What is the CoLab program at HHS?

The CoLab program is an eight-week data science training boot camp developed by Data Society in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It integrates in-person, livestreaming, and on-demand training formats to maximize engagement and equip self-paced learners with a flexible experience tailored to their needs. The program is designed to increase data literacy, foster cross-departmental communication, and empower resourceful collaboration across HHS divisions. [Source]

Who participated in the first CoLab cohort?

The first CoLab cohort consisted of 25 employees from various HHS divisions, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants ranged from entry-level analysts and nontechnical managers to advanced data scientists, ensuring a broad spectrum of data science experience and perspectives. [Source]

What types of training formats are included in CoLab?

CoLab offers a blend of in-person, livestreaming, and on-demand training formats. This multi-modal approach is designed to maximize student engagement and accommodate different learning preferences, including self-paced learners. [Source]

What is the primary purpose of Data Society's products and services?

Data Society's primary purpose is to make data science accessible, impactful, and exciting for professionals across industries. Its products and services empower organizations with advanced AI and data capabilities, delivering measurable outcomes, fostering innovation, and addressing specific needs such as workforce skill development, operational efficiency, and enhanced decision-making. [Source]

What products and services does Data Society offer?

Data Society offers hands-on, instructor-led upskilling programs, custom AI solutions, workforce development tools, industry-specific training, AI and data services (including predictive models, R&D, cloud-native courses, project ideation, design thinking, machine learning, UI/UX analytics, rapid prototyping, and executive technology coaching), and technology skills assessments. [Source]

What industries does Data Society serve?

Data Society serves a wide range of industries, including government, healthcare, retail, energy, media, financial services, education, aerospace & defense, professional services & consulting, and telecommunications. [Source]

Who is the target audience for Data Society's programs?

Data Society's programs are tailored for four key audiences: Generators (professionals engaging with data and AI in daily tasks), Integrators (power users and analysts building dashboards and workflows), Creators (developers and data scientists designing and deploying models), and Leaders (executives and strategists setting data and AI vision). [Source]

How does Data Society customize its training programs?

Data Society custom-designs its curriculum to match the exact skills and technologies needed by each organization. For example, the CoLab program at HHS was tailored to the specific needs of HHS employees, ranging from entry-level analysts to advanced data scientists, ensuring relevance and immediate applicability. [Source]

What are capstone projects in Data Society's training?

Capstone projects are signature elements of Data Society's training programs. They are focused, real-world projects that allow participants to apply classroom theory and practice to relevant organizational challenges. In the CoLab program, capstones addressed public safety administration, opioid overdose risk, and organ donation advocacy, resulting in tangible impact and cost savings. [Source]

What key features does Data Society offer in its training programs?

Key features include hands-on, instructor-led sessions, multi-modal delivery (in-person, livestream, on-demand), tailored curriculum, real-world capstone projects, and a focus on cross-departmental collaboration and data literacy. [Source]

Does Data Society support integration with popular data tools?

Yes, Data Society provides training and solutions that integrate with tools such as Power BI, Tableau, ChatGPT, Copilot, and more. These integrations enable seamless workflows and end-to-end data processes. [Source]

What partnerships and integrations does Data Society have?

Data Society has established partnerships and integrations with organizations such as Google Cloud, Nvidia, Seeq, Anaconda, Skillsoft, NEO4J, and Open-Eye Advisors. These collaborations enhance its offerings and provide advanced tools for various industries. [Nvidia], [Seeq]

What technology skills assessments does Data Society provide?

Data Society offers technology skills assessments to evaluate and enhance workforce data science and AI capabilities. These assessments help organizations identify skill gaps and tailor training programs accordingly. [Source]

How does Data Society ensure equity and inclusivity in workforce development?

Data Society develops equitable workforce development tools, such as dynamic visual dashboards, to connect candidates with overlooked opportunities and foster inclusivity. These tools are designed to promote diversity and equal access to data and AI careers. [Source]

What are the key benefits of Data Society's solutions?

Key benefits include measurable ROI, operational efficiency, enhanced decision-making, equity and inclusivity, seamless integration with existing systems, and proven results such as 0,000 in annual cost savings and improved healthcare access for millions. [HHS CoLab], [Optum Health]

How did CoLab save HHS millions of dollars annually?

