FICO Chief Analytics Officer Scott Zoldi returned to Morehouse College recently to launch the semester-long FICO Educational Analytics Challenge, which prepares students to use data science and emerging technology in their future careers.
The global analytics software leader is partnering with Morehouse College for year two of the FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge. The semester-long program provides aspiring data scientists with specialized instruction and tools to solve a real-world problem using data and artificial intelligence. The Challenge also offers students with data science, engineering, and technology backgrounds a chance to interview for internships and learn about employment opportunities.
A team of data scientists from FICO mentors students in the program and provides weekly lectures for the class.
Morehouse is one of four HBCUs to participate in the Challenge. Alabama A&M University, Bowie State University, and Delaware State University also have cohorts.
“Over the past few years, FICO has collaborated with hundreds of students and faculty through the Analytics Challenge,” said Dr. Zoldi. “Inspiring the next generation of data scientists is just one component of the program. At FICO, we're committed to educating students on the responsible use of AI and look forward to guiding them as they develop their own GenAI-focused language models. These students are not only gaining valuable industry experience but also exploring the paths that will help them achieve their future goals.”
Dr. Alfred Watkins, Interim Senior Director of the Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative and senior assistant professor of Computer Science at Morehouse College, said that this year's Challenge will offer students with an opportunity to explore the mechanics of neural networks, large language models, and AI used in the workplace. Teams will address business problems by building custom AI language models.
“Morehouse is committed to ensuring our students are prepared for the demands of the modern tech landscape,” Watkins said. “The FICO Educational Analytics Challenge provides our students with invaluable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to engage directly with industry leaders and build the skills needed to become the data scientists of tomorrow."
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