The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and ThinkData Solutions, Inc., has received the prestigious 2024 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Silver Award for Excellence. This award honors the Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) Project, which was recognized in the Postsecondary Education Partnership category. This category spotlights initiatives that impact communities of 200,000 to 500,000 residents. Winners are chosen based on their innovative and effective efforts to foster economic growth and prosperity.
The Silver Award, presented during the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver from September 15-18, highlights the remarkable work of BBA President & CEO Steve Ammons, Market Intelligence Manager Tatianna Turrentine-Long, and former COO Emily Jerkins-Hall. This accolade celebrates impactful economic development projects from across the globe.
The Magic City Data Collective (MCDC) is a public-private initiative that unites students, researchers, and data experts to help Birmingham leaders make data-driven decisions for regional economic development. MCDC offers businesses and organizations access to data analytics, training, and technical assistance created in response to the increasing demand for data insights.
MCDC’s two-semester program involves students in both professional development and hands-on project work. During the fall semester, students participate in industry networking and coursework, preparing them for data projects in the spring. In the spring, students work 10 hours weekly, earning $15 per hour as they collaborate on data projects for local organizations. Each year’s work culminates in a “Demo Day” presentation for clients and regional employers.
MCDC also aims to prepare students for data careers through comprehensive training supported by grants from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the Economic Development Administration’s STEM Talent Challenge. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, MCDC emerged from a surge in data requests and the growing need for tech-savvy graduates to bolster Birmingham’s business landscape.
Over three program cycles, MCDC has prepared 75 students from universities across Alabama, including UAB, the University of Alabama, and Troy University, for data-centric careers. The program has prioritized inclusivity, with nearly half of all participants identifying as women or belonging to minority groups.
MCDC has become a vital resource for businesses seeking skilled data talent while equipping students with valuable professional experience. Participants have shown substantial growth in data skills, with cohort assessment scores improving by 41% in the first group and 55% in the second. These gains underscore MCDC’s success in delivering effective data training that equips students to meet local employers’ needs.
The program’s blend of technical and soft skills training ensures that students emerge as well-rounded, workforce-ready professionals. MCDC’s Silver Award from the IEDC affirms its commitment to innovation in economic development and its positive impact on Birmingham.
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