Making an Impact - Take-Aways from Creating a Student-Driven Statistical Consulting Group for Non-Profits

• Activity Number: 125 - SPEED: Modernization of What, How, and Where We Teach Statistics Part 1
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, July 29, 2019 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistics and Data Science Education
• Author(s): Kristin Kennedy* and Alicia Lamere and Rick Gorvett and Son Nguyen
• Companies: Bryant University and Bryant University and Bryant University and Bryant University
• Keywords: non-profit ; consulting; analysis; student-driven

Abstract

A common problem in mathematics and statistics departments at academic institutions is providing students with experience working with real-data in place of the often sanitized “toy” datasets used in the classroom. A solution can be creating mutually beneficial collaborations with local organizations and businesses. This presentation will discuss the creation of the Bryant University Statistical Consulting Office (BUSCO), and it will explore both its successes and failures, with the purpose of guiding and inspiring other organizations to be established and to grow. In particular, the challenges involved with obtaining funding, identifying and partnering with non-profits, cleaning available data, and guiding students through a meaningful and purposeful consulting experience, will be discussed. We will also share any note-worthy project outcomes.