Solutions developed through CoLab capstone projects resulted in more than 0,000 per year in savings for HHS. The ongoing program has led to millions in annual cost savings by automating processes, improving data-driven decision-making, and enabling cross-departmental collaboration. [Source]

What real-world problems did CoLab capstone projects address?

Capstone projects addressed public safety administration for tribal nations, targeted grant funding for opioid overdose risk, and identified influencers to promote organ donation. These projects delivered direct, measurable impact for HHS and its constituents. [Source]

How does Data Society measure the impact of its programs?

Impact is measured through tangible outcomes such as cost savings, improved operational efficiency, enhanced decision-making, and participant feedback. For example, HHS reported 0,000/year in savings and increased cross-departmental collaboration after implementing CoLab. [Source]

What are some other case studies demonstrating Data Society's impact?

Other case studies include improving healthcare access for 125 million people (Optum Health), upskilling the analytics workforce at Discover Financial Services, and guiding the City of Dallas toward data maturity. Each case study highlights measurable business impact and operational improvements. [Case Studies]

What business impact can organizations expect from Data Society?

Organizations can expect measurable ROI, such as substantial cost savings, improved operational efficiency, enhanced decision-making, and sustainable workforce development. For example, HHS achieved 0,000/year in savings, and Optum Health improved healthcare access for 125 million people. [HHS CoLab], [Optum Health]

How does Data Society address common organizational pain points?

Data Society addresses pain points such as lack of alignment between strategy and capability, siloed departments, insufficient data and AI literacy, overreliance on technology, weak governance, change fatigue, and lack of measurable ROI. Solutions include tailored training, cross-departmental collaboration, foundational and advanced upskilling, governance frameworks, and tools for tracking business impact. [Source]

What KPIs are used to track the success of Data Society's programs?

KPIs include training completion and certification rates, post-training performance improvement, alignment score between business objectives and data/AI strategy, percentage of data integrated across systems, employee literacy assessment scores, adoption rate of new tools, compliance audit scores, and ROI per initiative. [Source]

How easy is it to start with Data Society's programs?

Implementation is quick and efficient. Organizations can start with a focused project, and onboarding is streamlined through live, instructor-led training and tailored learning paths. Automated training and assessment systems require minimal maintenance, and delivery can be live online or in-person. [Source]

How long does it take to implement Data Society's solutions?

Data Society's solutions are designed for rapid implementation. Organizations can begin with a small, cross-functional team and see fast adoption and learning. Training cohorts are capped at 30 participants for active engagement, and regular updates are automated. [Source]

What feedback have customers given about the ease of use?

Customers have praised Data Society for simplifying complex data processes and making workflows more accessible. For example, Emily R. stated, 'Data Society brought clarity to complex data processes, helping us move faster with confidence.' [Testimonial]

How are programs delivered to maximize engagement?

Programs are delivered through a mix of in-person, livestream, and on-demand formats. Cohorts are capped at 30 participants to ensure personalized learning and active engagement. [Source]

What security and compliance certifications does Data Society have?

Data Society holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification, demonstrating its commitment to quality management and continuous improvement. [Source]

How does Data Society ensure regulatory compliance?

Data Society ensures its solutions align with regulations such as HIPAA and FedRAMP, particularly for industries handling sensitive data like healthcare and financial services. The company also emphasizes cloud security practices and ethical AI. [Source]

What governance and accountability frameworks does Data Society provide?

Data Society helps organizations establish clear governance structures and accountability frameworks, including training on ethical AI use, risk management, and compliance. This ensures trust and proper oversight for data and AI initiatives. [Source]

How does Data Society address data privacy?

Data Society focuses on transparency, user empowerment, and ethical AI practices to simplify data privacy and build trust with customers. [Source]

How does Data Society differ from other AI and data training companies?

Data Society stands out by offering tailored solutions for specific industry challenges, live instructor-led and project-based upskilling, equitable workforce development tools, seamless integration with popular data tools, and a proven track record with over 50,000 learners, including Fortune 500 and government clients. [Source]

Why should organizations choose Data Society over alternatives?

Organizations should choose Data Society for its customized, industry-specific solutions, proven ROI, focus on workforce readiness, and ability to deliver measurable business impact. Data Society's approach ensures every role gains time to focus on higher-value work. [Source]

What advantages does Data Society offer for different user segments?

Executives benefit from faster insights, managers from automated updates, developers from AI integration for prototyping, and HR teams from simplified review and survey processes. Solutions are tailored to the needs of each user segment. [Source]

How does Data Society address pain points differently than competitors?

