June 18 2025 at 2:12 PM | NJ Pathways

NJ Pathways Highlight: Increasing Dual Enrollment Opportunities and Awareness of Data Science through Datathons/Competitions at Community Colleges and High Schools 

Center of Workforce Innovation for Data & Computer Science 
County College of Morris, Camden County College 

The Increasing Dual Enrollment Opportunities and Bringing Awareness to Data Science through Datathons project is leveraging competitive learning experiences to open new doors for high school and community college students in the field of data science. Led by County College of Morris in collaboration with Camden County College, this pathway project uses real-world data challenges to foster enthusiasm for data science, enhance dual enrollment experiences, and build the next generation of technology talent in New Jersey. 

This dynamic, cross-sector effort includes education partners Camden Catholic High School, Dover High School, and Morris County Vocational School, with statewide support from the New Jersey Big Data Alliance (NJBDA). Together, these institutions are connecting classroom instruction to the demands of a data-driven workforce. 

Project Highlights: 

  • Datathons as Gateway Experiences: Students participate in immersive competitions featuring datasets approved by the American Statistical Association (ASA) and industry partners. Events are designed to sharpen analytical thinking and build problem-solving skills while exposing students to high-growth career pathways. 
  • Integration with Dual Enrollment: Datathons are embedded in high school dual enrollment programs, giving students academic and career relevance. By tying competitive data challenges to college credit pathways, the project strengthens student engagement and academic momentum. 
  • Signature Events and Exposure: A pre-season training workshop, “Winning Strategies: Mastering Hackathons and Data Science Competitions,” was held October 4, 2024 at Rowan University, equipping students with practical skills in team dynamics, data analysis, and presentation. 
  • The ASA DataFest (April 11–13) brought students together in an intensive, real-world data science experience. 
  • The NJBDA AI Symposium which took place on May 16, titled “Empowered by AI: Innovation and the Rise of the Augmented Workforce”, featured a student poster session and a panel led by Center of Workforce Innovation for Data & Computer Science partners on the impact of AI in higher education. 
  • Faculty Development and Program Sustainability: Faculty development and mentorship are built into the project, guiding students before and during events. A sustainable competition calendar (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025) ensures continued visibility and access. 
  • Student-Centered Outcomes: Student participants build confidence, technical fluency, and public speaking skills. Poster sessions and panel presentations reinforce professional communication and connect students to mentors and peers statewide. 

This project reflects NJ Pathways’ core mission: aligning education with the real-world needs of New Jersey’s innovation economy. By combining dual enrollment, experiential learning, and workforce alignment, this datathon project is preparing students to not only understand data—but to lead with it.