Posted on March 2, 2025 by School of Data Science
The School of Data Science has announced its nonprofit partners for its growing Community Innovation Scholars program.
The UTSA School of Data Science has announced the nonprofit organizations selected for its Data Science & AI Community Innovation Scholars program, an initiative that places UTSA undergraduates in 10-week paid internships to apply data science and AI solutions to challenges faced by local nonprofits.
Seven organizations have been selected as partners for this year’s program:
- United Way
- Project Quest
- Haven for Hope
- YWCA
- San Antonio Community Resource Directory (SACRD)
- Students of Service (SOS)
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio
The program, which launched in 2024 with support from H-E-B and in partnership with United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, has expanded in its second year from 12 to 20 students. Organizers added only one additional nonprofit partner to ensure a strong student-to-organization ratio.
“We saw an opportunity to refine the program while expanding its reach,” said Lizet Casas, senior program manager at the School of Data Science. “By maintaining a good balance between students and organizations, we can give students meaningful experiences while making sure nonprofits get valuable, data-driven support that helps them serve the community.”
Two smaller nonprofit partners will host two-student teams, allowing for deeper collaboration while maintaining program resources. In addition, students will spend more time onsite with their nonprofit partners, following feedback from last year’s cohort.
Throughout the program, students receive mentorship and guidance from UTSA faculty, ensuring they develop technical expertise while learning how to translate data insights into actionable solutions for nonprofit organizations.
The Community Innovation Scholars program aligns with UTSA’s commitment to community engagement and workforce development, equipping students with real-world experience while helping local organizations leverage data science to improve services.
The 2025 program begins this summer. For more information, visit https://sds.utsa.edu/community_scholars/.
— School of Data Science