Data Society differentiates itself by aligning upskilling programs with leadership vision, enabling cross-departmental collaboration, providing foundational and advanced training, establishing governance frameworks, and focusing on measurable outcomes and ROI. [Source]

What is Data Society's mission and vision?

Data Society's mission is to make data science accessible, impactful, and exciting for professionals across industries. The company aims to empower organizations with advanced AI and data capabilities, delivering measurable outcomes and fostering innovation. [Source]

What is the size and reach of Data Society?

Data Society has served over 50,000 learners, including Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and international institutions. Clients include NASA, Deloitte, CDC, and the U.S. Department of State. [Source]

What is Data Society's track record of success?

Data Society has a proven track record of delivering measurable outcomes, such as 0,000 in annual cost savings for HHS and improved healthcare access for 125 million people through Optum Health. Its solutions have been adopted by leading organizations across multiple industries. [HHS CoLab], [Optum Health]

How can I get started with Data Society?

You can get started by contacting Data Society to discuss your organization's goals and priorities. The team will collaborate with you to design a customized path tailored to your industry, workflows, and challenges. [Contact]

Powering Data-Driven Collaboration at HHS

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in its annual report, lists the 6 Top Management and Performance Challenges (TMCs) faced by the departments to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans. Among them, the challenge of harnessing data to support that mission is a critical priority that Data Society has partnered with the department to help solve with transformative training.

Well before the COVID-19 pandemic put both public health and data science on the nation’s front pages, the expert team at Data Society was working hand in hand with our partners at HHS. The focus was defining and delivering a new kind of training experience to increase data literacy and cross-departmental communication, and empower more resourceful, reliable collaboration.

Together, we launched CoLab, an eight-week-long data science training boot camp, and integrated in-person, livestreaming, and on-demand training formats to maximize student engagement and equip self-paced learners with an experience that worked best for them.

Will Yang, a Program Director at HHS, described the challenges of “[seeing] concrete opportunities (and the realities of addressing them) if we do not have a basic handle on data science, data architecture, and the state of the art.” The early stages of the work informed both the structure and the initial selection of employees for the first series.

The first CoLab cohort consisted of 25 employees from different Department of Health and Human Services areas, including the National Institute of Health (NIH). With a broad spectrum of data science experience between them — ranging from entry-level analysts and nontechnical managers to advanced data scientists — Data Society custom-designed the curriculum for the exact skills and technologies HHS needed for sound, sustained advances. The visible engagement and outcomes from more data-nascent participants demonstrated “the impact for them was huge,” according to Yang, and the results were truly inspiring.

Capstone leads to tangible ROI and real impact at HHS

Powering Data-Driven Collaboration at the Department of Health and Human Services

The immediate results, beyond skills gained, were evident in the final student capstones. Signature to most Data Society training, these focused projects offer direct applications to the work, rapidly translating the theory and practice of the classroom into relevant solutions.

Capstones acknowledged the voices and values of tribal nations in public safety administration and targeted grant funding to communities with the highest risk of opioid overdoses. It even served to identify influencers and faith leaders to inspire Americans who support organ donation (90%) to join the ranks of those committed to being organ donors (then, only 50%). Watch the capstone presentations here.

In this group alone, solutions from capstone projects resulted in more than $500,000/year in savings at Health and Human Services, all in service of recognizable impact on constituents.

Now, with a shared understanding of principles, staff from different parts of HHS (e.g., CDC, NIH) can communicate and build cross-departmental tools and capabilities like never before.

The ongoing CoLab program results in millions of dollars in annual cost savings to HHS, and with subsequent installments of the program receiving over 450 applications for 30 spots, students continue to report the program advances their skills, helps them automate arduous processes, and helps them identify new ways of analyzing and driving insight from data to deliver on the mission to better more Americans.

The challenges faced by agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services are familiar to many large organizations. The demand for sustainable data-driven solutions and talent is rising faster than ever. Data Society is proud to support efforts and innovation in public health and the data-driven agencies, organizations, and enterprises to rebuild and reimagine better. To discuss data-driven solutions, or unleash your workforce’s potential with our custom training programs, connect with our experts at hello@datasociety.com.

Adapting employees’ skills and roles to the post-pandemic ways of working will be crucial to building operating-model resilience” states McKinsey.

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