Capella University and SAS Create Career Pathways for Women in Analytics
Scholarships, professional networking prepare data experts for
talent-hungry employers
MINNEAPOLIS & LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SAS GLOBAL FORUM – The shortfall of big data and analytics professionals
in the US could reach 190,000 by 2018*. Women represent 47.4 percent of
the labor force, yet they fill only 25 percent of STEM roles.** Capella
University and analytics
leader SAS are joining forces to combat the looming skills gap by
providing pathways for women to enter and advance in the high-demand
field of analytics. The Capella Women in Analytics scholarships not only
fully fund bachelor’s and master’s degrees in analytics, they bolster
the experience with mentoring and networking opportunities.
“Employers are clamoring for analytics experts to make sense of their
data,” said Emily Baranello, Vice President of the SAS Education
Practice. “Women are too frequently underrepresented among those seizing
these rewarding opportunities. Efforts like the Capella Women in
Analytics scholarships will help turn the tide.”
The Capella Women in Analytics scholarships consist of two full-ride
scholarships each for Capella’s Bachelor
of Science in Information Technology – Data Analytics program and
Capella’s Master
of Science in Analytics program. The application period runs from
April 20 through May 31, 2016.
Winners will receive the opportunity to attend Analytics
Experience 2016 in Las Vegas. In addition, winners will be invited
to visit SAS corporate headquarters in Cary, NC, where they will network
with other analytics professionals, including the SAS Women’s
Initiatives Network (WIN). WIN is a group of more than 600 female SAS
employees who foster female leadership and professional excellence at
SAS and reach into communities to encourage women to pursue STEM-related
careers.
What to know before you apply
Applicants must demonstrate leadership and involvement in, and
commitment to, the field of analytics.
Applicants should be starting a Bachelor’s in Information Technology
degree program with a minor in data analytics, or a Master’s in
Analytics degree program at Capella University in October 2016. Former
students reapplying to the university are also eligible. All applicants
must meet Capella University admission requirements.
Eligible applicants who do not win full scholarships may still be
eligible to receive a $5,000 scholarship toward a BS in IT or a $3,000
scholarship for an MS in Analytics. Submitted essays shall include the
applicants’ career goals and passion for analytics, along with a video
submission about how they would mentor other women interested in the
analytics profession. Submissions will be judged by a joint Capella and
SAS panel.
“As a woman in analytics, I’ve oftentimes been the only woman in the
room. I understand how isolating and intimidating this can feel. While I
was fortunate to have female mentors, it’s not always common for
others,” said Shawna Thayer, PhD, Vice President of Data Strategy and
Institutional Analytics at Capella University. “Capella’s partnership
with SAS is an opportunity to not only build a community of women
supporting one another, but to help advance the fast-growing and
in-demand field of analytics. Capella is continually assessing ways for
our educational offerings to solve problems, both for individuals and
for industries.”
Capella and SAS first worked together in 2014 to launch Capella’s BS
in IT – Data Analytics and BS
in Business – Business Intelligence programs. In July 2015,
Capella’s Master
of Science in Analytics program launched to help meet the need for
graduate-level professionals in data and analytics.
Today’s announcement was made at SAS®
Global Forum, the world’s largest analytics conference, with more
than 30,000 business and IT users of SAS software participating on-site
and online.
*McKinsey Global Institute, 2011
http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/business_technology/big_data_the_next_frontier_for_innovation
**Big Data Innovation, February 2016
https://issuu.com/innovationenterprise/docs/bd20
About Capella University
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1993, the university is dedicated to providing flexible,
professionally aligned online degree programs designed to help working
adults advance in their careers. As of December 31, 2015, approximately
37,000 students were enrolled in Capella’s bachelors, master’s,
doctoral, and certificate programs. Known for its commitment to learner
success, academic quality and innovations in online education, Capella
pioneered competency-based direct assessment programs allowing students
to learn at their own pace. Capella University is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA).
About SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative analytics, business
intelligence and data management software and services, SAS helps
customers at more than 80,000 sites make better decisions faster. Since
1976, SAS has been giving customers around the world THE POWER TO KNOW®.
SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are
registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and
other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product
names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2016 SAS
Institute Inc. All rights reserved.
Contacts
Capella University
Mike Buttry, 612-977-5499
mike.buttry@capella.edu
