Sign up for a Data for Social Impact (DSI) Learning Cohort!
What is a DSI learning cohort?
DSI learning cohorts provide a facilitated virtual space for social sector practitioners to meet regularly to share ideas, explore questions, and identify resources related to data equity in a supportive environment.
Utilizing free, self-paced online modules designed for a wide range of users and sectors, participants explore strategies and tools for centering equity and community across the data lifecycle. No prior data experience is required.
Registration Now Open
Emerging Leaders Data Equity Cohort
In March 2025, DSI will launch its first Emerging Leaders Data Equity Cohort, open to graduate students and people in the early stages of their social sector careers (around three years post-graduation).
The group will meet every 3 weeks on Thursdays from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm central time on the following dates: March 6, March 27, April 17, May 8, and May 29.
Completed Learning Cohorts
- Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy. In January 2024, DSI launched a Data Equity Cohort in collaboration with Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP) at the University of Pennsylvania. The cohort attracted a wide range of participants across government, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations. Learn more here.
- DSI-STL. In April 2024, a second Data Equity Cohort was launched specifically for people living and working in the St. Louis region. The cohort provided a space for participants from diverse social sector organizations in the region to learn together and share ideas and examples with their peers.
FAQs
Are learning cohort synchronous or asynchronous?
Both! Each DSI learning cohort is structured as discussion series that aligns with a free online course. Cohort participants go through the DSI course together, with both self-paced asynchronous content and facilitated real-time discussion on Zoom.
Do I have to commit to every session in order to sign up?
While we encourage participants to attend every session, we recognize this is not always feasible. If you are able to make the majority of the sessions, you will still get a lot out of participating!
Will we have input into what topics are discussed each session?
Yes! At the end of each module, you will be asked to fill out a very brief module reflection. This is a chance to ask questions, share your thoughts, and indicate what resonates most for you and your work. We will use these (anonymously) to structure the discussion for the next session.
Will there be homework?
Sort of. Before each session, you are asked to work through the corresponding module to be discussed in the next month’s meeting. Each module takes most participants less than one hour to complete.
Will I receive a certificate at the end of all of this?
Yes! Anyone who completes the online course is eligible to receive a certificate of completion simply by filling out the brief module reflections. The online course also offers badges along the way.