Category: Education & Practice

Five key takeaways from Bridging Data Divides: Collaborating for Impact

n May 2025, Data for Social Impact at the Center for Social Development and the Transdisciplinary Institute in Applied Data Science at Washington University in St. Louis hosted “Bridging Data Divides: Collaborating for Impact”. The summit featured 25 speakers across five panels and brought together 225 participants interested in working collaboratively with data across government, philanthropy, nonprofits, universities, and impacted communities. This post identifies five key takeaways.

Data for Social Impact Initiative Launches Data Equity Learning Cohort

To build connection and capacity for social sector leaders in equitable, collaborative data practice, Data for Social Impact (DSI), an initiative of the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, launched a Data Equity learning cohort in January 2024 in collaboration with Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP) of the University of Pennsylvania. […]

Free Online Course Focuses on Cultivating Collaborative and Equitable Data Practices

Data for Social Impact has launched a free online course for social sector professionals. While many courses develop technical data skills, this course—designed with, by, and for social sector leaders—supports organizations in cultivating equitable, collaborative data practices. Each module includes worksheets, resource lists, and tangible tools for participants, allowing them to bring the conversation back […]

Humanizing artificial, expanding intelligence: Putting AI in context with the social sciences and the social sector

The relationships between artificial intelligence (AI), the social sciences, and the social sector have incredible potential. It is easy to imagine a disconnect between something that is, in name, artificial, and the study and support of human relationships. How are advancements in data science, such as AI, furthering the missions and shared objectives of non-profits, […]

Beyond the Buzzwords:  What is “Data for Social Impact,” and why does it matter? 

Social sector organizations can increase impact, both individually and collectively, by being more strategic in how they engage with data. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a range of processes and practices for individuals and organizations to consider as they grapple with complex challenges in their communities. 

Celebrating the Inclusive Growth in St. Louis Advisory Committee

After an incredible 18-month engagement and 6-part event series, the Social Policy Institute and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth honored the Inclusive Growth in St. Louis advisory committee on Dec. 7, 2021, at Justine Petersen’s Greencubator.

15 Actionable Strategies to Embrace Inclusive Leadership

Speakers at the Inclusive Growth in St. Louis event series on Sept. 23 identified 15 strategies to proactively support and amplify diverse voices and perspectives as discussed by the speakers at the event.

Data and the social sector: We are all “data people”

Most of us who have worked in the social sector have interacted with data in some facet of our jobs. Whether applying for grants, evaluating programs, tracking client outcomes,  drafting annual reports, or designing dashboards, our effectiveness hinges in part on how well we use data. I still recall in my past work being taken […]