Data Labs Announces Participating States For Their Third-Annual Cohort

Data Labs, an award-winning collaboration between Georgetown University’s Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation and the National Governors Association (NGA), today kicks off their third-annual cohort. 

This year, cross-functional teams from four state governments—Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania—will embark on an eight-month program that offers hands-on support to develop a thoughtfully-designed data project intended to improve government services and the lives of residents.

“Data Labs is a testament to the Beeck Center’s deep commitment to improving people’s lives through human-centered, data-informed policy solutions,” said Lynn Overmann, Executive Director of the Beeck Center. “Our partnership with NGA is crucial to ensuring state leaders have access to the tools, insights, and expertise necessary to use data and technology in ways that will measurably improve the lives of residents in their state. As the third Data Labs cohort begins to dig in on their projects, we’re energized and excited about their potential to help build a future that is more equitable for millions of people in the next eight months and beyond.”

State teams will have access to human-centered design and data-sharing subject matter experts, project management, and one-on-one support through a dedicated program manager as they pursue data-sharing projects seeking to: 

• Develop a centralized system that enables data-informed decision-making to support people experiencing homelessness. 
• Expand existing system for managing skills and job credentials to tackle talent shortages in behavioral health and direct care. 
• Integrate the Department of Labor’s apprenticeship program with the Department of Consumer Protection’s digital licensing system to speed up and simplify the licensure process for trade professionals. 
• Develop a centralized online platform that enables residents to easily navigate and plan their career paths.

“We are not only thrilled to welcome Pennsylvania to the Data Labs network, but we are also looking forward to collaborating on new initiatives with several Data Labs alumni states this year,” said Data Labs Director Ali Benson. “Data is increasingly becoming a driving force in shaping policy and enhancing government service delivery, and these states are truly setting the tone for government innovation and best practices nationally.”

In 2023, Data Labs was honored by Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech for its ability to make data-informed governing a reality and its promise to shape the future of governments. 

“Data Labs helps state leaders harness the power of information to turn policy priorities into action. NGA is excited about our continuing collaboration with the Beeck Center to support Governors in their work to address complex challenges and drive positive change for their states.”  Tim Blute, Director of NGA’s Center for Best Practices.

To date, Data Labs has worked with 13 states on data-informed projects addressing challenges related to higher education, housing and homelessness, small businesses, and workforce. Data Labs also developed the Data Labs Playbook, an open source, practical guide for public servants who want to launch a data-informed project in their state.The third-annual Data Labs program will run through November 2024. Visit http://tinyurl.com/data-labs to learn more, or contact datalabs@georgetown.edu to join the waiting list for future cohorts.