Data Labs Now Accepting Project Proposals for Its Second Annual Cohort

The nine-month program will offer select state governments hands-on support for data projects tackling the areas of Safety Net Benefits, Workforce Transitions, and Student Outcomes

WASHINGTON, January 4, 2022 — Data Labs, a collaboration between the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University and the National Governors Association (NGA), is accepting proposals for their second-annual cohort. To be selected in February 2023, the cohort will be composed of state governments from across the country that will embark on a nine-month program designed to offer hands-on support in the execution of a thoughtfully-designed data project intended to improve safety net benefits, workforce transitions, and student outcomes.

The Data Labs program facilitates collaboration between data and policy experts in state government and empowers states to use data more effectively, efficiently, and equitably. This year’s program comes on the heels of a successful inaugural cohort in 2021 which led eight states through data-driven projects that addressed higher education, housing and houselessness, small business support, and workforce support. More information on the inaugural cohort can be found in accessing the Data Labs Playbook.

“We are thrilled to build upon our partnership with NGA and invite state leaders to apply for our second Data Labs cohort,” said Aaron Snow, Interim Executive Director of the Beeck Center. “We believe wholeheartedly in this program’s ability to set into motion data-informed solutions on the state level and look forward to collaborating with this next cohort to better serve their constituents.” 

Data Labs is accepting project proposals from states that are hoping to focus on one of three key issue areas:

  • Safety Net Benefits: Improving access to and administration of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and Unemployment Insurance (UI).
  • Workforce Transitions: Understanding pathways to employment and improving access to career opportunities.
  • Student Outcomes: Using longitudinal data to improve student progress and outcomes, from preschool to post-secondary school.

State participants will receive important insights from program peers and subject matter experts, become members of an approachable space to innovate and determine how to best prioritize American Rescue Plan funds, and have access to one-on-one support through a dedicated program manager.

“Governors are focused on delivering practical, commonsense solutions, and Data Labs has a proven track record of helping state leaders use data to improve results for their citizens,” said Tim Blute, Director of NGA’s Center for Best Practices. “NGA is pleased to partner on this innovative approach to policy development.”

Data Labs will be accepting project proposals through February 15, 2023. Selected proposals will be notified by February 17, 2023, and the program will run from March to October 2023. Please visit http://tinyurl.com/data-labs to learn more and submit a proposal.

 


 

About the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation

The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University brings together students, expert practitioners, and extended networks to work on projects that solve societal challenges using data, design, technology, and policy. Our projects test new ways for public and private institutions to leverage data and analytics, digital technologies, and service design to help more people. For more information, please visit beeckcenter.georgetown.edu.

About the National Governors Association

The National Governors Association (NGA)—the bipartisan organization of the nation’s governors—promotes visionary state leadership, shares best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy. Founded in 1908, NGA is the collective voice of the nation’s governors and one of Washington, D.C.’s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative state solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. NGA also provides management and technical assistance to both new and incumbent governors.

 

Press Contact: 

Joanna Rosholm, Original Strategies 

beeckcenter@originalstrategies.com