We collaborate to make workforce-relevant data science and AI upskilling available to every K-12 student and teacher in North Carolina.
What is Data Explorers?
Data Explorers, an NC State Data Science and AI Academy program in partnership with The Science House, The Friday Institute, NC School of Science and Mathematics, and COMAP, brings data science and AI to K-12 classrooms. It offers professional development for teachers, student courses and challenges, and curriculum and policy resources. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration, and building data literacy, starting with underserved schools. Data Explorers empowers teachers and students to become data science leaders and coaches through engaging experiences.
Contact us!
Want to get involved with Data Explorers? Fill out our interest form and we will reach out to you.
“Data science is a tool for student agency, and we want to give students a voice in decisions about their learning.”
Taryn Shelton
K-12 Data Science Program Coordinator, Data Science and AI Academy
“It’s all about preparing students to be innovators, problem solvers and leaders of the future.”
Ray Levy
Executive Director, Data Science and AI Academy
Apply Now: Year-Long 9-12 Educator Professional Development
Apply nowfor “The Why of Statistics: Critical Thinking with Data and How to Reason Under Uncertainty,” a yearlong (2025-2026) professional development program for 9-12 grade Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers hosted by NC State University.
Program Highlights: -Summer Workshop: July 14-17, 2025, at NC State (3 days in-person, 1 day virtual) -Monthly virtual sessions -Design classroom-ready activities -$1,000 stipend -Housing provided for in-person session
Applicants selected will be notified by June 6, 2025.
Help your students meet the NC Computer Science Graduation Requirement with CS-30: Introduction to Data Science
Prepare your students for the future: Data literacy is essential. Our free Virtual Co-Teaching Program makes it easy to bring this vital course to your school, even without a dedicated data science teacher.
Students experience the new NC State Gaming and Esports Lab at Hunt Library during the 2024 open house. Photo by Becky Kirkland.
Data Stories in the Classroom: Resources for Teaching and Learning
We support teachers across NC who enrich their students’ education with data. This page offers a variety of resources; from sample data sets and lesson plans to professional development opportunities and NC Data Science curriculum guidance, our ever-growing repository of resources is here to help you teach and learn with data science. Share your story and data science resources today!
The Data Science Club, launched in Fall 2024, empowers high school girls (grades 9-10) with data literacy and STEM skills through hands-on, project-based learning led by NCSU instructors. Students tackle real-world problems, prepare for an NCSU showcase, and engage with industry. The club aims to inspire curriculum changes and serve as a model for other schools. The club’s goals include introducing data science concepts, developing practical analysis skills, fostering critical thinking, and exposing students to data science careers. Interested in starting a Data Science Club at your school? Contact us to find out how.
Organizing Members: Priscila Neves Faria, Mahmoud Harding, Taryn Shelton, Frank G. Reed.
Follow the DSA group on the University Calendar, subscribe to our newsletters, or follow us on social media for updates on programs, events, and opportunities.
Data Explorers partners with The Science House at NC State, The Friday Institute within the NC State College of Education, the NC School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP), the NC State College of Sciences, DataScience4Everyone, and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. These collaborations allow us to develop and implement innovative data science curricula, offer professional development for K-12 educators, and create engaging learning experiences for students. From hands-on workshops to real-world data projects and courses, our partnerships bring data science to life in the classroom.
Light streams through stained glass blocks in the DH Hill, Jr. Library Conservatory. Photo by Becky Kirkland.
Our People
Browse photos from our programs and events.
Summit attendees working on a project.
Attendees listening to presentation
Attendees listening to presentation
Summit attendees working on a project.
Summit attendees working on a project.
Attendees listening to presentation
