The Applied Data Fellowship is a University of Chicago program based at the Harris School of Public Policy. Our program is focused on the intersection of data analysis and public policy in the United States. 2026 application will launch Spring 2026
In recent years, data-driven analysis has become an important part of policy development. While governments and nonprofits are increasingly investing in data analysis capabilities, there still remains a significant gap between data analysis and policy implementation.
We aim to provide a bridge between data and policy through a one year Fellowship focused on applied data.
The Applied Data Fellowship embeds talented young professionals with strong data skills into local government and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Fellows spend one year working to design and implement high impact programs, and will work to help translate data-driven insights into actionable policy recommendations, new programs, and operational changes for the partners they serve.
In addition to hands-on experience implementing data insights and working closely with senior-level stakeholders, Fellows receive managerial oversight, mentorship, and technical support in the form of data analysis training and oversight.
We recruit exceptional, analytical young professionals and match them to organizations that are embedding data in their operations and those that recognize that becoming data-driven requires thinking beyond IT systems and technology to transforming their management culture. We are always actively seeking Fellows to join our team and partner organizations whose work our Fellows can support.
Exceptional candidates will have a good understanding of the policy domain, strong data analysis skills, and a deep desire to innovate and operationalize programs within the government and non-profit sectors to achieve impact.
The Applied Data Fellowship program embeds fellows with strong data analysis and project management skills within local government departments and non-profits to add critical capacity to existing teams and projects. Fellows are trained in data analysis and project management, and will be managed by an Engagement Manager and a Data Scientist from UChicago to ensure high-quality, efficient output.
“Cook County has benefited tremendously from having four Applied Data Fellows work on data-driven projects within individual departments and combine their efforts for cross-departmental initiatives in 2018-19. They collated and analyzed data, generated actionable insights and visualizations, disseminated those insights, and set a strong foundation for the County to build on the work they undertook. In 2019-20, the County chose to continue to partner with the Applied Data Fellows program as a testament to the value these young professionals brought to the County.”
