The Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) Data Science Initiative (DSI) has partnered with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to launch the 2025 Mastercard Data Challenge, a nationwide competition designed to empower students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to leverage data science for social impact.
The challenge invites student teams to analyze Mastercard’s Inclusive Growth Score (IGS) alongside public datasets to pinpoint communities with low inclusive growth scores (defined as 45 or below) and propose data-driven strategies to strengthen them. The Inclusive Growth Score offers a detailed, neighborhood-level view of social and economic indicators, providing policymakers, community leaders, and impact investors with valuable insights into what is working and what requires attention.
Participating teams will use the Inclusive Growth Score platform to examine metrics related to housing affordability, small business development, healthcare access, and early education enrollment. Their goal is to identify key trends and design interventions that promote equitable growth. Solutions may include new policy recommendations, workforce training initiatives, or AI-driven digital tools to advance local economic resilience.
Students will apply advanced data science methods, including statistical modeling, visualization, and predictive analytics, to generate insights that promote workforce expansion and economic inclusion. Throughout the program, teams will take part in virtual workshops, mentorship sessions, and a series of in-person pitch stops hosted at partner HBCUs, including Alabama A&M University, Jackson State University, and Fisk University. Additional events will be held at Bowie State University on November 13 and Grambling State University on November 20.
The competition will culminate with the Finalist Showcase and Awards Ceremony at Mastercard’s Atlanta headquarters from December 4 to 6, 2025. Top teams will present their findings before corporate executives and community stakeholders. A total of $52,400 in cash prizes will be distributed, with the first-place team receiving $15,000.
KEY QUOTES:
“This partnership with Mastercard represents an extraordinary opportunity for HBCU students to apply their skills to pressing social and economic challenges, demonstrating how data science can drive real-world impact in communities that need it most.”
Dr. Talitha Washington, Director, Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative
“Through the Inclusive Growth Score and this challenge, we’re empowering the next generation of data scientists to build innovative, evidence-based solutions that promote equity and inclusive economic development across the country.”
Shamina Singh, Founder and President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
