Discovering the Power of Data / Dual Enrollment

The Discovering the Power of Data project expands access to dual credit opportunities in data science for New Jersey high school students through a cross-college partnership between Camden County College, Middlesex College, and County College of Morris. Recognizing disparities in access to dual credit programs—particularly among urban and underserved schools—the project created three turnkey, one-year courses aligned with college-level instruction: Data Literacy, Introduction to Data Science, and Introductory Python Programming.

These courses were developed with comprehensive curriculum materials including lesson plans, labs, lectures, and projects. Faculty from each college led training sessions for high school teachers to ensure course fidelity and effectiveness. In the 2024–2025 academic year, the courses are being piloted in seven high schools—more than double the originally proposed number—offering students the opportunity to earn college credit while building real-world data science skills.

The project not only meets NJ Pathways goals of creating transparent, stackable, and equitable pathways, but also lays the groundwork for statewide adoption by producing reusable promotional materials and faculty development resources. Through this work, the education partners are broadening student pipelines into high-demand data careers and helping prepare the next generation of New Jersey’s technology workforce.