solve issues faced. Students must apply to the program and have requisite baseline skills in order to be selected for the program. Students must also demonstrate professional behavior and be familiar with working on complex projects in teams. DSSG Sherpas will primarily provide their expertise and wisdom directly related to the project. Sherpas also will provide advice to students looking for careers in fields related to data science.
DSSG Sherpas benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of the student mentees and the creative solutions explored as part of the social good projects. DSSG Sherpas are encouraged to build professional relationships with students and Project Partner staff to share mutual professional interests and ideas.
The FL-DSSG Program Directors will select potential mentors depending on the nature of the projects that will be the focus of the work over the summer internship program. The FL-DSSG Program Directors will contact interested Sherpas to discuss the project details and expected assistance needed from mentors, given the skill gaps among the selected student interns.
DSSG projects and student interns are selected in April. DSSG Sherpas are selected and announced in May.
Complete the Sherpa application at 2025 DSSG Sherpa Application before April 25, 2025, at 5 PM.
FL-DSSG Program Directors will select several applicants for an interview during the fourth week of April.
The final project selection results will be communicated by May 15, 2025.