Unique Principal Sponsored Data Science Program® Foundation now available free of charge
DES MOINES, Iowa and WASHINGTON, September 8, 2022–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In an effort to shape a diverse and future-ready workforce, Director® The Foundation and EVERFI have partnered to create a new data science and financial literacy curriculum for high school students in the United States. The interactive numerical program, called DataSetGois a one-of-a-kind educational program designed for students to learn how to apply the concepts of data science and analytics, develop financial literacy and personal well-being, and learn about the value of principles fundamentals of data science in the labor market.
This program, available free to schools, will debut in 11 markets in the 2022-2023 school year – reaching at least 70,000 students and educators by 2025. Initial markets are New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington D.C.; Raleigh, North Carolina; Atlanta; Wilmington, DE; Seattle; Folsom, California; Minneapolis; Dallas; and Des Moines, IA. Youth-serving community organizations can also register for free access to the program.
According to the Data Literacy Index, only 21% of 16-24 year olds are data savvy. And the National Assessment of Academic Progress says about 75% of students didn’t take a course in probability or statistics until they graduated from high school.
“Our goal is to give students an education that combines financial literacy with college and career readiness,” said Jo Christine Miles, Senior Director of Foundation and Community Relations. “We also aim to inspire a diverse set of students in a diverse set of school districts to pursue long-term educational and career goals that are attainable, meaningful, and helpful in positioning students for economic mobility and financial security.”
Principal Foundation has worked with EVERFI, a leader in digital educational programming, for the past 10 years on various financial literacy projects. In 2021, Principal® data science and actuarial employees worked with EVERFI to develop the courses that make up DataSetGo. To make the content even more engaging and easier to understand, the Principal and EVERFI have created an interactive simulation that provides students with hands-on experiences. The simulation asks students to apply problem-solving skills to investigate the triggers that cause young adults to make poor financial decisions, like maxing out a credit card, and suggests data-driven solutions for to intervene.
The data setGo was piloted in the 2021-2022 school year, reaching 6,000 students in more than 160 schools. After completing the program, students doubled their assessment scores related to knowledge of the types of skills and processes used by data scientists in their careers.
“Every day, in schools across the country, EVERFI works with teachers and students who are harnessing the power of technology to address the missing layer of learning and teach essential life skills,” said Ray Martinez, President and co-founder of EVERFI. “We have seen through our years of experience providing innovative learning solutions that this type of programming introduces students to careers they might not have considered.”
According to LinkedIn’s Emerging Jobs Report 2020, “data scientist” has topped the list of emerging jobs for three consecutive years and has an expected annual growth rate of 37%. Similarly, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that data scientists and mathematical science occupations have an expected growth rate of 31% from 2020 to 2030.
“Today’s students need additional learning in two crucial areas,” Miles said. “They need basic financial literacy to make life decisions with confidence. They also need exposure to future-ready post-secondary education opportunities that are sustainable, pay family-supporting wages, and are accessible to students. »
Educators and community organizations interested in learning more about the DataSetGo program should visit: Principal Financial (everfi.com)
For other free financial education resources from the Principal Foundation, visit: Achieve for Consumer | Principal Financial Group (everfi-next.net)
To learn more about the Core Foundation’s commitment to financial inclusion, visit: Financial Inclusion | Director
About Principal® Foundation
Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity that is focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in communities where Principal Financial Group , Inc. (“Principal”) works. Although Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a separate and independent charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not engage in any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.
About EVERFI, Inc.
Blackbaud’s EVERFI (NASDAQ: BLKB) is a global technology company that drives social impact through education to solve the toughest problems affecting society, ranging from financial well-being to mental health to conduct at work and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, Impact-as-a-Service by EVERFIMT The solution and digital educational content have reached over 45 million learners worldwide. In 2020, the company was recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and was on Fortune magazine’s Impact 20 list. The company was also named to the 2021 GSV EdTech 150, a list of the most transformative growth companies in digital learning. Blackbaud, the global leader in cloud software for social good, acquired EVERFI in December 2021. To learn more about EVERFI, visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.
Director®Main financial group®and Principal and design are registered trademarks of Principal Financial Services, Inc.®, a Principal Financial Group company, in the United States and are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., in various countries around the world. © 2022 Principal Financial Services, Inc.
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contacts
Melissa Higgins, Director®515-878-0133, higgins.melissa@principal.com
Jennifer Edgerly, EVERFI, 202-486-0518, jedgerly@everfi.com