Researchers with the University of Notre Dame’s Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society have received an award of nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) Explorations track. The NSF-awarded program, ExLENT Data Crossings, is designed to develop undergraduate students and adults from various non-technical backgrounds into data science and AI-ready professionals through a year-long, experiential curriculum.
Industries in art, education, healthcare, media, and public service are increasingly adopting data and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to meet sector-specific needs and address contemporary societal challenges. However, despite the rise in data science courses, most programs remain geared toward students and professionals pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, offering limited opportunities to explore interdisciplinary applications in non-STEM industries. Additionally, many of these programs demand time commitments that are often impractical for adults with busy schedules.
Data Crossings aims to close the widening skills gap and broaden entry points into STEM careers by offering experiential learning and training that focuses on data science and AI fundamentals while expanding skills in technical literacy, business basics, creative problem-solving, and real-world decision-making in specific fields.
The cornerstone of the program is the Explorations course, which offers a thoughtfully crafted curriculum for individuals with no prior coding or data analysis skills. Through the one-year course, participants explore a variety of topics, including cybersecurity, data literacy, data storytelling, and geospatial analysis.
Integral to the course are experiential learning studios, where participants work on projects alongside faculty mentors, community or industry partners to address data‑driven problems, implement analytical methods, and present actionable insights to stakeholders.
(Photo by Christine Grashorn/University of Notre Dame)
As principal investigator for the project, Valentina Kuskova, professor of the practice and associate director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, emphasizes that “Data Crossings is so much more than just coursework. We are building bridges with local community organizations and industry partners by sparking connections with students and professionals that create hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. This approach will build real-world skills and strengthen the regional talent pipeline, driving both economic growth and innovation across Indiana.”
Data Crossings is partnering with the KC7 Foundation, known for its expertise in immersive cybersecurity education and experiential learning. Due to the growing threat of cyberattacks and the need to protect digital systems, Data Crossings and KC7 believe that cybersecurity training is essential for everyone. While participants will explore a range of data science and AI topics, this shared focus on cybersecurity reflects the program’s broader goal of preparing students for a digitally complex world.
“At KC7, we believe that cybersecurity is not just a technical skill — it’s a critical life skill in today’s digital world,” said Simeon Kakpovi, KC7 President. “Our partnership with the Lucy Family Institute’s Data Crossings program allows us to bring hands-on cybersecurity training to a broad audience, preparing participants not only to thrive in the workforce but also to be responsible digital citizens who can safeguard the systems and information we all rely on.” Kakpovi and Greg Schloemer, vice president of the KC7 Foundation, were previously invited to Notre Dame to host a workshop with high school and undergraduate students from Lucy Family Institute programs.
The Data Crossings program also features a personalized approach to refining individual superskills that enhance teamwork, entrepreneurship, communication, and ethics in data science through on-site training workshops led by industry experts, Lucy Family Institute faculty, and previous fellows of the Research and Industry Scholarly Exchange Fellowship Program (RAISEuP), offered through the Lucy Family Institute’s Applied Analytics and Emerging Technology Lab (AETL). During the year, participants will work on capstone projects informed by domain-specific societal or industry challenges.
The program concludes with an eight-week paid internship at a regional company or with a RAISEuP Fellowship at the University.
Notre Dame co-principal investigators on the project include Nitesh Chawla, founding director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society and Frank M. Freimann Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Sugana Chawla, associate professor of the practice and data science education program director, and Rick Johnson, associate professor of the practice and managing director of the Applied Analytics and Emerging Technology Lab (AETL).
The team is also joined by Elizabeth Oyer, director of the Synergy Evaluation Institute at the University of Tennessee, who will evaluate a longitudinal study included within the program. The evaluation will analyze graduates’ career trajectories and contributions. By integrating education, workforce development, and community impact, Data Crossings will generate new knowledge on peer mentoring, interdisciplinary training, and the effectiveness of mixed-cohort experiential learning models.
“Data Crossings is designed to meet people where they are — whether they’re students, educators, artists, or professionals from non-technical backgrounds — and equip them with the tools and confidence to navigate and shape a world increasingly driven by data and artificial intelligence,” said Nitesh Chawla, who is also the director of Notre Dame’s Data, AI, and Computing Initiative. “This program reflects our broader commitment to advancing purposeful data, AI, and computing by translating foundational research into real-world impact. We hope to open new pathways for individuals to engage with data and AI learning opportunities.”
The inaugural 2025-2026 ExLENT Data Crossings program received over 200 applications from student and adult learners. Recruitment of adult learners to the program was supported by partners at Notre Dame’s iNDustry Labs.
To learn more about the program, please visit the Lucy Family Institute website.
Contact:
Christine Grashorn, Program Director, Engagement and Strategic Storytelling
Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society / University of Notre Dame
cgrashor@nd.edu / 574.631.4856
lucyinstitute.nd.edu / @lucy_institute
About the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society
Guided by Notre Dame’s Mission, the Lucy Family Institute adventurously collaborates on advancing data-driven and artificial intelligence (AI) convergence research, translational solutions, and education to ethically address society’s vexing problems. As an innovative nexus of academia, industry, and the public, the Institute also fosters data science and AI access to strengthen diverse and inclusive capacity building within communities.